Amazon: RIG R8 Pro HS

Best Buy: RIG R8 Pro HS

The Nacon RIG R8 Spectre Pro HS is a great option for those looking for a gaming headset that includes every feature you’d want, and costs less than $200. However, you’ll want to try our best Nacon RIG R8 Spectre Pro HS EQ settings to improve the headset’s stock audio quality.

Out of the box, the Nacon RIG R8 Spectre Pro HS is tuned for first-person shooters. And while that’s fine for picking out audio cues like footsteps and reload sounds, it isn’t the best for more immersive games or general media consumption. Our EQ aims to address this imbalance and also helps make the headset a little louder.

• 🎧 Sony Inzone H9 II best EQ settings: get in the zone with these equalizer tweaks

• 🔊 Edifier M60 best EQ settings: these desktop speakers pack a punch with the right equalizer

• 🎶 Astro A50 best EQ settings: get the most out of Logitech G’s high-end headset

• 🎧 Astro A20 X best EQ settings: fine-tune your headset for gaming and comms with these equalizers

• 🎮 Audeze Maxwell best EQ settings: get the most out of your wireless PS5 headset

• 🤫 Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 best EQ settings

Don’t forget to check out our Nacon RIG R8 Spectre Pro HS review for more information about the headset.

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Walmart: Razer Viper V4 Pro

Razer: Viper V4 Pro

Best Buy: Razer Viper V4 Pro

Amazon: Razer Viper V4 Pro

The Razer Viper V4 Pro best settings can help you squeeze a little extra performance out of one of the best esports mice on the market. There are also some neat customization options to take advantage of that are well worth adjusting.

As I highlighted in my Razer Viper V4 Pro review, the new mouse is fantastic for gaming thanks to its exceptional build quality, lightweight design, and super-fast optical switches. Fortunately, you don’t even need to download the Razer Synapse app to get the best settings, as every setting can be changed through your browser with the new Synapse Web.

• Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike best settings: get the most out of your haptic gaming mouse

However, for the following Razer Viper V4 Pro best settings guide, expect to see screenshots from the Razer Synapse app below.

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Walmart: Sony Inzone H9 II

Best Buy: Sony Inzone H9 II

Amazon: Sony Inzone H9 II

The Sony Inzone H9 II is a fantastic headset for those who want top-class noise cancelling, a best-in-class microphone, and clear and crisp sound. However, you’ll want to use our Sony Inzone H9 II best EQ settings to get the most out of your new purchase.

The Sony Inzone H9 II presents a more neutral sound out of the box, which can make them sound a little flat and underwhelming. To make them more exciting while still being tuned for competitive games, we’ll need to dive into Sony’s Inzone PC software and make some changes.

• 🎶 Nacon RIG R8 Spectre Pro HS review: a feature-packed gaming headset that just falls short

• 🔊 Edifier M60 best EQ settings: these desktop speakers pack a punch with the right equalizer

• 🎶 Astro A50 best EQ settings: get the most out of Logitech G’s high-end headset

• 🎧 Astro A20 X best EQ settings: fine-tune your headset for gaming and comms with these equalizers

• 🎮 Audeze Maxwell best EQ settings: get the most out of your wireless PS5 headset

• 🤫 Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 best EQ settings

Don’t forget to check out our Sony Inzone H9 II review to get our full verdict on this premium gaming headset.

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Amazon: LG 32GS95UV

The LG UltraGear OLED 32GS95UV is one of several new gaming monitors that offer a dual refresh rate of 240Hz at 4K or 480Hz at 1080p, but it requires some tweaking to get the best picture quality.

You might find the out-of-the-box options a little lacking, and the lack of information provided about each setting doesn’t help matters for those who do want to adjust things.

• 🎶 Sony Inzone H9 II best EQ settings: get in the zone with these equalizer tweaks

Thankfully, my LG OLED 32GS95UV best settings guide will help you dial in a far more pleasing image, and one that’s specifically tuned for gaming. These settings also work for the LG OLED 32GS95UV-W, which is the same model but in a white colorway.

