PC Games That Are Better With A Controller

Normally talking, PC gaming is synonymous with a keyboard and mouse, and for excellent explanation why. Genres like first-person shooters and technique receive advantages a great deal from the enhanced accuracy supplied by means of this keep watch over scheme, and it may be tricky to develop acquainted with the use of anything for video games that fall inside those classes. Grand and real-time technique tasks spent a long time ignoring consoles because the considered adapting their controls for gamepads appeared futile; this present day, this style isn’t any stranger to PlayStation and Xbox ports, despite the fact that its representatives have a tendency to be at their absolute best on PC.

Whilst maximum releases attempt to come with right kind beef up for keyboard and mouse setups, a couple of PC Video games are higher with controllers. Titles that target reflex-based motion or high-octane melee motion have a tendency to be best suits for gamepads. Very similar to keyboard and mouse, a couple of genres are related to controllers, particularly if their primary franchises began on consoles and in the end made their method to computer systems. What are the absolute best controller video games on PC?

Up to date November 12, 2024 by means of Mark Sammut: The ultimate month or so produced a number of PC video games which can be arguably higher suited to controllers than keyboards and mice. Whilst one recreation warrants particular dialogue, a couple of different honorable mentions require fast mentions:

• Ys 10: Nordics – Maximum JRPGs basically goal consoles and controllers, however Ys is a slight exception because of its historical past with computer systems. That stated, the franchise’s trendy 3-D video games are in most cases higher suits for gamepads, particularly since they had been apparently designed with PlayStation techniques in thoughts. Nonetheless, PH3 worked on optimizing the PC port of Ys 10, together with bettering the Ok+M.
• Sonic X Shadow Generations – Normally, Sonic is controller-focused, and this remake with new content material isn’t any exception.
• Purple Lifeless Redemption – Infrequently unexpected {that a} recreation that was once console-exclusive for greater than a decade performs higher with a controller. Rockstar applied first rate Ok+M controls, although.

1 Dragon Age: The Veilguard

Each Are Fantastic, However Controller Suits The Struggle Machine Smartly

Ah, how issues have modified. Because it took somewhat a couple of courses from BioWare’s Baldur’s Gate entries, Dragon Age: Origins was once and nonetheless is supposed to be performed with a keyboard and mouse. That setup is only a higher have compatibility for the tactical-style fight, and the sport is very easily higher on PC than consoles (despite the fact that it’s nice at the latter too). With each and every new access, BioWare continuously driven the franchise in opposition to a extra action-oriented territory. Dragon Age 2 was once no longer an enormous departure from its predecessor, however Inquisition shifted to just about MMO-type fight. Either one of those sequels are nonetheless awesome with a Ok+M, despite the fact that they’re greater than high quality with controllers.

The Veilguard finished Dragon Age‘s transition into motion RPG territory, to the purpose of containing few similarities to Origins and even DA2. Garnering reward and complaint in reasonably equivalent measure, the sport is amongst 2024’s maximum divisive, with nearly each and every component apparently polarizing gamers. That extends to the fight, which is absolutely real-time and accommodates few in the best way of strategic parts. Whilst a laugh, it may not be precisely what each and every Dragon Age craves.

The Veilguard is excellent with a keyboard and mouse, so gamers preferring that keep watch over scheme must in most cases be OK. It simply does no longer supply a lot in the best way of benefits over a gamepad. The fight additionally simply feels made for a controller, extra so than a Ok+M.

2 Dragon Ball: Sparking! 0

Smartly, It Is An Enviornment Fighter

Whilst Dragon Ball video games are somewhat commonplace, Sparking! 0 is other. The 2024 liberate is ready inside the Budokai Tenkaichi sequence, which produced 3 PS2 titles which can be nonetheless very talked-about amongst fanatics of the franchise. There were somewhat a couple of nice DB video games since 2007, however none somewhat controlled to scratch the similar itch as BT3. Sparking! 0 reached that promised land, presenting a contemporary evolution that very a lot preserves the vintage trilogy’s attraction.

