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[joecanada]

I get so pissed when I see journalists at gaming conventions using their middle fingers for L2 and R2

Like, What the f### is wrong with you breh !

I believe bf4 driving vehicles is an example where you need both at once

 

[The Albatross]

Depends on the game, I think that I mostly use middle fingers on the triggers in a game like GTAV where I might need ot regularly use both LB/RB and LT/RT at the same time.

The strangest thing I do, though, is when I'm flying a plane or driving in GTA, I am regularly reaching with my index finger to adjust the camera (Right analog) while keeping my middle finger on the triggers, if I have some reason to be using the face buttons with my thumbs.

I have big hands though.

 

[BRocknRolla]

Recently it's been playing some Vita (remote play) games where I have my index on the bumpers and then middle fingers weirdly on the back touch screen for triggers which made me reconsider how I held controllers.

I did a quick search on the forum for controller and hold and nothing came up.

The back touch is a super inelegant solution. I'm not sure there is a good solution for that except switch the L1-R1 buttons and the triggers which only some games allow. (Needing to use both frequently basically makes it unplayable.)

And no worries about the thread similarities. I just remember a recent raging debate about using two fingers on the triggers/shoulders and about the use the to the claw. It just seems to be a fairly common question, which I find odd in and of itself.

 

[Gbraga]

Depends on the game, if it's something like DMC, then index plus middle. Some times I use my chin to rotate the camera when playing Dark Souls, for some reason.

 

[radjago]

That's the claw grip. It's well known, because I think we all do it!

It's one of the reasons I think Steam controller's extra shoulder/back buttons could do well. Mapping O/B to a back button as well as its regular button position would negate the need for the claw grip entirely.

I've been using the claw since Halo 2. It can hurt your knuckle if you use the face buttons a lot or for long periods of time, but I'm used to it.

 

[BRocknRolla]

Well of course it isn't necessary, or the game would be considered broken by a lot of people. But claw grip is well known and used by a lot of people. It was also popular with Monster Hunter PSP players, because the d-pad moved the camera and you couldn't do that and move the character at the same time with just your thumb.

I know it's a well known technique. If it works for you and others, obviously that's great too. I would certainly consider it broken if it was necessary though as you said, which is why I was saying I don't think "all" people use it. I'd be very curious to know how many people actual ever would use it.

 

[ThatsMytrunks]

 

[Green Wiggly]

Index for both for me.

Also curious how people use analog sticks. I tend to use the bottom of my thumb near the joint on the side of the stick rather than putting the tip of my thumb in the center.

 

[BibiMaghoo]

I hold it differently dependent on the game and it's use of certain controls.

There is no 'right' way.

 

[jem0208]

The only correct way:

 

[TalonJH]

lol. I never master ArmoredCore because I refused to hold my controller this way.

 

[e90Mark]

Generally, I have my middle fingers on the trigger and index on the bumpers, if the game uses the bumpers a lot. Otherwise index on triggers.

 

[lt519]

lol. I never master ArmoredCore because I refused to hold my controller this way.

whattt??!?!?

and lol at the person using their chin.

I use more towards the inside of my knuckle for sticks but oddly enough on the Vita I use the tips. I guess it matters on the size of the stick

Spoiler

this is getting weird.

 

[Tal Shiar Agent]

Index for both baring special circumstances. It feels the most natural, possibly because most games on the PS1 didn't need the use of both at the same time so the middle finger would naturally rest on the back of the controller.

 

[Assanova]

I thought that this was going to be a thread about the Nintendo 64 controller. Anyhow, I just use my index fingers for both shoulder buttons.

 

[TalonJH]

whattt??!?!?

At the hight of AC's popularity, I was said to be the correct way to play it.
https://youtu.be/_GLIDbd9KpM

 

[keltickennedy]

I switch back and forth in some games. Like GTA for instance, when flying or if i am driving and shooting I will switch my hands to have index fingers on shoulder buttons then middle fingers on triggers.

 

[Apollo Cree]

Index Only for my left bumper and trigger. For my right bumper, I use my index finger and for my right trigger, I use my middle finger.

 

[Marty-esque]

I use my index fingers for both.

 

[Wreck-It Ralph]

The only correct way:

Is Halo the only game you play? There are other games out there, you know.

 

[hikarutilmitt]

The only correct way:

WTF is this? No, just no. Indexes for top buttons normally, middle will come into play on the rare occasion I need to hit both rows.

 

[Veritigo_X]

At the hight of AC's popularity, I was said to be the correct way to play it.
https://youtu.be/_GLIDbd9KpM

...

What sort of benefit is there to holding it that way instead of the normal way? I think that was an elaborate prank to try and see if you'd actually hold it that way.

 

[shandy706]

Index for both.

I find using the DS3, and now that I have a DS4, so uncomfortable in many games.