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Walmart: Astro A50

Best Buy: Astro A50

GameStop: Astro A50

Amazon: Astro A50

The Astro A50 headset is arguably one of the best gaming headsets you can buy, offering excellent audio quality, broad compatibility with multiple devices, and a simultaneous Bluetooth connection. It also boasts an excellent microphone with flip-to-mute and the Astro A50 is incredibly comfortable to wear for long periods of time.

However, like most gaming headsets, the default profiles don’t do the audio justice. It’s why you’ll want to jump into the settings and create a custom EQ that really unlocks the capabilities of the Astro A50’s 40mm Pro G graphene drivers.

• 🔊 Edifier M60 best EQ settings: these desktop speakers pack a punch with the right equalizer

• 🎧 Astro A20 X best EQ settings: fine-tune your headset for gaming and comms with these equalizers

• 🤫 Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 best EQ settings

• 🎮 Audeze Maxwell best EQ settings: get the most out of your wireless PS5 headset

We’ll also tweak the microphone slightly to provide crystal clear comms when you need to bark orders at your teammates.

Check out our Astro A50 best EQ settings below, exclusively for paid subscribers of The Shortcut. It’s worth mentioning that these EQ settings also work for the Astro A50 X, which is exactly the same headset; however, it has three HDMI passthroughs for switching between video sources when using consoles and PC.

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Walmart: Edifier M60 speakers

Best Buy: Edifier M60 speakers

Amazon: Edifier M60 speakers

Adding a pair of quality desktop speakers can make a huge difference to your home office setup, especially as the built-in speakers included in some monitors produce truly horrible sound.

A great pair that I recently purchased is the Edifier M60. At under $200, they’re competitively priced and offer a rich, detailed sound and include two stands that let you angle the speakers upwards towards you. You’re also getting 66W of power, and support for Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless.

• 🎶 Sony Inzone H9 II best EQ settings: get in the zone with these equalizer tweaks

• 🎧 Astro A50 best EQ settings: get the most out of Logitech G’s high-end headset

• 🎧 Astro A20 X best EQ settings: fine-tune your headset for gaming and comms with these equalizers

• 🤫 Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 best EQ settings

• 🎮 Audeze Maxwell best EQ settings: get the most out of your wireless PS5 headset

Out of the box, the EQ preset of ‘Music’ is rather flat, though there are other equalizer settings that you can access from the Edifier Connex app. However, I wanted to share my Edifier M60 best EQ settings with you that deliver a wider, more present soundstage that also gives the speakers a bit more low-end oomph.

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Logitech: Astro A20 X - $179

Amazon: Astro A20 X - $179

Best Buy: Astro A20 X - $179

The Astro A20 X headset is a fantastic option for those who want excellent audio quality, multi-platform compatibility and a best-in-class microphone for crystal clear comms. However, sound is subjective, which means you might want to change the stock EQ on the Astro A20 X for something more to your liking.

But it’s not just the EQ that you can tinker with. You can also change how the Astro A20 X microphone sounds, as well as optimize it to provide better battery life. Whatever your needs, we’ll discuss how to get the most out of this excellent gaming headset.

• 🎶 Sony Inzone H9 II best EQ settings: get in the zone with these equalizer tweaks

• 🎧 Astro A50 best EQ settings: get the most out of Logitech G’s high-end headset

• 🔊 Edifier M60 best EQ settings: these desktop speakers pack a punch with the right equalizer

• 🎮 Audeze Maxwell best EQ settings: get the most out of your wireless PS5 headset

• 🎧 Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 best EQ settings

It’s worth noting that these EQ settings will work just as well with the Logitech G522, as it’s exactly the same headset, just with fewer compatibility options than the Astro A20 X.

Check out our Astro A20 X best EQ settings below, exclusively for paid subscribers. Don’t forget to read our full Astro A20 X review to find out why we gave it a coveted ‘Editor’s Choice’ award.