Sparking! 0 had an excessively a hit Steam release, so a large number of PC gamers have added the undertaking to their libraries. Whilst statistics don’t seem to be to be had, there must be 1000’s of people who find themselves sticking to a keyboard and feature to conquer a finding out curve since 3-D enviornment combatants are just about all the time designed with controllers in thoughts. Then again, if anyone has a long time of keyboard enjoy in the back of them, they nonetheless would possibly really feel extra relaxed taking at the recreation’s demanding situations and not using a gamepad, although it could put them at an obstacle in each the multiplayer and one of the most more difficult AI fights. Additionally, make no mistake, Sparking! 0 can also be somewhat tricky because it throws a large number of mechanics at gamers.

3 Warhammer 40,000: House Marine 2

Going In opposition to Same old Protocol

Normally talking, shooters are higher with a keyboard and mouse; on the other hand, like with the whole thing, exceptions exist. Now, to be honest, House Marine 2 isn’t purely a third-person shooter. Right through the marketing campaign, gamers are more likely to spend extra time attractive in melee fight over ranged struggle, and the latter comes with an attractive beneficiant purpose help that reduces the requirement for pinpoint accuracy.

Past that, House Marine 2‘s default Ok+M setup is reasonably awkward and calls for some adjusting (both via observe or rebinding keys). The controller is more uncomplicated and obtainable proper out of the field, supplied it really works.

4 Lords Of The Fallen

Soulslike Controls Perfected (On Controllers)

A couple of exceptions apart, maximum Soulslikes must be performed with a controller. In recent times, the subgenre’s choices have steadily began to do a greater process of catering to keyboard + mouse purists, attaining the purpose the place maximum tasks are greater than playable on this state. The similar extends to Lords of the Fallen, which doesn’t deal with the standard PC keep watch over scheme as an afterthought. Avid gamers can rebind their keys as they prefer, letting them craft an enjoy that fits their fancy. And, they’ll most probably want to perform a little tweaking because the default setup can also be overwhelming.

Compared, Lords of the Fallen‘s controller setup must be able to move proper out of the gate. The whole thing is smart and feels completely optimized for the fight machine, making sure gamers wouldn’t have to waste an excessive amount of time looking for one thing that works for them.

5 Forza Horizon 5

Take a seat Again & Chill out

Maximum racing video games in most cases play higher with a controller than a keyboard or mouse. For racing sims, a high quality wheel is tips on how to pass, however the similar does not all the time cling true for arcade racers. When using the quickest automobiles in Forza Horizon 5, gamers would possibly in finding themselves maximum happy with a controller because the cars have a tendency to be more uncomplicated to direct.

Forza Horizon 5 is a calming recreation with somewhat somewhat of downtime as gamers will spend an important period of time using via Mexico whilst admiring the vistas. A controller suits the tone and pacing of the sport properly because it lets in customers to take a seat again and sit back extra readily.

6 Destiny/Samurai Remnant

Extra Intuitive On A Gamepad

A stand-in for mainly each and every Musou undertaking, Destiny/Samurai Remnant is obviously designed with controllers in thoughts. Now, to be transparent, the sport is completely playable the use of a keyboard + mouse setup, and gamers can remap key bindings as wanted. Due to this fact, die-hard Destiny fanatics who’re enthusiastic about attempting this excellent access within the franchise must be high quality although they do not personal a gamepad; on the other hand, that doesn’t imply each keep watch over schemes are equivalent. Switching stances or selecting arts/particular assaults are extra intuitive on a controller, which is typically the case for a lot of these releases.

Destiny/Samurai Remnant is arguably essentially the most formidable recreation within the license up to now. That includes a shockingly massive (albeit segmented) open-world, the identify casts gamers as Miyamoto Iori, a ronin who unexpectedly unearths himself in a Holy Grail Battle. Along his servant, Saber, he should defeat six different masters, which comes to construction connections with different competition and rogue warriors.

7 Black Delusion: Wukong

Really useful Via Developer

Black Delusion: Wukong‘s Steam web page comprises a message from the developer recommending the usage of a controller, and it’s tricky to argue in contrast standpoint. The 2024 RPG implements concepts from Soulslikes and personality motion video games, two genres which can be in most cases related to gamepads; that stated, Black Delusion: Wukong is most commonly high quality with a keyboard and mouse. That isn’t to mention they’re equivalent or awesome to a controller, however they’re usable and (naturally) supply extra wiggle room for personalization. Due to this fact, individuals who have a tendency to want Ok+M must take a look at that keep watch over scheme quite than routinely default to a controller.

