PC Games That Play Better With A Controller

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 input devices offer. Adapting to alternative controls in these genres can be challenging. Grand strategy and real-time strategy games, historically console-absent due to control limitations, now frequently appear on PlayStation and Xbox, though they often excel on PC.

While many PC games offer keyboard and mouse support, some are better suited to controllers. Games emphasizing reflex-based movement or fast-paced melee combat are often ideal for gamepad use. Similarly to keyboard and mouse, certain genres are intrinsically linked to controllers, especially franchises 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: 2024 concluded strongly with several high-profile releases like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Infinity Nikki, Marvel Rivals, Path of Exile 2, and Delta Force, all debuting in close succession. Most of these games 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, although the difference isn't substantial.

Several upcoming PC game releases (within the next month) appear well-suited to controller use, though this remains to be confirmed:

• Freedom Wars Remastered – A PS Vita revival echoing the Monster Hunter formula, naturally lending itself to controller play.
• Tales of Graces f Remastered – The Tales series consistently performs better with gamepads, and this remaster is expected to follow suit.
• Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth – The PC version of the remake favored controller input, and Rebirth's combat system closely mirrors its predecessor.
• Marvel's Spider-Man 2 – Another PS5 exclusive making its way to PC, suggesting a controller-centric experience, though keyboard and mouse will likely be functional.

A 2024 Soulslike game has also been added to this article. Click below to jump to this title.

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Slightly Better With Controllers