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PC Games That Play Better With A Controller

by Lily Feb 12,2025

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 offered by this input method. Adapting to alternative controls in these genres can be challenging. Grand strategy and real-time strategy games, long absent from consoles due to perceived control limitations, now see PlayStation and Xbox ports, though they often excel on PC.

While most PC games strive for robust keyboard and mouse support, some are better suited to controllers. Games emphasizing fast-paced movement or intense melee combat often pair perfectly with gamepads. Similar to keyboard and mouse, certain genres are strongly associated with controllers, particularly those originating on consoles before making their way to PC. So, what are the best controller-friendly 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 days of each other. Most of these titles not only support keyboard and mouse but arguably play better with them than a controller. However, Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered might be slightly better with a gamepad, though the difference isn't substantial.

Several upcoming PC game releases in the next month appear well-suited to controller use, though their actual performance remains to be seen:

Freedom Wars Remastered: A PS Vita revival echoing the Monster Hunter formula, making controller use logical.
Tales of Graces f Remastered: The Tales series consistently benefits from gamepad controls, and this remaster is expected to follow suit.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth: The original remake played better with a controller on PC, and Rebirth's combat system closely resembles its predecessor.
Marvel's Spider-Man 2: Another PS5 exclusive transitioning to PC, typically implying controller prioritization. However, keyboard and mouse may still prove adequate.

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