Nonetheless, Black Delusion: Wukong was once very clearly created with a gamepad in thoughts, and the fight feels specifically at house when certain to that peripheral. The sport just about follows a chairman rush structure, guiding gamers from one epic battle to the following; in consequence, the marketing campaign maintains a reasonably excessive degree of issue that items little room for error. As such, the controller must reduce the training curve.

8 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge

Nearer To An Arcade Stick & Higher For Native Co-Op

The easiest way to play a beat ’em up that could be a transparent throwback to the ’90s arcade scene is to get a battle stick, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge isn’t any exception. Then again, it’s not value purchasing a brand new peripheral for only one recreation, so maximum gamers will most probably make do with both a controller or keyboard. The latter’s bindings can also be remapped, however there’s a explanation why keyboards don’t seem to be in most cases related to beat ’em ups – they do not somewhat really feel proper.

Shredder’s Revenge is at house on a controller, particularly if the sport’s native co-op characteristic is applied. The sport truly comes alive when multiple participant is taking part, and this procedure will nearly without a doubt require a couple of other folks to pick out up gamepads.

9 Pace Extremely

Seamlessly Teleport With A Controller

FuturLab’s Pace Extremely is an leading edge shoot ’em up puzzle recreation that emphasizes motion over gunplay, despite the fact that the latter works high quality as properly. Avid gamers keep watch over a boat that may teleport with the clicking of a button, and this mechanic serves because the gameplay’s core. Necessarily, ranges characteristic various useless ends that may handiest be triumph over by means of moving via a wall, and FuturLab unearths various a laugh and difficult tactics to include and extend this idea. And, pace is a large a part of the enjoy.

Whilst supporting a keyboard and mouse, Pace Extremely isn’t a herbal have compatibility for the peripherals, and gamers will most probably want to tweak the important thing bindings to search out person who fits them. On the other hand, they are able to simply select up a controller and lower out the entire guesswork. The fight additionally calls for gamers to fireside bombs in all instructions, which is more uncomplicated to perform with thumbsticks.

Pace 2X
is even higher than its predecessor, however the recreation is tricky to come back by means of on PC.

10 Yakuza 0

Actual Yakuza Use A Gamepad

Yakuza 0 does not cover the truth that it’s intended to be skilled with a controller as some of the first issues the sport does is throw out a disclaimer suggesting as a lot. A keyboard and mouse set-up must paintings high quality for exploration and many of the mini-games, however controllers are higher suited for the beat-’em-up fight.

Yakuza 0 is a delightfully quirky open-world recreation with a gripping storyline that serves as a powerful creation to this long-running sequence. So, select up a controller and step into Kiryu and Majima’s footwear.

11 Psychonauts 2

3-D Platformers Are Easiest For Controllers

Psychonauts 2 can also be noticed as a stand-in for platformers basically, specifically 3-D ones. For essentially the most section, those video games take pleasure in the extra exact motion supplied by means of an analog stick, whilst they’re typically designed to make use of a controller’s buttons as intuitively as conceivable.

Psychonauts 2 is going one step additional by means of together with a fight machine that calls for fast reflexes and the incorporation of a Psi-Powers wheel, each issues that really feel higher via a controller.

12 Fortress Crashers

Xbox Origins Shines Via

Fortress Crashers debuted in 2008 at the Xbox 360, and it didn’t come to PC till greater than 4 years later. Unsurprisingly, the sport’s console origins can also be noticed in its controls as they’re extra intuitive with a controller. That isn’t to mention {that a} keyboard and mouse can not get the process performed, however it is going to take some being used to; in the meantime, Fortress Crashers simply feels proper on a gamepad.

Fortress Crashers casts gamers as knights who’re tasked with saving 4 princesses. Whilst stress-free solo, the side-scroller additionally helps co-op; actually, it’s arguably the best method to enjoy the identify. Even though enjoying out like a hack and slash beat ’em up, Fortress Crashers may be a mild RPG that permits gamers to degree up their characters, unlocking new assaults alongside the best way.

