Guitar controller support is now live in Fortnite Festival (Rock Band 4 & Riffmaster Guitars Only*, Drum support coming later)

[Lukar]

Figured this was worth a separate thread. Season three of Fortnite Festival (featuring Billie Eilish) begins today, and Harmonix and Epic have finally implemented support for guitar controllers.

https://www.fortnite.com/news/fortnite-festival-season-3-features-billie-eilish

You can now use your Rock Band 4 guitar controllers to go all out on new Pro Lead and Pro Bass song parts on the Main Stage on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC! Check out the table below to see whether your controller is supported with the launch of Season 3.

	PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4	Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One	PC
RIFFMASTER Wireless Guitar Controller for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4	Yes
Rock Band 4 Rivals Wireless Fender™ Jaguar Guitar for PlayStation 4	Yes
Rock Band 4 Wireless Fender™ Stratocaster™ Guitar for PlayStation 4	Yes
RIFFMASTER Wireless Guitar Controller for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC		Yes	Yes
Rock Band 4 Rivals Wireless Fender™ Jaguar Guitar for Xbox One		Yes	Yes (requires the Microsoft Xbox One Wireless Adapter for Windows 10 to use on PC)
Rock Band 4 Wireless Fender™ Stratocaster™ Guitar for Xbox One		Yes	Yes (requires the Microsoft Xbox One Wireless Adapter for Windows 10 to use on PC)

We'll have more instrument controller news to announce in the future, so follow Fortnite Festival's social channels to make sure you don't miss a beat!

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While it's disappointing that pre-Rock Band 4 guitars (including Guitar Hero ones) aren't officially supported, as well as the PlayStation guitars not being officially supported on PC, there are likely workarounds:

• If you're trying to use an older / unsupported guitar on consoles (Guitar Hero, pre-RB4 Rock Band, etc.), the Roll Limitless / Roll Limitless Mini adapters will likely work for you.
  • The Roll Limitless works on PS5 when it's set to native PS4 mode.
  • PS3 guitars currently don't work.
• The RetroCultMods V3 adapter for Wii guitars works, but requires the latest version of the RCM Programming Tool
• The PlayStation version of the Riffmaster does not work on the PC version of Festival at all right now.
• For other unsupported guitars on PC (namely pre-RB4 Rock Band and Guitar Hero guitars), I'm not sure right now. I'll update as more people are able to test their controllers to see what works and what doesn't.

Also, yes, drums don't work in the game right now. However, Harmonix is working on implementing support for them in the future.

If you're able to test your guitar to see if it works, please reply here or in the Festival OT to let folks know! Include your platform, which specific controller you're using, if you're using a Roll Limitless or another adapter, etc. Will be nice to get confirmation either way for all sorts of specific setups.

 

[Jawmuncher]

View: https://x.com/Wario64/status/1782760692791103582

 

[Launchpad]

Oh shit. I'll need to try this with my RB4 Guitar later today.

 

[Cheddahz]

is anyone else having troubles with being able to connect to the game with your rb4 jaguar, but playing the pro lead and pro bass modes only to have the "swap device" message on the screen and you're not able to play with the guitar controller? i'm on series x

 

[Ginger Hail]

Got the new guitar coming (possibly today) and I'm kind of looking forward to it. Then again, maybe my nostalgia will dry up if my hands cramp up again like they did when I bumped into a Guitar Hero arcade cab a few months ago lol.

 

[Lukar]

Got the new guitar coming (possibly today) and I'm kind of looking forward to it. Then again, maybe my nostalgia will dry up if my hands cramp up again like they did when I bumped into a Guitar Hero arcade cab a few months ago lol.

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To be fair, the guitars on those cabinets are hard as hell to use from what I remember lol. They're built to be sturdy, but the frets are a lot harder to press down compared to one of the console guitars as a result. Been a long time since I played GH Arcade, but that's what I remember at least.

 

[Kaim Argonar]

Guitars not available anywhere in Europe?

 

[Lukar]

Acai is currently streaming Riffmaster gameplay, he's using the Xbox controller on PC I believe:


View: https://www.twitch.tv/acai

 

[Clark Zuckerberg]

So even though my PS3 Rock Band guitar works on Rock Band 4 on PS5, it is currently unsupported on Festival, correct? Just want to be 100% sure so I don't bother getting it out of the closet later.

