Fix Big Walk PS5 microphone not picking up your voice in proximity chat. The "Mute Game Voice Chat" toggle is on by default for this game - here is exactly where to find it and turn it off.
Mic fixPS5 only1 min fix
The core problem
Your PS5 mic works everywhere except Big Walk
Your controller mic or headset works in the PS5 system menu and other games, but Big Walk ignores it entirely. The cause: "Mute Game Voice Chat" is enabled by default for Big Walk on PS5, even if it is off for other games. This is the most consistently reported fix.
Do this first
Turn off Mute Game Voice Chat
1Press the PS button on your controller while in Big Walk (or on the home screen) to open the Control Center.
2Go to the Sound section in the Control Center quick menu.
3Find "Mute Game Voice Chat" - it may be shown specifically for the current game.
4Toggle it Off.
5Return to Big Walk and test by speaking near other players. Proximity chat only transmits when you are close enough - this is by design.
Multiple players confirmed this fix worked immediately for both controller mics and headsets (including third-party headsets like the Stealth 600 Gen 3). The setting is per-game, so fixing it for Big Walk does not affect your other games.
If that didn't work
Secondary checks
1Switch mic device. If you have both a controller mic and a headset, try toggling between them in the PS5 Sound settings. One may be selected as default but not transmitting.
2Test mic detection in PS5 Settings > Sound > Microphone. Confirm the system sees input on the device you want to use.
3Restart Big Walk after changing any audio setting. Some players needed a full game restart for the toggle to take effect.
4If volume is still low after the mute fix, check for post-launch patches. An early update adjusted volume scaling for quieter mic setups.
Key decisions
Choices that affect your mic
Controller mic or headset?
Headsets generally give clearer audio. The controller mic works but picks up more ambient noise. Both work once Mute Game Voice Chat is off.
Use Discord instead?
Not recommended. Big Walk is designed around proximity voice - distance, walls, and walkie-talkies all affect what you hear. External voice removes the puzzle challenge the game is built around.
Why is proximity chat so quiet?
By design. Voices fade with distance and muffle through walls. Stand close and face the speaker. Grab a walkie-talkie or megaphone for long-range communication.
Reinstall the game?
No. This is a settings issue, not a game file issue. Reinstalling will not change the Mute Game Voice Chat default. Fix the toggle first.
Common pitfalls
Mistakes to avoid
XAssuming it is a hardware issue. If your mic works in the PS5 system menu and other games, the hardware is fine. Check Mute Game Voice Chat first.
XOnly checking the system-wide mute. The per-game "Mute Game Voice Chat" toggle is separate from the global mic mute. Both need to be off.
XReinstalling Big Walk before trying the toggle. Unnecessary. The fix is a single setting change in the PS5 Control Center.
XExpecting global party chat. Proximity chat is intentional. Your voice only reaches nearby players and is blocked by walls and distance.
XNot restarting after changing settings. Some players needed a full game restart for the audio toggle to take effect.