13 Crash Bandicoot 4: It is About Time

The Energy Of Nostalgia

As anyone who grew up with the PS1 and Crash Bandicoot, the considered enjoying a recreation within the sequence with the rest however a controller sounds mistaken. That stated, this is merely nostalgia and no longer an indictment of the franchise’s trendy makes an attempt to combine keyboard and mouse controls. Truthfully, the N. Sane Trilogy works somewhat properly on a keyboard, particularly because the unique video games had been designed with a d-pad in thoughts. They may take some adjusting, however they aren’t too unhealthy. The sequels also are somewhat simple so long as the participant isn’t a completionist.

Crash Bandicoot 4 is a fairly other case. At first, the long-awaited successor was once designed from the bottom as much as have compatibility trendy sensibilities, because of this a extra herbal implementation of analog controls. That stated, the d-pad can nonetheless be helpful sometimes, particularly since It is About Time would possibly simply be the toughest access within the franchise. Even striking apart the entire relics and trophy runs, the bottom content material ramps up the trouble so much by means of the tip of the marketing campaign.

14 Ultimate Delusion 7 Remake

A PC Port Of A PS5 Recreation, And It Displays

Launched on PC in December 2021, Ultimate Delusion 7 Remake is a polarizing port. Hanging apart its different problems, the JRPG works properly sufficient with a keyboard and mouse, within the sense that there is not enter lengthen and the characters really feel responsive. Then again, attaining this degree calls for remapping the keyboard and mouse format because the default settings are somewhat extraordinary. Allowing anyone is keen to take a couple of mins to remap the buttons, FF7 Remake is solely manageable and not using a controller.

That stated, it’s nonetheless fairly higher with a controller. The motion RPG was once designed for the PS4, and it presentations. The fight is tailored for a controller’s button format, and it simply feels “proper.” Maximum JRPGs which can be ported to PC are typically higher with a controller.

15 Sheepy: A Quick Journey

Developer Recommends Controller

When anyone boots up Sheepy: A Quick Journey, they’ll be greeted with a message pointing out that the sport is supposed to be performed with a controller. Platformers are, clearly, no longer not possible to play with a keyboard and mouse, and the similar can also be stated for this identify; on the other hand, if achievable, tasks must be skilled as meant by means of their creators.

Extra importantly, Sheepy: A Quick Journey is incredible, and it comes with a degree of polish and grace this is spectacular for a free-to-play undertaking. Whilst handiest lasting kind of an hour, the sport accomplishes so much on this length, handing over a shockingly efficient tale (and lore) in conjunction with gameplay that evolves somewhat somewhat right through the adventure. The visuals are shocking, and so they lend a hand deliver to existence a peculiar and engaging international that has noticed higher days.

At release on Steam,
Sheepy: A Quick Journey
had a subject the place the gamepad would no longer paintings for some customers. The developer has said the problem and launched patches to deal with it.

16 Kingdom Hearts (All Of Them)

PS2 Heritage

Kingdom Hearts has been on PC for somewhat a very long time, however the franchise were given an important spice up in publicity by means of debuting the HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX compilation bundle and Kingdom Hearts 3 on Steam in June 2024. That ecosystem’s gamers now have get right of entry to to actually the entire tale, and finishing Kingdom Hearts calls for making an investment loads upon loads of hours. Because the video games beef up a keyboard and mouse, the controls can also be realized if anyone is keen to place in the effort and time; after some time, they’ll really feel 2nd nature, although each and every access introduces a couple of mechanics that shake up the scheme that must be memorized. With the exception of for the primary recreation, many of the entries’ primary campaigns are reasonably forgiving, with typically only some if truth be told difficult boss fights. Kingdom Hearts 2 and 3 are specifically simple.

Nonetheless, the entire video games are tailored for gamepads, demonstrating the IP’s PlayStation 2 origins. Whilst no longer specifically tricky, Kingdom Hearts likes to stack mechanics on best of one another, specifically in sequels like Delivery by means of Sleep. Those techniques are well-tuned for controllers, making it easy to control the whole thing and make the most of the entire to be had choices. They’re just a little extra bulky on a keyboard and mouse.

