A Basic Guide / Template for Playing With A Controller (JoyToKey)

Note: I saw after making this that there is another guide on here for JoyToKey. If this guide left you with any questions check out the controller guide in the Guide Directory sticky. I hope my template comes in handy for someone! <3

Hello! I recently wanted to get into playing again. However, my laptop has a terrible keyboard layout for this game so I opted to find a way to play the game with a controller. I saw JoyToKey mentioned online, so I gave it a shot. For those unfamiliar, it basically just maps keyboard keys to a video game controller. I figured I would provide another outlet for information on how to set this up, and provide a basic template for it.

1. So first, you have to get JoyToKey from here https://joytokey.net/en/download. It is completely free and safe to use. Select a download link and run the installer. Ensure there is a shortcut for JoyToKey on your Desktop or somewhere you regularly save these types of programs.
2. Ensure that your controller is plugged into your PC, and recognized by your computer. Some modern wireless controllers like PS4 may need software like DS4 Windows to work. But plug and play controllers should be recognized easily by this software.
   
   
3. Download the attached "MR.cfg" file by selectiong the arrow in the top right of this preview below to go to the google drive link (or select the mediafire link below that), and then select the download button at the top. It contains the controller setup that is shown below in this post.
   
   
   
   alternative link (since google acts weird for some): https://www.mediafire.com/file/piuav83eiuxru2a/MR.cfg/file
   
   
4. Once downloaded, drag and drop MR.cfg into the JoyToKey folder that is located in your Documents folder. This is usually at a location like "C:\Users\<NameHere>\Documents\JoyToKey"
   
   
5. After that setting has been applied, open the program JoyToKey.exe. In the top left of the program you will see various tabs, and an open space below that (configurations will be on the right). If MR.cfg was put in the correct folder you should see "MR" in that space. Select it.
6. JoyToKey should now be translating button presses and Joystick movements to the keyboard. It should work with Xbox and PS3 "style" controllers, though I have heard of people using all types of USB controllers with it.
   
   You can use this template that follows to map a handful of abilities by putting them on the keys that correlate to the button you wish to use. I also attatched the default control scheme.
   
   
7. If you experience any issues with JoyToKey not recognizing inputs when playing you can try different options. Right click on the JoyToKey shortcut or JoyToKey.Exe , select the Compatibility tab, and you will find various options for compatibility. For me using Administrator has helped. For others, unchecking Run as Administrator and running it in Compatibility mode for Windows XP (SP3) fixed the issue. Your mileage may vary in this regard.
8. Should you wish to change any bind, JoyToKey will highlight whatever button you press on the controller in the program for identification. Simply double click it, and change the binding in the spaces in the upper left of the menu that shows up (there are four spaces for provided, one may be taken up with a binding I chose).
9. If you want to just spam an ability (hold a key down) you need to double click the button you are changing in JoyToKey and find the area that says "Auto Repeat & Toggle", check "Auto Repeat" and have it repeat 4 or 5 times a second (This has been confirmed by a GM below to be okay. If for whatever reason this changes please GMs feel free to remove this or close this post. But using this feature is essentially the same as if you pressed that key on the keyboard 4 or 5 times in a one-second interval.(Effectively holding the button down). You can also change it to have one repeat per .2 seconds. I previously wrote 2 or 3 as an adequate amount but it seems that it wasnt fast enough with quicker weapons and Booster active. Attached is a photo of the option I am talking about.
   
   
   Edit : Also if this seems to produce lag for you (my brother says his attacks seemed delayed) trying the configuration in hzrlocarex's guide is also an option:

You should now be able to play the game with your USB controller. Leave the program open while playing(It can be minimized) and away you go. I am not sure if Bluetooth controllers are usable with JoyToKey, but I am sure a quick google search will get you headed in the right direction.

Note: Depending on the controller, JoyToKey may switch the controls of the left stick directions and the DPad. You can easily change this with the information provided above. JoyToKey may need to be configured specifically for you controller and may not be compatible with the setup I provided, but I have updated the config to the one that currently works for me (2024). Your mileage may vary.


This is a fun way to play on lower level characters and Islanders/Permabeginners. It's entirely possible for certain classes to use this at higher levels, though some may find it insanely difficult or impossible to bind everything at some point. I have heard no information on this being against server rules, as this program does not interfere with the game in any way. It simply transfers keyboard presses to a controller.

I hope this helps someone out there. It's my first guide. I know there are guides out there on the web for this kind of thing, but I spent so much time working on my bindings for my laptop that I figured I would share. Much love, and Happy Mapling.

Edit 2024: Hi, I updated this post a bit as the JoyToKey website and installation process changed over the years and I also wanted to make certain sections more clear. Wishing everyone well!

-Jdavidlol

 

Bump for easier to find this thread for other ppl who would like to using controller~

Edit: this program does work with Bluetooth controller as I using Bluetooth controller myself

 

Has anyone used xpadder with this? Will try joyToKey tonight, but xpadder doesn't seem to do anything to the royals client (though it works in other windows like firefox and such).

Edit: xpadder works for me by running it before I open the royals client (and with admin permissions). In order to change key bindings I have to close and reopen xpadder.

 

Question the controller working with windows but not in Mapleroyals and im in ''run as administrator'' im lost any tips?

 

Maybe use AHK if it's allowed(And run as admin the ahk)

 

does this still works??

 

Hey maybe you could help
the file shows up and works great on desktop but it doesn't do anything in game
any idea why or how to make it work?

Edit: I fixed it by doing this -
1. right click "properties" on the joytokey application
2. go to compatibility
3. "compatibility mode": -> check run this program in compatibility mode for: windows xp(SP 3) 4. under "settings": check off run this program as administrator

Everything works great just need to set it up

 

this is legal?

 

this is 100% safe? Been using it and its super smooth but feel so nervous

nvm i see the quote above "Hey, could any gm State That this is 100% safe to use in game? Assuming you are able to reply to ppl in Game via Keyboard.

Especially the part where one Controller Button hold equals pressing one Button on the keyboard 3 times per second (so called auto repeat here at 9.)?
Also assuming one Controller Button will never equal 2 or more different inputs

thanks in advance~"

this was what i was worried about sorry for spam!

 

Has anyone figured out how to get charge-up skills working properly with a controller? Ex: Piercing Arrow.

The issue I'm having with Joy2Key is either:
a) Set no auto repeat - This works to be able to hold the button down and release, but then I can't immediately buffer the next attack after like I would be able to on keyboard.
b) Set auto repeat - Doesn't work, because then when I hold button down, it doesn't charge, it just spams multiple uncharged shots.

 

a) is the only way on Joy2Key as far as I know. Maybe a different program might work better on maple with charged skills. I remember I used xpadder at one point and that worked fine with Maple, I never used charged skills on it though so I wouldn't know if the functionality is different on that part.

 

Updated for modern JoyToKey Installation and config setup, as well as a more detailed explanation on compatibility options. JoyToKey is a bit finnicky so if anyone is still using this.. you may need to adjust the settings to what works for you. Wishing everyone well <3.