PC Games You Should Play With A Controller

The debate between keyboard and mouse versus controller has been around forever. Dedicated PC gamers won’t budge from their beloved WASD keys, while controller users cherish the analog stick and buttons. It’s not about one being better than the other; both have their pros and cons.

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Most PC games come with built-in controller support, but it’s clear they’re designed with a keyboard and mouse in mind. On the flip side, some games take a different approach, promoting the use of controllers for a more seamless gaming experience. Certain game developers are considerate of controller users in the PC gaming realm.

Updated on November 19, 2024, by PJ Molloy: Several outstanding games have launched on Steam over the past couple of months. We’ve updated the list to recap which of the latest titles feel better with a controller.

19

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero

Go Super Saiyan In This 3D Fighter

If you like Dragon Ball, then Sparking Zero is right up your alley. Set in the Budokai Tenkachi series, this 3D fighter pits you against iconic heroes and villains from the shows and movies. Everything from the fast-paced combat to the stunning animations is top-notch, making it a must-play for anime fans.

Much like other 3D fighting games, this one is best played with a gamepad. Not only is it more comfortable for racking up combos, but it also saves your keyboard from taking a beating due to rapid-fire inputs. You don’t want any keys falling off, after all.

Raise An Army And Claim The Throne

From the director of Persona 5, Metaphor: ReFantazio is an epic medieval JRPG with all the social simulation, dungeon-crawling, and visual novel segments you know and love from other Atlus titles. Take control of Will, who must raise an army and enter the Royal Tournament to win the title of heir to the throne.

While it’s certainly possible to play with a mouse and keyboard, using a controller feels better overall, especially when moving the camera. It makes exploration much easier to do, so make sure to pick up a gamepad before heading into dungeons.

17

Super Meat Boy

Put Your Platforming Skills To The Test

You know a controller is essential when the title screen threatens you with violence if you use a keyboard. The first thing you see when starting Super Meat Boy is a randomly selected message demanding you plug in a gamepad. Needless to say, you should probably listen to it.

Super Meat Boy is notoriously one of the hardest platformers ever made, featuring devilish level design, extremely precise jumps, and deadly obstacles galore. Accuracy, comfort, and near perfection are vital to reaching the end credits. Pick up a controller if you want to stand a chance.

16

Forza Horizon 5

Race Across The World

Systems

Released

November 9, 2021

Developer(s)

Playground Games

Any fan of racing games will tell you to pick up a controller before getting behind the wheel. The case in point is Forza Horizon 5. This high-speed open-world adventure has you zooming through the streets of Mexico in search of missions and races to compete in. Like most racers, you’ll have a much better time if you bring along a gamepad.

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For starters, using an analog joystick allows for more control over your speed. Even the subtlest changes in acceleration or breaks can mean the difference between first and last place, which is much harder to pull off while using keys. Not to mention, a controller provides much smoother steering, which is also vital to winning challenges.

15

Pizza Tower

The Silliest Platformer On Steam

Systems

Released

January 26, 2023

Developer(s)

Tour De Pizza

Publisher(s)

Tour De Pizza

Pizza Tower made a big splash for several reasons, including its goofy sense of humor, Wario Land-inspired platforming, and art style reminiscent of ’90s cartoons. But above all else, this indie platformer is famous for its arcade-style score attack system, which ranks you based on your combos and point count. To get that almighty P-rank, you’ll need a controller, for sure.

Obtaining a high score requires nothing less than perfection. Not only must you complete two laps around the level within a strict time limit, but you must also keep your combo going by constantly pummeling enemies and grabbing every collectible in sight. That kind of precision is much easier to perform with a joystick and buttons.

14

Yakuza 0

Real Yakuza Use A Gamepad

Yakuza 0 is so much better with a controller that even Sega is vocal about it. When booting up the game, you’re greeted with a disclaimer saying, “Real Yakuza use a gamepad.” Granted, some minigames work just fine with a keyboard and mouse. When it comes to combat, however, you might want to grab your controller before heading into battle.

Firstly, button-mashing is generally more comfortable with a joystick and buttons than constantly whacking your poor keyboard. Second, the game was designed with gamepad support in mind, making the mouse and keyboard seem more like a finicky afterthought than a helpful alternative. If you want to conquer the criminal underworld, make sure you do it with a controller in hand.

13

Stray

Play As A Cat In A Cyberpunk World

Stray is upfront about controllers — you will have a better gaming experience using one. There are several chase sequences where timing and accuracy are crucial. One wrong move with a mouse could result in you becoming zurk food.

It’s possible to play with the keyboard and mouse, but in this case it might be best to listen to B12 (the developers, not the drone) and go with a controller for smoother gameplay. Your nerves and hands will thank you for it.

12

Dark Souls Series

Embark On A Gothic Adventure

If you’ve played any Dark Souls game on a console, you’re familiar with their challenging nature, even with a controller. Now, picture playing them on a PC – you have to map the keys and remember them. If you’re not accustomed to it, it’s not ideal. Games like these are typically better suited for a controller due to quicker reflexes and responses. You might miss a key when using a keyboard, leading to your demise.

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While it’s possible to play these games with a mouse and keyboard, it can be quite tough. Although achievable, you’ll likely have a better experience using a controller.