17 Famous person Wars Jedi: Survivor

Lackluster Ok+M Choices At Release

PC gamers were given the quick finish of the stick when it got here to EA’s Famous person Wars Jedi: Survivor. Whilst no longer unplayable, the Soulslike identify introduced with efficiency and optimization problems that soured what was once differently a powerful core enjoy. Additionally, Survivor dropped the ball on the subject of keyboard and mouse beef up by means of no longer together with the way to rebind the WASD arrow keys, one thing that was once conceivable in its predecessor, Fallen Order. The omission of this option was once a peculiar backward step, particularly because the recreation differently had first rate accessibility choices.

Jedi: Survivor encourages the usage of a controller, and maximum PC other folks will most probably have to show to that possibility or make the most of mods. A majority of these video games have a tendency to be meant for gamepads, however a keyboard and mouse setup must nonetheless be a legitimate selection that doesn’t come throughout as an afterthought.

18 Atlas Fallen

Deck13’s Video games Are Normally Higher With Controllers

Deck13 has spent the decade that specialize in motion RPGs with Soulslike fight. Unsurprisingly, each The Surge video games are higher suits for controllers, and the similar might be stated for 2014’s Lords of the Fallen, despite the fact that that liberate is tricky to counsel in any shape. Even though no longer an enormous departure from the developer’s earlier tasks, 2023’s Atlas Fallen nonetheless covers new territory, providing a fight machine this is nearer to the hack and slash style than Darkish Souls. Then again, the sport keeps some parts from Deck13’s earlier releases, together with an emphasis on studying the enemy’s moveset and loadout selection within the type of a momentum machine that permits gamers to release new skills and abilities as a praise for appearing properly in fight.

Atlas Fallen is a blended bag. The tale has doable however is let down by means of a bland presentation. Whilst somewhat gorgeous from time to time, the semi-open-world will get repetitive since many of the spaces are deserts. The enemies are in most cases a laugh to battle, however they’re recycled somewhat too ceaselessly all the way through the second one part of the marketing campaign. The fight is fast moving and gratifying, and the momentum machine provides a large number of replay price; on the other hand, the digicam can get in the best way all the way through battles. Atlas Fallen has various excellent concepts that don’t absolutely come in combination, developing an entire this is first rate quite than nice. Nonetheless, this identify may hit the spot with any person on the lookout for a hack and slash AA recreation, despite the fact that PC gamers must preferably have a controller to be had.

19 Hole Knight

No Want To Make The Recreation Even Tougher

Hole Knight is a masterpiece that are supposed to be performed in any shape. If anyone is hesitant to check out the sport as a result of they do not have get right of entry to to a controller, they must imagine taking the plunge anyway since it’s completely playable with a keyboard and mouse. It’s only no longer superb, as has a tendency to be the case with maximum 2D Metroidvanias that prioritize platforming and reflex-based fight.

Hole Knight is reasonably tricky at its very best, and the long marketing campaign is full of competitive bosses who punish even the slightest of errors. A controller could make those sections fairly extra manageable, and those moments upload up over the lengthy, lengthy marketing campaign.

20 Hello-Fi Rush

Press To The Rhythm

Tango Gameworks’ Hello-Fi Rush got here out of literal nowhere, and the third-person motion recreation in an instant cemented itself as one among 2023’s nicest surprises. Mixing hack and slash fight with a way of rhythm, Hello-Fi Rush‘s brilliance lies in its suave implementation of song. If gamers are rewarded for shifting in conjunction with the beat within the type of extra assault injury and even an extra combo. Even enemies strike to compare the soundtrack, so anyone may if truth be told grasp the fight by means of rising acquainted with the song. This is a nice machine that enhances the sport’s tale, visible genre, and humorousness.

Now, third-person melee motion video games have a tendency to be nice suits for controllers, although somewhat a couple of of them are completely high quality with a keyboard and mouse. Even though without a doubt playable the use of the latter, Hello-Fi Rush receives some distinctive advantages from the previous. As such, a controller is tips on how to pass if anyone plans to play Tango’s pleasant identify.