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Mobapad: Chitu HD 2 controller

Amazon: Chitu HD 2 controller

The Mobapad Chitu 2 HD is an excellent alternative to the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, but it’s worth tinkering a little to get the most out of it.

For example, the controller’s TMR (Tunnel Magnetoresistance) sticks have a small deadzone by default, but this can be removed entirely to provide even more precision. You can also change things like the button mapping of the back buttons to your liking, the logo light, auto shutdown time, and more.

• 🚗 Best DualSense Edge settings for Gran Turismo 7

• 🪓 Best DualSense Edge settings for God of War Ragnarok

• 🔫 Best DualSense Edge settings for Call of Duty Warzone

• ⚔️ Best DualSense Edge settings for Stellar Blade

• 💻 How to use the PS5 DualSense Edge on PC: the ultimate guide

If you haven’t picked up Mobapad’s latest controller, check out my Mobapad Chitu 2 HD review for more. For just $49.99, it’s significantly cheaper than Nintendo’s first-party controller but doesn’t skimp on any of the features, lack of headphone jack aside. If you’ve just got the controller, these are my Mobapad Chitu 2 HD best settings.

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Logitech: G Pro X2 Superstrike

Best Buy: Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike

Amazon: Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike

The Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike is a revolutionary gaming mouse that lets you register clicks faster than ever before. You can shave countless milliseconds off every click, giving you a huge advantage over the competition who are stuck with a standard gaming mouse that uses a mechanical button to register inputs.

However, before you jump into a game of Counter-Strike 2 to put the Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike through its paces, you’ll want to ensure you’ve got the best settings. Using the Logitech G Hub software, you can customize the Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike to suit you, including the left and right mouse buttons, sensitivity, haptics strength and more.

• 🐍 Razer Viper V4 Pro best settings: click to win with these Synapse tweaks

If you want to take your game to the next level, check out my Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike best settings below. Don’t forget to check out my full Logitech G Pro X2 Superstrike review for more.

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• 🎛️ Dive into the Equalizer first to set your preferred bass, mids, and treble levels

• ⭐️ Favorite and customize listening modes

• 🔊 Immersion Audio places the sound stage in front of you

• 🎥 Cinema Mode mimics home theater sound with a wider sound stage and crisper dialogue

• 🛜 Make sure to set Spotify and Tidal to lossless-quality streaming

• 💻 Windows 11 PCs need to be manually set to 16-bit (44.1kHz or 48kHz) quality audio

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 are the best travel headphones, as I’ve said in my review. However, to make them really special, they need some tweaks, including a more dynamic equalizer curve.

• 🔊 Edifier M60 best EQ settings: these desktop speakers pack a punch with the right equalizer

• 🎧 Astro A50 best EQ settings: get the most out of Logitech G’s high-end headset

• 🎧 Astro A20 X best EQ settings: fine-tune your headset for gaming and comms with these equalizers

• 🎮 Audeze Maxwell best EQ settings: get the most out of your wireless PS5 headset

These settings will also help you get the most out of Lossless Audio and make sense of Immersion vs Cinema mode, the latter of which can help you enjoy movies while plugged into an airplane screen. Read on for a full breakdown of the best Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 settings.

Equalizer

The Equalizer or EQ should be your first stop. Out of the box, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 offer a very flat sound profile. You can adjust the EQ to your liking, but here are some general guidelines on how raising and lowering the three different aspects of the sound curve will affect your audio.

• Bass encompasses lower-frequency sounds like drums, bass guitar, and other instruments that help establish the rhythm in music. While the bass on the QC Ultra Headphones Gen 2 is relatively present, I prefer a bit more to really hear the thump and feel the bass in my chest while listening.

• Mids more or less translate to vocals, but also many instruments produce sound at this midrange frequency. Mids are actually the most prominent thing you can hear from the QC Ultra Headphones Gen 2 without any adjustment, so you might want to lower them, as they can overpower other frequencies.