11

Persona Series

Three Iconic JRPGS

The Persona games were ported to the PC in 2023. Persona 3 Portable and Persona 4 Golden were made for the PlayStation Portable and PlayStation Vita. Persona 5 Royal originally came out on PlayStation 4 and 5.

The series had been console-only up to this point, so it makes sense that a controller would be more convenient. The turn-based attack sequences don’t require the kind of finesse a controller offers, but there are puzzles and stealth sequences that will make you grateful for having a joystick instead of a mouse.

10

Cuphead

Revisit The ’30s In This Challenging Run-And-Gun

Cuphead is a 2D platformer with a cute aesthetic inspired by 1930s cartoons. Don’t be fooled by that, however. It’s a deceptively difficult run-and-gun, with different buttons for the four main moves — parrying, dashing, locking in place, and using Super Art.

You might find yourself spending the first few minutes of the game repeatedly adjusting keybinds, trying to find a combination that works for you. A controller just feels more natural for that style of gameplay (although you’ll probably still want to configure the controls to your liking).

9

Horizon Zero Dawn

Explore A Vast Open World

Console ports play better with controllers. It’s a natural fact. And it’s especially true for Horizon Zero Dawn, which had a rough start on the PC. Even with all the patches to address technical issues, the game could never move away from its controller origins.

Like all games, it’s playable with a keyboard and mouse, but you’ll find yourself struggling with the game mechanics that were clearly meant for joysticks. It’s a core part of gameplay, and you’ll probably like it better.

8

Life Is Strange

Get Immersed In A Powerful Story

While there isn’t much action in the narrative-driven game, there are some finicky mechanics in Life Is Strange that are easier with a controller — specifically, Max’s ability to travel through time via photographs.

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Using the keyboard and mouse to focus on the photo isn’t nearly as easy or precise, and you’ll find yourself constantly frustrated at your inability to complete this small task. It’s far easier using the joysticks on a controller. Once you get used to it, you might even be able to predict exactly what position you need the joysticks to be in.

7

Dragon’s Dogma 2

Fighting Monsters Is Better With A Gamepad

You can tell a game is best played with a controller when it explicitly recommends it, like in the case of Dragon’s Dogma 2. Certain actions, such as executing skills while on the move, require multiple simultaneous key presses, which is not very convenient for your fingers.

While it’s still possible to manage with a mouse and keyboard, using a controller offers a smoother experience, especially during intense boss fights against creatures like Griffins or Behemoths. You’ll need to maneuver swiftly, time your attacks accurately, and climb onto enemies to strike their weak spots. The controller just feels like it was made for this kind of gameplay.

6

A Hat In Time

A Love Letter To Classic 3D Platformers

A Hat In Time is a 3D platformer that takes inspiration from games like Super Mario 64, which is evident in its gameplay and mechanics. You’ll pull off tight maneuvers and object manipulations that are hard to do with a keyboard and mouse. It’s very similar to the games it emulates.

It recognizes keyboard and mouse controls, but it’ll definitely make for a tougher time. If you’re familiar with Nintendo 64 games and their mechanics, you’ll probably be able to pick it up much faster with a controller.

5

Streets Of Rage 4

Grab A Controller Before You Beat People Up

This game is a faithful tribute to the original Streets of Rage trilogy from the Sega Genesis console, right down to the graphics and controls. Streets of Rage 4 is simply better with a controller.

There’s something about button mashing on a controller that is more satisfying than it is on the keyboard (along with less risk of breaking something). You’ll be happier and have a more enjoyable experience if you play it with a controller, just like the original series.

4

Sonic Frontiers

The Blue Blur’s First Open-World Adventure

Fans of the Sonic series will know that these games move fast, and Sonic Frontiers is no exception. 3D platformers are better with controllers overall, and Frontiers doesn’t make much effort to incorporate keyboard and mouse controls.

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You’ll have a better time and enjoy yourself much more if you use a controller, and for long-time fans, it’ll feel nostalgic. Who doesn’t love the rush of hitting a jump or boost at the last second and watching Sonic go?

3

Lies Of P

A Dark Reimagining Of A Classic Fary Tale

Soulslike games are designed to be played with a controller, and even then, they can be challenging. Lies of P was a pleasant surprise in 2023, capturing the essence of the soulslike genre with a touch of Bloodborne, weaving a dark and grim narrative where you take on the role of Pinocchio.

While we can assure you that playing this game with a controller will provide a better experience, we won’t promise it’ll be easy. However, it’s definitely easier than using a mouse and keyboard.

2

Hades

Escape From The Underworld

Hades is a bit unique. There are instances in this roguelike where it’s better to use a controller and times when it’s better to use a keyboard and mouse. Ranged weapons especially benefit from a keyboard and mouse, as it allows for more control over aiming.

However, you’ll have a better time with the game if you use a controller. The combat feels more natural with a controller, making it easier to pull off fast maneuvers later in the game when you have to dodge a lot and stay alive.

1

Elden Ring

A Must-Play Action RPG

Elden Ring is an action RPG that will test your skills, reflexes, and patience. You’ll want easy access to your weapons and shields when you’re fighting for your life, and not having to depend on your pinky to reach the right key will make the process slightly less difficult.

In general, having all the buttons you need in a small space that you can reach with a thumb will help a lot when it comes to most aspects of gameplay. But the fights, where you could always be one missed jump away from dying, really drive the point home.

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