 

[Ginger Hail]

To be fair, the guitars on those cabinets are hard as hell to use from what I remember lol. They're built to be sturdy, but the frets are a lot harder to press down compared to one of the console guitars as a result. Been a long time since I played GH Arcade, but that's what I remember at least.

Click to shrink...

Very fair. It also didn't help that my buddy picked one of the higher tiered songs for us to play lol. Should be able to ease in a bit more here.

 

[Mattmo831]

I can confirm roll limitless works on xbox and playstation for guitars.

retro cult wii adaptors DONT work on PC as of right now

Imma test retro cult wii adaptor on xbox real quick and see if that works

UPDATE: Retro cult mod wii guitar adaptors DO work on xbox :) Edit: i can get the pro lead and bass options to show up, but i cant get the buttons to work once the chart loads up. might be an issue on my end but worth mentioning

 

[Patitoloco]

RB4 Fender PS4 does not work then?

 

[Lukar]

So even though my PS3 Rock Band guitar works on Rock Band 4 on PS5, it is currently unsupported on Festival, correct? Just want to be 100% sure so I don't bother getting it out of the closet later.

Click to shrink...

Correct, but it should work with this:

Roll Limitless Mini

rolllimitless.com

RB4 Fender PS4 does not work then?

Click to shrink...

It works on PS4 and PS5.

I can confirm roll limitless works on xbox and playstation for guitars.

retro cult wii adaptors DONT work on PC as of right now

Imma test retro cult wii adaptor on xbox real quick and see if that works

UPDATE: Retro cult mod wii guitar adaptors DO work on xbox :)

Click to shrink...

Thank you, will add this info to the OP shortly

 

[Kevers]

I don't understand why the PS4 instruments can't work on PC. It's literally just a bluetooth connection.

 

[Mattmo831]

Thank you, will add this info to the OP shortly

Click to shrink...

Edit with retro cult mod adaptors for xbox i can get the pro lead and bass options to show up, but i cant get the buttons to work once the chart loads up. might be an issue on my end but worth mentioning. maybe the firmware needs an update.

 

[Mattmo831]

Sanjay who makes the Santroller firmware just said the next santroller build is gonna have a way for us to use any controller on pc but it needs to have a xb1 controller hooked up to bypass it. So this should work for the retro cult mod adaptors V3 on pc


View: https://x.com/RetroCultMods/status/1782738829276803138

 

[AustinJ]

So excited to jump into this after work.

 

[RiOrius]

I've literally been going through old stuff and getting rid of things, and was *this close* to doing something with my old PS3-era plastic guitars. Sounds like they're not officially supported at the moment, but I reckon there'll be some way to get them working on PC within a few days, right?

If nothing else, this sounds like justification to hang on to them for a few more months at least. I didn't even know Rock Band on Fortnite was a thing, but now that I do, I can expect that there might be some demand for these sometime in the future, so I'd hate to toss 'em now. They've taken up closet space for over a decade: I can wait a little longer...

 

[NoctisLC]

Anyone test the old xplorer GH2 360 guitar with it? thats wired so shouldnt need an adapter.

 

[vitormg]

If I connect my Wii Guitar to PC can I play it? I use it to play the Dolphin emulator RB2 version and it works fine

 

[Lukar]

I've literally been going through old stuff and getting rid of things, and was *this close* to doing something with my old PS3-era plastic guitars. Sounds like they're not officially supported at the moment, but I reckon there'll be some way to get them working on PC within a few days, right?

If nothing else, this sounds like justification to hang on to them for a few more months at least. I didn't even know Rock Band on Fortnite was a thing, but now that I do, I can expect that there might be some demand for these sometime in the future, so I'd hate to toss 'em now. They've taken up closet space for over a decade: I can wait a little longer...

Click to shrink...

The rhythm game community is a dedicated bunch. If there isn't a way to get them working in Fortnite right now, there probably will be one sooner than later.