• Treble is high-pitched sound that can add clarity and brightness to your audio. Like bass, I suggest turning this side of the EQ curve up for more powerful highs.

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• 🎮 Staying in the Xbox Full Screen Experience frees up slightly more RAM for gaming

• 🧠 Increase the total amount of video memory for the Z2E chip in the Armory Crate app

• ⏱️ Radeon Anti-Lag helps reduce latency

• 🥶 Radeon Chill lowers your frame rate and saves on GPU cycles while you’re idle

• 🚗 13W Silent power mode is great for RPGs, card-based games, autoshooters, and other low-lift games

• 🏎️ 17W Performance can handle most games, including CyberPunk 2077

• 🚀 25W and 35W Turbo mode can help you brute force more demanding games to run

• ❤️‍🩹 Battery Care Mode helps extend battery health by limiting charging to 80%

The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X is the best-performing PC gaming handheld yet, but it requires a surprising amount of optimization beyond the built-in Xbox Full Screen Experience.

Whether you’re looking for higher frame rates or longer battery life, here are a few simple settings to adjust for the best gaming experience.

The most crucial changes for all Xbox Ally X users are to increase the available video memory for the device’s AMD Z2 Extreme processor and to switch on Battery Care Mode to preserve your battery’s health (if you always have your handheld plugged in). There are also deeper Radeon settings that can increase your frame rate, but read on for the full breakdown of the Best Asus ROG Xbox Ally X settings.

Stay in the Xbox Full Screen Experience

The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X starts up with the Xbox Full Screen Experience (XFSE), and this is the best optimized mode for it. It reduces background processes and frees up around 2GB of memory for graphics and other system tasks. You’ll rarely have to leave the XFSE to start up games or even other launchers, but in case you need to access the desktop, the UI will flag that you’re about to leave the XFSE.

Best Buy: Asus ROG Xbox Ally X - $999

Returning to the Xbox Full Screen Experience is as easy as hitting the shortcut at the top-right side of the Xbox app. However, reset your device entirely if you want to retain all the XSFE optimizations, including the extra RAM for gaming.

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• 👉 You can optimize your Nintendo Switch 2 experience by tweaking key settings for TV and handheld modes, focusing on display, audio, and system adjustments

• 😍 Ensure optimal visuals by enabling HDR, calibrating RGB Range, and adjusting screen size to match your 4K TV’s capabilities

• 🎧 You can also improve audio with the Pro Controller by disabling 'Lower Maximum Headphone Volume' for better sound output

• 🔋 Extend battery life and enhance convenience with features like 'Stop Charging Around 90%' and 'Maintain Wired Connection in Sleep Mode.'

Want to know the best Nintendo Switch 2 settings? You've come to the right place.

While most people will be happy with the out-of-the-box setup of the Nintendo Switch 2, more discerning users will want to tweak a couple of settings to get the most out of the system.

Some of the default options aren't the most ideal, which is why I wanted to share every setting I've discovered (and promptly changed) during my hands-on time with the Nintendo Switch 2.

These best Nintendo Switch 2 settings will apply to TV mode and handheld mode, as some options are specific to those play modes. Make sure your console is docked and in TV mode so you can adjust every available setting, as some are not available in handheld mode.

Okay, let's dive into the various settings menus to help you get the most out of Nintendo's new console. Oh, and don’t forget to check out our Nintendo Switch 2 review and Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller review if you’re still on the fence.

Best Nintendo Switch 2 settings: TV and handheld mode

I assume you have a 4K TV, preferably one with 120Hz support and HDR. If not, you can skip any settings that apply specifically to these areas.

Display

Perhaps the most crucial Nintendo Switch 2 settings to get right are found in the 'Display' submenu, so let's start here.

HDR Output

First, you'll find a toggle for HDR Output. This should be turned on by default as the Nintendo Switch 2 will recognize if you have an HDR-capable display. If it isn't, turn it on!

