how to make a button repeatedley press on x360ce

Daniel Parker

3 min read

·

24-01-2025

2

0

Share

X360CE (XInput Emulator for DirectInput controllers) is a powerful tool for remapping controller inputs. One handy trick is setting up a button to repeatedly press, simulating rapid-fire functionality. This guide will walk you through how to achieve this. This technique is useful for games that don't offer built-in rapid-fire options.

Understanding x360ce's Functionality

Before diving in, it's crucial to understand that x360ce works by translating your controller's inputs (from devices like joysticks, wheels, or even keyboards) into Xbox 360 controller inputs that games recognize. This allows you to use virtually any controller with games designed for Xbox 360 controllers. The "repeatedly press" functionality is achieved through clever mapping and potentially additional software.

Method 1: Using x360ce's Built-in Features (Limited Functionality)

Unfortunately, x360ce itself doesn't natively support creating a true "rapid-fire" button press. It can't independently generate repeated inputs without external help. While you can remap buttons, you won't find a direct setting for continuous pressing.

What you can do: You can map a single button press to multiple actions within the game if the game's engine allows for such multiple keybindings. This isn't true rapid-fire, but might offer a similar effect in certain circumstances.

Method 2: Combining x360ce with AutoHotkey (Recommended)

This method is the most effective and reliable for creating a button that repeatedly presses. It leverages AutoHotkey (AHK), a free and open-source scripting language ideal for automating tasks.

Step 1: Download and Install AutoHotkey:

Download AutoHotkey from the official website (https://www.autohotkey.com/). Install it and familiarize yourself with the basic interface.

Step 2: Create an AutoHotkey Script:

Create a new text file (e.g., rapidfire.ahk). Paste the following code, modifying it to match your controller's button and desired repeat speed:

; Replace "Joy1Button1" with your button's x360ce identifier.  Check x360ce settings.
Joy1Button1::
  SendInput, {LButton Down}
return

Joy1Button1 Up::
  SendInput, {LButton Up}
return

; Adjust the delay (in milliseconds) to control the speed of the rapid fire.
SetTimer, RapidFire, 50 ; 50ms = 20 presses per second

RapidFire:
  SendInput, {LButton} ; Simulates a single left mouse button click
return

Step 3: Understanding the Script:

• Joy1Button1:: and Joy1Button1 Up::: These lines define the trigger. Replace "Joy1Button1" with the actual button identifier from your x360ce configuration (e.g., Joy1Button2, Joy1Axis1). The Up event stops the rapid-fire.
• SendInput, {LButton Down} and SendInput, {LButton Up}: This sends the "left mouse button down" and "left mouse button up" commands. Adjust LButton if necessary to match your intended action (e.g., RButton for right-click, Space for spacebar, or any other key).
• SetTimer, RapidFire, 50: This sets the timer to repeat the RapidFire function every 50 milliseconds (adjust as needed). A lower value means faster firing.
• SendInput, {LButton}: The function actually sends the repeated click. It uses the simpler LButton this time; to avoid double clicks use the Down/Up approach.

Step 4: Run the AutoHotkey Script:

Save the .ahk file. Double-click it to run the script. Now, pressing the button in your x360ce configuration should trigger the rapid-fire.

Step 5: Troubleshooting:

• Incorrect Button Identifier: Double-check the button identifier in your x360ce configuration.
• Conflicting Scripts: Close any other AutoHotkey scripts that might interfere.
• Game Compatibility: Some games may not respond well to rapid-fire input. Experiment with different timing values.

This combined approach provides a robust and highly customizable solution for creating a rapidly pressing button using x360ce and AutoHotkey. Remember to adjust values in the script to fine-tune the rapid-fire behavior to your specific needs.