 

[Mattmo831]

1. Santroller v10.1.0
   • Windows binaries are replaced with an installer, which features in app updates
   • Linux binaries are replaced with an appimage, which features in app updates
   • PS2 guitars no longer hold dpad down
   • Enable MPR121 on arduinos
   • Fix tilt over BT for playstation guitar emulation
   • Fix compliation issues on macos
   • Fix XB1 RB guitar emulation
   • Correctly generate navigation inputs when using GH mode on a XB1
   
   
   
   
2. [6:10 AM]​
   If you want to play fortnite festival in guitar mode, you need to add a XB1 console mode binding
   You also requireauthentication and a XB1 / Series controller, as windows goes through the auth process with XB1 / Series controllers.
   1. Hit add setting
   2. Pick Console Mode Binding
   3. Set the console type to XB1
   4. Pick an input on your guitar (I often use the green fret)
   5. When you want to play, unplug your guitar and hold that input, then plug it back in
   6. At this point it will be emulating a XB1 guitar and the game should work
      

GitHub - Santroller/Santroller: Firmware for using various microcontrollers as controllers.

Firmware for using various microcontrollers as controllers. - GitHub - Santroller/Santroller: Firmware for using various microcontrollers as controllers.

github.com

Those with santroller adaptors (those with USB ports) should shortly be able to play on pc / xbox. you MUST have an xbox one controller plugged in. Those with adaptors (like retro cult) should update to this new firmware shortly.

 

[wiresandwavs]

hey, weird question - on any platform, is there an easy way to bring back up the calibration screen for festival? i wanna try this on series x with my rb4 guitar, but my tv sound bar is touchyyyy.

i know it shows up when you first play, but i could not for the life of me find where to change it later.

 

[Jawmuncher]

View: https://x.com/Wario64/status/1782776153750565059


View: https://x.com/LbabinzUS/status/1782777590316413015

 

[Mattmo831]

hey, weird question - on any platform, is there an easy way to bring back up the calibration screen for festival? i wanna try this on series x with my rb4 guitar, but my tv sound bar is touchyyyy.

i know it shows up when you first play, but i could not for the life of me find where to change it later.

Click to shrink...

Talk to the NPC next to the screen when selecting songs. Or go in options, gameplay, then festival and adjust

 

[nStruct]

As soon as the Xplorer is working I'll hop in

 

[LAA]

Really interested to hear how whether the PS5 Riffmaster works on PC or not (Or if support can be hacked in, because honestly I'd rather have the PS supported version, but I would most want PC support

 

[Qwark]

Really interested to hear how whether the PS5 Riffmaster works on PC or not (Or if support can be hacked in, because honestly I'd rather have the PS supported version, but I would most want PC support

Click to shrink...

People that already have it says the PS version works with PC, but with limited tilt and whammy. XB version seems to have better support. But that's a month old, so things may have changed.

 

[NoobSauceG7]

So on Xbox, do pre RB 4 guitars work if I have the adaptor?

 

[Praxis]

Anyone test the old xplorer GH2 360 guitar with it? thats wired so shouldnt need an adapter.

Click to shrink...

This is what I use for Clone Hero, fucking lame they're gate keeping the peripherals. Not that I like any of the music in Festival, but still.

 

[Lukar]

Really interested to hear how whether the PS5 Riffmaster works on PC or not (Or if support can be hacked in, because honestly I'd rather have the PS supported version, but I would most want PC support

Click to shrink...

People that already have it says the PS version works with PC, but with limited tilt and whammy. XB version seems to have better support. But that's a month old, so things may have changed.

Click to shrink...

Just heard Acai say on stream that the PlayStation version of the Riffmaster doesn't work with the PC version of Festival at all right now.

 

[ned_ballad]

View: https://x.com/Wario64/status/1782776153750565059


View: https://x.com/LbabinzUS/status/1782777590316413015

Click to shrink...

oh hey, finally got an order for my girlfriend. She's gonna be hyped

 

[Jawmuncher]

So on Xbox, do pre RB 4 guitars work if I have the adaptor?

Click to shrink...

You're gonna have to test and let us know lol.
Theoretically it might work though, as the adapter might make any controller seen as a "RB4" controller

 

[LAA]

Just heard Acai say on stream that the PlayStation version of the Riffmaster doesn't work with the PC version of Festival at all right now.

Click to shrink...

Urgh, thanks for the update, shame to hear. Hoping support can be hacked back in.

 

[Lukar]

Community-made guide on current controller support:

FNF Instrument Support Guide

docs.google.com

Shit is... bleak, at the moment. No wonder Harmonix was so tight-lipped before the update went live.

Anyone test the old xplorer GH2 360 guitar with it? thats wired so shouldnt need an adapter.

Click to shrink...

It doesn't work apparently.

