In FFXIV on controller, almost everything runs through the Cross Hotbar (XHB): hold a trigger, press a face button or D-pad direction. Discord user bug designed an experimental ergonomic layout around one idea: every chord is one or two held buttons on the left plus a single press on the right.

The concept

The modifiers sit on the left side, and the XHB's two diamonds are mirrored by the button arrangement on the right. Because L1 and R1 are used less, L2 and R2 can be pressed with any part of the fingers, so the left hand doesn't need to stay curled. Round-edged keycaps may make that even more comfortable. An alternate arrangement that may be easier to learn is also shown.

Final version

After extensive playtesting, bug swapped R1 with L1 and R3 with L3. R3 is the frequently used Duty Action button and is also mapped to the Command Panel. If you swap hotbars with R1 often, a D-Brake (MX style) switch lets you press it with your palm. The result: noticeably less strain.

Advanced: Steam Input chords

Community member Qmzn suggests going further on PC: move R3 to the left-hand up key, unbind it in Steam, and set R3 + face-button chords to send D-pad directions. Your right hand then never leaves the four face buttons, and the freed D-pad inputs can become keyboard 1-4 for extra hotbar slots or /chotbar change macros.

Download the Final Fantasy XIV SWORL profile

FFXIV (bug): Download sworl-final-fantasy-xiv.json

{"board":"SWORL","profile":0,"buttons":[8,9,7,10,13,0,3,5,6,11,12,2,1,4]}

How to import a SWORL layout

1. Download the .json file above, or copy the code into a text file and save it with a .json extension.
2. Open the file in a text editor and change the "profile" value to the slot you want, minus one (Profile 1 = 0, Profile 5 = 4), so you don't overwrite an existing profile.
3. Open the SWORL configurator, connect your SWORL and import the file.

Similar games to try on the SWORL

If you like Final Fantasy XIV on the SWORL, these games play well with a similar setup:

• The Elder Scrolls Online
• Guild Wars 2
• World of Warcraft
• Black Desert
• Warframe

Layout by bug and Qmzn from the JunkFood Arcades Discord. Have a layout of your own? Share it in the #sworl-layouts channel.

Don't have a SWORL yet? Check out the SWORL Multiconsole and SWORL Basic.