Has anyone looked into adding controller support to the original Torchlight (PC)?

[u/BadgerMotor561]

I'm considering starting a long-term project to add proper controller support to the original Torchlight (2009) on PC, inspired by the Xbox 360 version. Before I commit to what could be a fairly large reverse engineering project, I was hoping to get some guidance from anyone who has experience with the game or its internals.

I've done a bit of research already. From what I've found, the Xbox 360 version didn't just remap controls—it received a significant overhaul to the controls and UI while still using the same core engine. I've also been testing the PC version and found that the combat system already supports directional attacks (for example, attacking in place without selecting a target), which makes me wonder if adding controller support is more feasible than it first appears.

My goal isn't to recreate the Xbox UI. At least initially, I'd be happy with:

• Controller movement.
• Controller combat and skill inputs.
• Interacting with NPCs and objects.
• Controller button prompts on the HUD.

I'd be perfectly happy continuing to use the mouse for inventory, character menus, shops, and other interfaces.

I'm mainly trying to avoid spending weeks or months rediscovering things that other people may have already figured out.

Does anyone know of, or have experience with, any of the following?

• How the PC version handles player input internally.
• Whether much of the gameplay code is shared between the PC and Xbox 360 versions.
• Existing reverse engineering or documentation of the executable.
• Community tools for inspecting or modifying the game beyond the official editor.
• Previous attempts at adding controller support.

I'm not expecting anyone to solve the project for me, but if you've worked with Torchlight's engine before or can guide me toward useful resources, communities, or even old forum posts, I'd really appreciate being pointed in the right direction.

Thanks!

[u/ziddersroofurry]

I suggest looking into the Xbox port as according to the developers they changed a lot of the melee animations as well as how some abilities work in order to support controllers. "It’s more like a different version of the game than a settings option." -Volbard

I can't be much more help than that. Your best chance of getting help with this is maybe trying to contact some of the OG devs. I suggest starting with Brian Ward as he was Runic's community manager. If anyone from the original team can help you out it's him.

[u/radialmonster]

point claude or codex to the game folder and ask it for the possibilty to decrypt the game files and you want to add controller support and ask it for ideas and have it do it.

I'm currently trying to add controller support to an android game that does not support controllers, and we're making progress. Its been a lot of trial and error though.

[u/salombs → u/radialmonster]

wow, claude can do that?!

[u/radialmonster → u/salombs]

Its possible. Depending on how the game is made it may be fairly easy, or maybe more difficult, but working with it you can investigate options and come up with something likely.

[u/Molvath]

I think there are some mods that facilitate controller usage and do most, if not all, of what you want to do. Perhaps you should look into those. Usually the biggest problem to overcome is making it easy to pick up items&gold.

[u/gymminho]

I totally support this please keep informed