So on Xbox, do pre RB 4 guitars work if I have the adaptor?

Click to shrink...

For some stupid reason, no, the official adapter from back in the day doesn't work.

 

[NoobSauceG7]

For some stupid reason, no, the official adapter from back in the day doesn't work.

Click to shrink...

Damn, thanks for the heads up. Saved me trouble of digging it all out. I have a RB4 guitar but I never liked the strummer on those compared to the GH ones so I guess this will be a pass for now.

 

[Lukar]

Damn, thanks for the heads up. Saved me trouble of digging it all out. I have a RB4 guitar but I never liked the strummer on those compared to the GH ones so I guess this will be a pass for now.

Click to shrink...

At the very least, if you're willing to spend a bit of money, the Roll Limitless adapter works for older guitars on Xbox, based on what Mattmo831 said earlier. There's a mini version of the RL that costs $50.

Mattmo831 Which guitar(s) did you test with the Roll Limitless on Xbox?

 

[Mattmo831]

Mattmo831 Which guitar(s) did you test with the Roll Limitless on Xbox?

Click to shrink...

Xplorer with roll limitless + using xbox one controller for authentication

Retro cult mods guy said his update should be out within a couple adaptors so if you have a wii guitar id go that route

 

[chrominance]

The PlayStation version of the Riffmaster does not work on the PC version of Festival at all right now.

Click to shrink...

fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

I am definitely not buying a second guitar just to be able to play on PC. Shit.

 

[Mattmo831]

.

 

[Mattmo831]

That was fast. Retrocult V3 now working with new firmware. Guide to be uploaded shortly on how to update and use it

 

[Sangral]

Where is the quick support for all these third party guitars coming from that I've never hear about? :D
I hope someone releases something so I can make my RB1 Xbox Guitar working here.

 

[Mattmo831]

Where is the quick support for all these third party guitars coming from that I've never hear about? :D
I hope someone releases something so I can make my RB1 Xbox Guitar working here.

Click to shrink...

Roll limitless should work with that and make it work

 

[Sangral]

Roll limitless should work with that and make it work

Click to shrink...

Maybe, but I don't have that adapter. The only thing I would have is a Brook Wingman stick but otherwise I don't have any other extra things here.
I'm hoping someone can find a technique that only includes software tools and plugging my Guitar in.

 

[Mattmo831]

Retro Cult Mod's V3 Update is out and now their adaptors can be used for this mode

Download the RCM Programming Tool - RetroCultMods

Download the latest version of the RCM Programming Tool here: RCM Programming Tool (Windows) RCM Programming Tool (Mac) RCM Programming Tool (Linux) Current Version: 10.1.12 (04/23/24) Once you have downloaded the newest version, open the tool and connect your device. Once connected, click...

retrocultmods.com

 

[HelloItsPulse]

I wonder if PDP is making a drum controller as well, and we will see Drum support launch alongside that release. I have to imagine that with the seemingly big success the riffmaster is, a "Beatmaster" kit would do extremely well.

 

[Jawmuncher]

I wonder if PDP is making a drum controller as well, and we will see Drum support launch alongside that release. I have to imagine that with the seemingly big success the riffmaster is, a "Beatmaster" kit would do extremely well.

Click to shrink...

I imagine that's the plan. See how well the Guitars do and go from there.
Considering the jump in price though, I imagine the Drum Set would be like $200.

Kinda glad I have multiple of those already from the 360 days and one from when Woot sold the Band in a Box for $100

 

[Defect]

I am struggling to get perfect calibration on Series X with the RB4 Stratocaster.

Any tips?

 

[Shift Breaker]

View: https://twitter.com/jfosheezy/status/1782780996116512890?t=6vm94cSVl-be5bsLk7FwzA&s=19

 

[monkyrez]

I really just want to use my 360 Warriors of Rock Guitar on my PC :(. Had to pull out my One X just to use my RB4 Jaguar and the engine felt surprisingly good for instrument play, but man I can't help be annoyed by how they've handled this stuff so far. At the very least, on PC I don't understand why they didn't just allow you to map the buttons and strum to keyboard keys and manually turn on Instrument Mode, which would've allowed for stuff like Joy2Key and other custom guitars to work just fine. (unfortunately I wouldn't be surprised if they had some sort of deal in place with PDP seeing as how I think even the last run of RB4 stuff was by them and those are compatible too.)