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The Nacon Revolution X Unlimited controller not only improves your overall gaming experience, but it can also give you a massive advantage over other players online. However, you’ll need to know how to set it up correctly.

With a box packed with accessories and countless configurations to choose from, there’s no need to stick with the default profiles the controller ships with. There’s also a dedicated PC app that lets you customize things further.

If you’re someone who loves first-person shooters, in particular, you’ll want to use our Nacon Revolution X Unlimited best settings below, which are available exclusively for paid subscribers. Don’t forget to read our full Nacon Revolution X Unlimited review to find out why we think it’s one of the best Xbox and PC controllers.

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A controller like the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro can not only improve your overall gaming experience, but it can also give you an advantage over other players when playing online. That is if you know how to set it up correctly.

With a box full of accessories and different configurations to choose from, along with a rather extensive PC app to customize things further, you’d be doing yourself a disservice going with the stock profiles of the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro.

If you’re someone who plays first-person shooters, in particular, you’ll want to use our Nacon Revolution 5 Pro best settings below, which are available exclusively for paid subscribers. Don’t forget to read our full Nacon Revolution 5 Pro review to find out why we think it was worth a place on our best PS5 controller list.

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The Audeze Maxwell is the best-sounding PS5 headset we’ve reviewed. But even though it has a pleasing selection of EQ presets to choose from, creating a custom equalizer can deliver an even better experience.

• 🔊 Edifier M60 best EQ settings: these desktop speakers pack a punch with the right equalizer

• 🎧 Astro A50 best EQ settings: get the most out of Logitech G’s high-end headset

• 🎧 Astro A20 X best EQ settings: fine-tune your headset for gaming and comms with these equalizers

• 🤫 Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones Gen 2 best EQ settings

Most will be happy with how even the ‘Immersive’ or ‘Audeze’ presets sound, but both settings can be tweaked ever so slightly to create a more engaging EQ that makes the headset more “fun” in terms of its sound stage.

Check out our Audeze Maxwell best EQ settings below, exclusively for paid subscribers. Don’t forget to read our full Audeze Maxwell review to find out why we deemed it the best wireless headset to buy in 2024.

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Stellar Blade is the latest PS5 exclusive that demands quick reflexes, timing, and perseverance if you want to beat the game’s highest difficulty levels. But thankfully these DualSense Edge settings for Stellar Blade can help you overcome every gruesome Naytiba and hulking boss fight that stands in your way.

• 🧙‍♀️ Best DualSense Edge settings for Hogwarts Legacy

• 🪓 Best DualSense Edge settings for God of War Ragnarok

• 🏎️ Best DualSense Edge settings for Gran Turismo 7

• 🔫 Best DualSense Edge settings for Call of Duty Warzone

• 💻 How to use the PS5 DualSense Edge on PC: the ultimate guide

The PS5 DualSense Edge won’t make Stellar Blade a cakewalk by any means, but it solves some of the game’s control issues and should make you more formidable during the game’s many combat encounters.

If you’re having trouble with some of Stellar Blade’s more challenging boss fights, or simply fumbling over the controls mid-battle, read on for the best DualSense Edge settings for Stellar Blade on PS5. Check out my PS5 DualSense Edge controller review if you still haven’t picked up Sony’s answer to the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller and Stellar Blade review if you’re interested in the game.

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Sony’s PS5 DualSense Edge is a fantastic controller for PC, and comes with additional features in games that support it like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. You can also take advantage of custom profiles (if you have a PlayStation 5 ) and the controller’s two back buttons and function buttons.

If you’d like to know how to use the PS5 DualSense Edge on PC, this comprehensive guide will provide all the information you need in an easy-to-understand and digestible format. You can also check out some of the best DualSense Edge settings for the best PS5 games below.

