Controller-Enhanced PC Gaming Extravaganza

Generally, PC gaming is synonymous with keyboard and mouse controls, and for good reason. Genres like first-person shooters and strategy games benefit significantly from the precision these inputs offer. Adapting to alternative controls in these genres can be challenging. Grand strategy and real-time strategy games, long absent from consoles due to control limitations, now see PlayStation and Xbox ports, though they often excel on PC.

While most PC games strive for robust keyboard and mouse support, some titles are better suited to controllers. Games emphasizing reflex-based movement or fast-paced melee combat are ideal for gamepad use. Just as keyboard and mouse are associated with certain genres, controllers are similarly linked to others, particularly those originating on consoles before transitioning to PC.

What are the best PC games to play with a controller?

Updated January 7, 2025 by Mark Sammut: Late 2024 saw several high-profile releases, including Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Infinity Nikki, Marvel Rivals, Path of Exile 2, and Delta Force. Most of these titles are not only playable with keyboard and mouse but arguably better with them than a controller. However, Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered might be slightly better with a gamepad, though the difference is minimal.

Several upcoming PC game releases (within the next month) appear well-suited for controller use, though their actual performance remains to be seen:

• Freedom Wars Remastered – A PS Vita revival echoing the Monster Hunter formula, this game seems naturally suited to controller play.
• Tales of Graces f Remastered – The Tales series consistently plays better with gamepads, and this remaster is expected to follow suit.
• Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth – The PC version of the remake is better played with a controller, and Rebirth's combat closely mirrors its predecessor.
• Marvel's Spider-Man 2 – Another PS5 exclusive making its PC debut, usually implying a controller-centric experience. Keyboard and mouse may still prove adequate, however.

A 2024 Soulslike game has also been added to this list. Click below to jump to this entry.

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Slightly Better with Controllers