There’s no official best preset, so the best settings are the ones Blizzard has named, set in the right order. Turn on Gamepad UI mode first, because toggling it resets your Edit Mode layout (a known issue since October 1). Then open Edit Mode: since October 8 the Gamepad Action Bar and its settings, including Use Compact Action Bar, live there, with layouts saved per UI type.
Settings chosen before that move didn’t carry over. Last, set Fixed Party Targeting and the two side swaps, then test them in a group; the Gamepad UI’s own bindings stay static in the beta. Source: Blizzard’s beta development notes.
Every WoW Forever controller setting Blizzard has named
Edit Mode gamepad barMove the Gamepad Action Bar like any frame. Gamepad and keyboard layouts are saved separately (October 8).
Beta, may change: In the beta as of 2026-10-08, may change before launch
Use Compact Action BarBlizzard has given the name only. Listed September 24, moved into Edit Mode October 8.Beta, may change: In the beta as of 2026-10-08, may change before launch
Fixed Party TargetingListed September 24. How it maps party members to buttons isn’t described.Beta, may change: In the beta as of 2026-10-08, may change before launch
Swap target modifier sidePuts the targeting modifier on the other side of the pad.Beta, may change: In the beta as of 2026-10-08, may change before launch
Swap friendly and hostile target actionsSwaps which side targets friends and which targets enemies.Beta, may change: In the beta as of 2026-10-08, may change before launch
Best controller settings, in order
- Turn on the Gamepad UI first (controller support), because toggling it resets Edit Mode Beta, may change: In the beta as of 2026-10-08, may change before launch.
- Open Edit Mode, place the Gamepad Action Bar, decide on the compact bar. Keyboard binds stay separate (keybinds).
- Set Fixed Party Targeting and the two side swaps, then test them in a group.
- Touch modifier CVars last, one at a time.
The compact party and raid frames support the gamepad since October 1 Beta, may change: In the beta as of 2026-10-08, may change before launch.
Controller modifier settings: Shift, Ctrl and Alt
A pad has no Shift, Ctrl or Alt, so a button can act as one. Three console variables, per the community wiki 
Community wiki: Community wiki: CVar GamePadEmulateShift, not yet confirmed in Forever 
Not confirmed in Forever: Not yet confirmed in WoW Forever:
| CVar | Acts as | Default per the wiki |
|---|---|---|
GamePadEmulateShift | Shift |  LT PADLTRIGGER |
GamePadEmulateCtrl | Ctrl |  LB PADLSHOULDER |
GamePadEmulateAlt | Alt | none |
To put Ctrl back on the left shoulder after you’ve moved it:
/console GamePadEmulateCtrl PADLSHOULDERThe Gamepad UI’s own bindings are static in the beta (October 1), so whether a modifier change applies inside it isn’t known. More gamepad CVars: console commands.
Controller settings Blizzard hasn’t announced
Recommended presetNo official gamepad preset.
Not announced: Blizzard hasn't announced this- Supported controller listNone published.Not announced: Blizzard hasn't announced this
- Gamepad leaving AlphaNo word on whether it happens before launch.Not announced: Blizzard hasn't announced this
What on wow-forever.gg helps
Talent calculatorSee which abilities your build adds, before you fill a smaller bar.
Spell databaseLook up anything you’re about to bind.
Blizzard’s postsThe development notes behind this page.
Questions
How do I set up controller settings in WoW Forever?
Turn on the Gamepad UI, place the Gamepad Action Bar in Edit Mode, then set Fixed Party Targeting and the side swaps Beta, may change: In the beta as of 2026-10-08, may change before launch. The full order is above.
What is the best addon to play WoW with a controller?
The Gamepad UI is built in 
Confirmed by Blizzard: Confirmed by Blizzard: World of Warcraft: Forever What's Next Panel Recap, so the basics need no addon. Whether ConsolePort runs in Forever isn’t known Not known: Not known yet: ConsolePort vs the Gamepad UI.
Why did my gamepad bar reset?
Two causes in the beta: toggling Gamepad UI mode resets Edit Mode, and bar settings from before October 8 didn’t carry over Beta, may change: In the beta as of 2026-10-08, may change before launch.
Can I rebind buttons in the Gamepad UI?
Not in the beta. Its bindings are static; rebinding affects keyboard and mouse only Beta, may change: In the beta as of 2026-10-08, may change before launch.
Is there a best preset from Blizzard?
No. None is announced Not announced: Blizzard hasn't announced this.