• 🔫 Best DualSense Edge settings for Call of Duty Warzone

• 🏎️ Best DualSense Edge settings for Gran Turismo 7

• 🪓 Best DualSense Edge settings for God of War Ragnarok

• 🧙‍♂️ Best DualSense Edge settings for Hogwarts Legacy

• ⚔️ Best DualSense Edge settings for Stellar Blade

How to use the PS5 DualSense Edge on PC: setup

The easiest way to set up the PS5 DualSense Edge on a PC is to connect it to your computer via a USB-C cable. The DualSense Edge comes with an included braided USB cable that locks in to avoid it becoming accidentally disconnected.

While you can connect the DualSense Edge via Bluetooth, Steam games that specifically support features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers will require you to play wired.

With the PS5 controller battery life also being so poor and the DualSense Edge battery being even worse, playing wired also removes the frustration of having to grab a charging cable mid-game.

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One of the biggest problems with Sony’s PlayStation Portal is that your experience will vary greatly depending on the strength of your home network. It’s not enough to have fast download and upload speeds – the quality of your WiFi connection matters.

Some players can play the best PS5 games on the PlayStation Portal without any noticeable input lag, audio issues, or image degradation, while others will end up with a slideshow or suboptimal experience.

If you’ve managed to snag Sony’s PS5 handheld from the latest PlayStation Portal restock or you’re waiting to find PS Portal in stock this week, it’s important to optimize your setup before you start streaming PS5 games via Remote Play. I’ve managed to create a rock-solid connection for Remote Play in my home, so here’s how to get the best PlayStation Portal Remote Play experience on PS5 possible.

PlayStation Portal at Walmart

PlayStation Portal at Best Buy

PlayStation Portal at Amazon

PlayStation Portal at GameStop

1. Check your speeds 💨

Sony says you need a download speed of at least 5Mbps but recommends 15Mbps for the best experience. If your home network is unable to hit these speeds, don’t buy the PlayStation Portal – it’s unlikely to work and will be unplayable at best.

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Sony’s DualSense Edge controller is perfectly suited to Call of Duty Warzone and can increase your chances of surviving those nail-biting encounters as you make your way to the final circle.

• 🧙‍♀️ Best DualSense Edge settings for Hogwarts Legacy

• 🏎️ Best DualSense Edge settings for Gran Turismo 7

• 🪓 Best DualSense Edge settings for God of War Ragnarok

• ⚔️ Best DualSense Edge settings for Stellar Blade

• 💻 How to use the PS5 DualSense Edge on PC: the ultimate guide

The PS5 DualSense Edge’s adjustable stick sensitivity, trigger stops, and back buttons combine to give you faster reflexes, more customization options, and a competitive advantage over those using the regular DualSense controller.

If you’ve recently picked up Sony’s pro controller and want to know what’s the best DualSense Edge settings for Call of Duty Warzone on PS5, we’ve got you covered. Check out my PS5 DualSense Edge controller review if you still haven’t picked up Sony’s answer to Microsoft’s Xbox Elite Series 2 controller.

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God of War Ragnarok demands quick reflexes if you want to master the game’s higher difficulty levels, but thankfully these DualSense Edge settings can help you decimate every underworldly opponent that stands in your way.

• 🧙‍♀️ Best DualSense Edge settings for Hogwarts Legacy

• 🏎️ Best DualSense Edge settings for Gran Turismo 7

• 🔫 Best DualSense Edge settings for Call of Duty Warzone

• ⚔️ Best DualSense Edge settings for Stellar Blade

• 💻 How to use the PS5 DualSense Edge on PC: the ultimate guide

The PS5 DualSense Edge’s adjustable stick sensitivity, trigger stops and back buttons won’t automatically give you god-like powers, but they can make a difference during God of War Ragnarok’s most challenging fights.

If you’re struggling to impose your will on an enemy or simply struggle with some of the game’s default controls, read on for the best DualSense Edge settings for God of War Ragnarok on PS5. Check out my PS5 DualSense Edge controller review if you still haven’t picked up Sony’s answer to the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller.

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