It drives me nuts when games like Uncharted 2 (I'm playing through it for the first time) use R1 and L1 to aim and shoot. WHY?!&$?!#%

LOL

Also...why is the darn select/menu/start/whatever buttons flush?

/mini-rant

 

[jem0208]

Is Halo the only game you play? There are other games out there, you know.

I play almost all games like this. Even racing games where it's not really necessary. I'm so used to using my middle finger for triggers. It's basically necessary for games like GTA and AC.

I play all FPS games with the claw grip, it's very useful.

WTF is this? No, just no. Indexes for top buttons normally, middle will come into play on the rare occasion I need to hit both rows.

Nope, this means you can use both the stick and buttons at the same time. Incredibly useful in FPS games.

 

[Sunnington]

Who doesn't run Bumper Jumper?
Scrubs need to get on the level.

I normally run index on the shoulder row these days.
Middle fingers on the triggers is comfortable once you get used to it, but the very fragile DS4 triggers have to be treated carefully.

Mostly.
Modern controllers suck. There's plenty of room to increase access and comfort with button placement.
Crossing my fingers that Steam Controller alleviates some of these problems.

An example of why Bumper Jumper is superior.
Destiny -> Move, Aim, Jump, Grenade and Shoot accurately at the same time.

Modern controllers suck? Out of curiosity which controller do you find the most comfortable?

I developed carpal tunnel a few years ago. I'm unable to use old controllers for a long time like NES, Snes, Genesis, Saturn, or Dreamcast because of their poor designs. My favourite controller is the mouse and keyboard with the DS1-3 as a runner up. I have yet to try DS4.

 

[Mohasus]

For Dualshock 3, you are intended to use index finger for button and middle finger for trigger. Not understanding this is why people complain about their fingers slipping.

For Dualshock 4 and both Xbox controllers, you are intended to use index finger for both.

Yup, that's why the DS3 is my favorite controller.

 

[pete_clarf]

I have a friend who uses his middle and ring fingers for the shoulder and trigger buttons and uses his index fingers on the sticks. It's hilarious.

Your friend sucks and you need to stop being friends with this person before it starts to negatively affect other areas of your life.

 

[Hypron]

I use both index and middle fingers on the shoulder buttons/triggers, but I transition to the claw grip when I need to. Actually, I don't really mind moving my fingers all over the controller if needed. I tend to use my right thumb to use the dpad while I'm running, and I'd I also need to move the camera (which sometimes happens when playing souls games) I'll use my index finger for that.

 

[IAmRandom31]

If there is heavy concurrent usage of R1/L1 + R2 / L2 I will put my middle fingers up on the bumpers and use index for L1/R1.

But otherwise, its index for shoulder buttons and face buttons. left thumb for movement stuff.

 

[Mista Koo]

Depends on the game and how often it uses them, but by default I prefer using only my indices.

 

[Sami+]

Your friend sucks and you need to stop being friends with this person before it starts to negatively affect other areas of your life.

LOL noted

 

[chunk3rvd]

The only correct way:

+1. That's my Souls claw

 

[Peltz]

I'm certain it varies depending on the situation within every game. But if you need to think about your grip then you're doing it wrong.

Just let the controller melt into your hands and let context determine your grip.

I think I just developed this approach from years of playing tennis and needing to switch between several different grips on the racket within any given moment depending on context. It's just second nature and everyone's style will vary to an extent.

 

[Kindekuma]

Only your index finger on the trigger/shoulder buttons.

You wouldn't drive a car with with one foot on the gas and one on the brakes now, would you?

 

[Hipster Cthulhu]

Just like this.

 

[ChinaWarrior]

Depends what I'm playin really. 90% of the time it's index only. Driving in GTA is index and middle. Occaisionally the claw comes into play if I want to manipulate the camera without letting go of run.

 

[Mindlog]

Modern controllers suck? Out of curiosity which controller do you find the most comfortable?

I developed carpal tunnel a few years ago. I'm unable to use old controllers for a long time like NES, Snes, Genesis, Saturn, or Dreamcast because of their poor designs. My favourite controller is the mouse and keyboard with the DS1-3 as a runner up. I have yet to try DS4.

Most comfortable?
I really liked the Sega Genesis Six Button controller :]
One of the early Microsoft Sidewinder iterations was also excellent. The 360 controller melted in my hand very comfortably until I had to hit several buttons at a time. Problem with modern controllers is they're stuck with that form factor because it's too hard to sell anything different. 'Claw Grip' and and 'Armored Core Nightmare Grip' are a thing because the buttons aren't where they should be.

Without considering dramatic form factor changes something as simple as this would be an improvement. I would be so happy if in Destiny I could move melee from R3 to R4. Accidental melee has killed me a frustrating number of times in PvP. Even with the impending remapping options I'm still left without options. I want my thumbs on the sticks and I want my fingers on Zoom, Jump, Fire, Grenade and Melee. That's 5 functions on 4 buttons. If I had 6 I would throw my super in there without hesitation.

