WoW Forever Controller Settings expanded significantly in the September 24 beta build. Blizzard added class-specific flyouts, a Compact Action Bar option, fixed party targeting choices and several modifier-side swaps that make the built-in gamepad interface much more practical than the first beta version.
The biggest reason to revisit WoW Forever Controller Settings is that Hunters and Warlocks no longer lose the bottom gamepad action bar when their pet bar appears. Druids, Hunters, Warlocks, Paladins and Warriors also get dedicated class flyouts for forms, pets, auras or stances.
WoW Forever Controller Settings: new September 24 options
WoW Forever Controller Settings Image Blizzard Entertainment.
| Setting | What it does |
|---|---|
| Use Compact Action Bar | Shows only the currently active gamepad action bar. |
| Fixed Party Targeting | Assigns party members to specific directional-pad buttons outside raids. |
| Swap Target Modifier Sides | Moves friendly targeting to the right and hostile targeting to the left. |
| Swap Friendly Target Action Sides | Swaps D-pad and face-button actions while using the friendly modifier. |
| Swap Hostile Target Action Sides | Swaps D-pad and face-button actions while using the hostile modifier. |
These WoW Forever Controller Settings live in the Gamepad (Alpha) section of the options. Because the system is still being tested, the best layout depends heavily on class and role rather than one universal recommendation.
How Compact Action Bar works
The most visible addition to WoW Forever Controller Settings is Use Compact Action Bar. When enabled, it replaces the normal gamepad action-bar layout with a cleaner version that only shows the action bar you are actively using.
That can reduce screen clutter on a controller setup where several bars and modifier layers compete for space. It does not delete your bindings; it changes how the active bar is presented while you play.
Which classes get new flyouts?
- Druid: Shapeshift flyout.
- Hunter: Pet control and pet spell flyouts.
- Warlock: Pet control and pet spell flyouts.
- Paladin: Aura flyout.
- Warrior: Stance flyout.
These additions make WoW Forever Controller Settings more class-aware. A controller has fewer immediately visible buttons than a keyboard, so moving forms, pet commands, auras and stances into dedicated flyouts gives those classes access to important utility without consuming the entire main action bar.
What changed for Hunter and Warlock pets?
Previously, pet controls could interfere with the main gamepad layout. The September 24 WoW Forever Controller Settings update stops the Hunter and Warlock pet bar from replacing the bottom gamepad action bar, which makes switching between player abilities and pet commands much less disruptive.
The new pet flyouts also give those classes a cleaner place for pet-specific controls. That should reduce the amount of custom binding work needed just to keep basic pet actions available during combat.
Best controller settings to try first
For most players testing WoW Forever Controller Settings, start with Compact Action Bar if screen space feels crowded, then try Fixed Party Targeting if you heal or regularly play in small groups. After that, experiment with the modifier-side swaps until friendly and hostile targeting sit on the side that feels natural in your hands.
Do not change every option at once. Controller muscle memory builds quickly, and changing five modifier behaviours simultaneously makes it much harder to identify which setting actually improved the layout.
Are controller settings finished?
No. WoW Forever Controller Settings are still labelled Alpha in the beta options, and Blizzard is continuing to adjust controller navigation, maps, quest logs and interface frames. The same build adds new map hover behaviour and better support for Compact Raid Frame Manager and Role Poll frames.
The September 24 update nevertheless makes WoW Forever Controller Settings much more useful than the earlier generic “controller support is coming” information. There are now concrete class flyouts and configurable behaviours you can test rather than simply waiting for a final release layout.
See Blizzard’s September 24 beta development notes for the current gamepad changes.
A good way to test the new layout is to spend a few minutes outside combat moving between action layers, opening the map and quest log, targeting party members and using any class flyout your character has. That exposes awkward bindings before you discover them in the middle of a dungeon pull.
