Top PC Games Enhanced by Controller Use

Generally speaking, PC gaming is often associated with the use of a keyboard and mouse, and for good reason. Genres such as first-person shooters and strategy games greatly benefit from the precision and control offered by this setup, making it challenging to adapt to other input methods for these types of games. For years, grand and real-time strategy games largely bypassed consoles due to the complexities of adapting their intricate controls to gamepads. Today, however, these genres have found a home on PlayStation and Xbox, though they tend to perform best on PC.

While many PC games are designed with keyboard and mouse support in mind, there are certain titles that are better suited to controllers. Games that emphasize fast-paced movement or intense melee combat often feel more natural with a gamepad. Just as certain genres are closely linked with keyboard and mouse setups, others are traditionally associated with controllers, especially when their flagship series originated on consoles before transitioning to PC. So, what are some of the best controller games available on PC?

Updated January 7, 2025 by Mark Sammut: The end of 2024 was marked by the release of several notable games, including Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Infinity Nikki, Marvel Rivals, Path of Exile 2, and Delta Force, all of which launched within days of each other. These titles are generally well-suited to keyboard and mouse controls, often offering a superior experience compared to using a controller. However, Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered may be slightly more enjoyable with a gamepad, though the difference is minimal.

In the coming month, several upcoming PC games are expected to potentially excel with a controller, though their actual performance remains to be seen:

• Freedom Wars Remastered – This remaster of a PS Vita game follows the Monster Hunter formula, making it a prime candidate for controller play.
• Tales of Graces f Remastered – The Tales series has always been more enjoyable with a gamepad, and there's no indication that this remaster will deviate from that trend.
• Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth – Given that the remake was better played with a controller on PC, and considering Rebirth's combat system closely mirrors its predecessor, a controller is likely the best choice.
• Marvel's Spider-Man 2 – As another PS5 title making its way to PC, it's expected to offer an optimal experience with a controller, though keyboard and mouse controls will likely be satisfactory.

Additionally, a 2024 Soulslike game has been included in this article. Click below to jump to this title.

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Slightly Better With Controllers