I still wouldn't mind trying dramatic form factor changes like bananerang.

Mice are on a completely different path. I have nothing but praise for mice. The incredible variety means that somewhere out there is a mouse that's comfortable and gives you access to all the buttons you could ever want on one device. Didn't mean to include mice in my blanket statement. An error on my part and I apologize. Mice get my seal of approval.
Mice got it right.

 

[hikarutilmitt]

Nope, this means you can use both the stick and buttons at the same time. Incredibly useful in FPS games.

I honestly cannot think of too many console FPSs were you're using the face buttons for actions repeatedly. The only one I can think of, off the top of my head, is switching my weapon in Destiny with a face button. The thing is, this happens infrequently enough and I'm already doing enough actions that I can take the split second to hit triangle to swap to my weapon and go back to the stick while it's readying. Same with manually reloading.

 

[Nabs]

I honestly don't know how to hold the DS3 without hurting myself.

 

[Hibiki Kurosawa]

Index for both, unless for whatever reason both the right side or left side triggers and bumpers need to be pressed at the same time.

 

[vwnut13]

Usually just index for both, with my finger resting right between the two.

 

[jem0208]

I honestly cannot think of too many console FPSs were you're using the face buttons for actions repeatedly. The only one I can think of, off the top of my head, is switching my weapon in Destiny with a face button. The thing is, this happens infrequently enough and I'm already doing enough actions that I can take the split second to hit triangle to swap to my weapon and go back to the stick while it's readying. Same with manually reloading.

Take Halo for example, depending on your control scheme you can use the face buttons for jumping, crouching, melee, weapon swap, reloading etc.

Being able to jump around whilst aiming is very useful. You're not constantly having to re-adjust after every jump. Obviously you could learn to use Bumper Jumper but then Halo 5 came around and that feels far better having thrust on the bumper (for me at least).


The worst game for it though is GTA. If you want to run anywhere whilst aiming you need to claw.

 

[PreFire]

Index resting on bumpers and middle fingers resting on triggers for all games. Especially racing games, I use the triggers for acceleration and bumpers for gear switching.

I'm a middle-finger guy for the most part (when typing with one finger, when drawing/writing it's the closest finger to the canvas/surface, shooting a jumpshot it's the last finger to touch, it's my trigger finger) it just feels more comfortable for me to use the triggers on controllers with my middle fingers. I leave my index finger out of so many things, like scratching my head for example (I'm noticing as I type)

Not surprised to see most of you guys use your index fingers. Just like all of my friends lol I bet you write with just your index finger and thumb controlling the pen (as opposed to using your middle finger as well) and feel that it's your strongest finger.

Great topic OP and interesting comments

 

[Unaha-Closp]

it depends on the game I am playing. If a game needs me to press L1 and L2 together say or R1, L2 etc then I use index and middle But if not then I just use index fingers. Unless one gets sore from pressing down say in driving games or the like then I will switch.

 

[Quixz]

I hold my controllers in such a way the my middle fingers rest right in the middle underneath the controller.

You end up with this.. Launch DS4

 

[Marceles]

Index fingers for triggers.

The only time I ever hold the controller any other way is if I'm playing Tekken and have to rest the right side the controller on my lap to push multiple buttons at the same time or in quick succession.

 

[EmptySpace]

i'll never understand people who used dualshock 3 with index fingers only.

is that why people were complaining? ps1, 2 and 3 have been largely the same controller.

does that mean you used your index fingers on r2/l2 on ps1 and ps2? why??

i use index and middle fingers - the right way to use the dualshocks. unless you've been brainwashed to use the l2/r2 with index fingers by the 360.

it's faster to press buttons that way as well.


now when i buy the ps4 it isn't ergonomically comfortable for those that have been using it the right way since people demand the l2/r2 be ergonomic to where the index fingers rest.

 

[The Cowboy]

I always used to use index for both bumper and trigger, but i spent a few days using index for bumper and middle for trigger a while back and it stuck - i really do prefer using index and middle fingers..

 

[Ivan]

now when i buy the ps4 it isn't ergonomically comfortable for those that have been using it the right way since people demand the l2/r2 be ergonomic to where the index fingers rest.

Precisely. After two decades of using it like you described, I find it really hard to use L1/L2 and R1/R2 at the same time on DS4.

It's like they made it for shooters only.

In games like fifa, PES, or some action games you really need to use all buttons at the same time.

When I hold ds4 like I should, I find it hard to move my index fingers up to press L1 and R1, it's not ergonomically correct for me.

Some strange angle is formed and I almost have to readjust my grip to press them comfortably. I can press them, but it doesn't feel good.

 

[Rephin]

Index for both.