Playing Horizon Forbidden West on Windows 11 should be a smooth and enjoyable experience. However, sometimes you might encounter issues where melee attacks don’t work properly. This can be frustrating, especially if melee combat is a key part of your gameplay style.
Fortunately, there are several straightforward ways to fix this problem. You don’t need to be a tech expert to follow these steps. Just a little patience and attention to detail will help you get back to fighting with ease.
This guide will walk you through each step carefully, starting from the simplest solutions. By the end, you should understand why the melee feature might fail and how to address it effectively.
Let’s get started with some quick checks before moving on to detailed troubleshooting.
Quick Note: Prerequisites and Basic Checks
- Check Your Game Version: Ensure Horizon Forbidden West is fully updated. Developers often release patches fixing bugs, including input issues.
- Verify Windows 11 Updates: Having the latest Windows updates helps with compatibility and driver support.
- Confirm Controller Connection: If you use a controller, make sure it’s properly connected and recognized by your PC.
- Restart the Game and PC: Sometimes, a simple restart can clear temporary glitches affecting input.
Step 1: Verify Game Files to Fix Corrupt or Missing Data
Corrupted or missing game files can cause features like melee to malfunction. Verifying your game files will ensure everything is intact.
- Open the game launcher you use (e.g., Steam, Epic Games Launcher).
- Go to your game library and find Horizon Forbidden West.
- Right-click the game title and select Properties.
- Find the option for Verify Integrity of Game Files and click it.
- Wait for the process to complete. It will automatically repair any corrupted or missing files.
After verification, launch the game and test if melee works.
Step 2: Update Your Graphics and Controller Drivers
Outdated drivers can interfere with game inputs and performance. Updating your graphics card and controller drivers can often fix melee issues.
Updating Graphics Drivers
- Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand the Display adapters section.
- Right-click your graphics card and choose Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for updated driver software and follow prompts.
- Alternatively, visit your GPU manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) to download the latest drivers.
Updating Controller Drivers
- In Device Manager, expand the Human Interface Devices or Sound, video and game controllers section.
- Right-click your controller and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
Restart your PC after updating drivers to ensure changes take effect.
Step 3: Adjust In-Game Control Settings
Sometimes, incorrect key bindings or controller configurations cause melee not to respond.
- Open Horizon Forbidden West and go to Settings.
- Navigate to Controls or Input settings.
- Check the melee attack key/button assignment.
- If it looks incorrect or blank, reassign it to your preferred key/button.
- Save changes and test melee in-game.
Resetting control settings to default can also help if you’re unsure what was changed.
Step 4: Disable Conflicting Background Applications
Some programs running in the background might interfere with game inputs. This includes overlay software, key mappers, or third-party controller utilities.
- Close unnecessary programs before launching the game.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Look for apps like Discord overlays, Steam overlays, or controller configuration tools.
- Right-click these apps and select End Task.
- Try running the game again.
If melee works after closing certain apps, consider disabling those apps’ overlays or features permanently.
Step 5: Run the Game as Administrator
Running Horizon Forbidden West with administrator privileges can solve permission-related input issues.
- Close the game if it’s running.
- Right-click the game shortcut or executable file.
- Select Properties, then go to the Compatibility tab.
- Check the box for Run this program as an administrator.
- Click Apply and then OK.
- Launch the game and check if melee attacks function.
Advanced Option: Reinstall the Game
If none of the above steps work, reinstalling Horizon Forbidden West may fix deeper issues.
- Backup your saved game data if needed.
- Uninstall the game via your launcher or Windows settings.
- Restart your computer.
- Download and install the game fresh.
- Verify that melee is working after reinstall.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why does my melee attack button do nothing in Horizon Forbidden West?
This can happen due to corrupted game files, outdated drivers, incorrect key bindings, or conflicting software interfering with input.
Can a wireless controller cause melee input problems?
Yes, connection issues or driver problems with wireless controllers can cause input lag or failure. Try reconnecting or using a wired connection for testing.
Is it necessary to update Windows 11 for gaming?
Yes, keeping Windows updated ensures compatibility with new games and fixes bugs that may affect gaming performance.
Will changing the key binding fix melee attacks not working?
Sometimes, yes. If the original key binding is corrupted or conflicting with another command, reassigning it can restore functionality.
How do I know if a background app is causing input issues?
Closing apps one by one and testing the game can help identify conflicts. Apps with overlays or controller customization features are common culprits.
When Nothing Works: Final Resort Options
If you have tried all the steps above without success, consider these final options:
- Contact Game Support: Visit the official Horizon Forbidden West support page for help and to report bugs.
- Check Community Forums: Look for similar issues on Reddit, Steam Discussions, or official forums where other players share solutions.
- Update or Roll Back Drivers: Sometimes the latest drivers cause problems. Trying older versions or beta drivers might help.
- Perform a Clean Boot: This starts Windows with minimal drivers and startup programs to isolate software conflicts.
Useful official links:
Conclusion
Fixing melee not working in Horizon Forbidden West on Windows 11 can be straightforward if you follow the right steps. Starting with simple checks like verifying game files and updating drivers usually solves most problems.
Adjusting in-game settings and closing conflicting background apps further improves input reliability. If issues persist, running the game as administrator or reinstalling are effective last steps.
By carefully troubleshooting in this logical order, you can enjoy smooth melee combat without frustration. Remember to keep your software updated and reach out to official support if needed. Happy gaming!