Generally speaking, PC gaming is synonymous with a keyboard and mouse, and for good reason. Genres like first-person shooters and strategy benefit greatly from the improved accuracy provided by this control scheme, and it can be difficult to grow accustomed to using anything else for games that fall within these categories. Grand and real-time strategy projects spent decades ignoring consoles since the thought of adapting their controls for gamepads seemed futile; nowadays, this genre is no stranger to PlayStation and Xbox ports, although its representatives tend to be at their best on PC.
While most releases try to include proper support for keyboard and mouse setups, a few PC games are better with controllers. Titles that focus on reflex-based movement or high-octane melee action tend to be perfect fits for gamepads. Similar to keyboard and mouse, a few genres are associated with controllers, especially if their main franchises started on consoles and eventually made their way to computers. What are the best controller games on PC?
Updated January 7, 2025 by Mark Sammut: 2024 ended on a fairly high note, with Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Infinity Nikki, Marvel Rivals, Path of Exile 2, and Delta Force all debuting within a few days of each other. For the most part, those games are not only great with a keyboard and mouse but arguably better than with a controller. That said, Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered is probably a bit better with a gamepad, although the difference is not huge.
Over the next month, the following PC games will be released that seem like they could shine brighter with a controller, although it remains to be seen whether that is the case:
- Freedom Wars Remastered – Reviving a PS Vita game that follows the Monster Hunter formula, this release makes sense to play with a controller.
- Tales of Graces f Remastered – Tales games are consistently better with gamepads, and there is nothing to suggest this remaster will be different.
- Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth – The remake plays better with a controller on PC, and Rebirth's combat system is very similar to its predecessor.
- Marvel's Spider-Man 2 – Another PS5 exclusive making the jump to PC, which usually means a controller-first experience. That said, a keyboard and mouse will probably be fine.
A 2024 Soulslike game has also been added to this article. Click below to jump to this title.
Quick Links
1. Ys 10: Nordics
Slightly Better With Controllers
Ys 10: Nordics, the latest entry in the long-running Ys series, is designed with both keyboard and mouse and controller support. However, the fast-paced action and fluid movement mechanics are slightly better experienced with a controller. The precision and comfort of a gamepad can enhance the dynamic combat and exploration that are hallmarks of the Ys franchise.
