PC Games That Play Better With A Controller

Generally, PC gaming is synonymous with keyboard and mouse control, 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. Indeed, grand strategy and real-time strategy games spent years bypassing consoles due to the perceived difficulty of gamepad adaptation. While these genres now frequently appear on PlayStation and Xbox, their optimal experience remains firmly rooted in the PC platform.

Although most PC game releases strive for robust keyboard and mouse support, some titles are undeniably enhanced by controllers. Games emphasizing fast-paced movement or intense melee combat are often ideal for gamepad use. Similarly to keyboard and mouse, certain genres are intrinsically linked to controllers, particularly those originating on consoles before transitioning to PC. What are the best controller-centric PC games?

Updated January 7, 2025 by Mark Sammut: 2024 concluded with several notable releases, including Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Infinity Nikki, Marvel Rivals, Path of Exile 2, and Delta Force, all debuting within a short timeframe. Most of these titles not only support keyboard and mouse but arguably excel with them. However, Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered might offer a slightly better experience with a gamepad, although the difference is subtle.

Several upcoming PC game releases in the next month appear well-suited for controller play, though this remains to be confirmed:

• Freedom Wars Remastered – A PS Vita revival echoing the Monster Hunter formula, this title seems naturally aligned with controller use.
• 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 previous remake played better with a controller on PC, and Rebirth's combat system maintains a similar structure.
• Marvel's Spider-Man 2 – Another PS5 exclusive making its PC debut, suggesting a controller-prioritized experience. However, keyboard and mouse support will likely prove adequate.

A 2024 Soulslike game has also been included in this list. See the link below for details.

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Slightly Better With Controllers