What are the best controller games? While mouse and keyboard setups are beloved by PC gamers, some titles truly shine with the tactile precision of a controller. From intense action RPGs to high-speed racers, discover the must-play PC games that offer full controller support and deliver an enhanced, more immersive experience. Get ready to swap your traditional inputs for a gamepad and dive into gaming bliss!
Here are some of the best PC games to play with a controller:
Elden Ring
When venturing into the challenging world of soulslike games, Elden Ring stands out as a monumental experience that is best enjoyed with a controller. These incredibly difficult action RPGs require precise movements and split-second reactions for dodging, parrying, and attacking the formidable bosses you’ll encounter. While some players have famously conquered Elden Ring using unusual inputs like a musical harp or even a children’s toy, it’s undeniable that FromSoftware designs its soulslikes with a gamepad in mind. For the most immersive and responsive gameplay, a controller is simply essential.
Hollow Knight Silksong
Just like its predecessor, Hollow Knight Silksong is designed for controller play, even if it’s technically possible with a mouse and keyboard after significant key remapping. Team Cherry’s highly anticipated sequel presents a notable increase in difficulty, pushing players to be well-prepared. With a controller, however, you might even achieve a flawless, hitless playthrough. Navigating the numerous combat encounters and intricate platforming sections across Pharloom, whether battling formidable bosses or discovering hidden areas, requires the exact precision offered by an analog stick’s continuous directional input. Hornet’s diverse array of tools and abilities demand quick execution, and a controller keeps every action within easy reach. Many consider Silksong to be an unparalleled Metroidvania experience, making a gamepad an absolute must for this title.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4
Though the Pro Skater series can be played with a keyboard, the game itself suggests using a controller for the optimal experience – and for good reason. Achieving high scores and dominating leaderboards demands absolute control over your skater. This fantastic remake, combining the third and fourth entries in the legendary series, invites you on a global journey to showcase your skateboarding prowess. With a wealth of unique objectives in each level, from grinding challenging obstacles to mastering elaborate stunt gauntlets, both campaigns offer endless fun. Plus, an online mode lets you compete against top players or simply enjoy casual skate sessions with friends.
Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero
Most fighting games are best played with a controller, but arena fighters like Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero particularly benefit from analog precision. Navigating a full 360-degree battlefield and managing the camera can be tricky, especially with powerful opponents rushing at you. Beyond movement, the game features a vast array of combos for each character, and mastering this complex muscle memory is significantly easier with the streamlined inputs of a controller compared to a keyboard and mouse. Critics have hailed Sparking! Zero as the “sequel fans have prayed for,” noting its accessibility for newcomers to the Budokai Tenkaichi series while still offering a deep, challenging experience for veterans. For those ready to unleash their inner Super Saiyan, a controller is highly recommended.
Rocket League
Rocket League uniquely blends the thrill of soccer with high-octane driving simulation, making it one of the top free-to-play PC titles for arcade enthusiasts. The premise is simple: cars, a ball, and a soccer pitch, creating an explosive and addictive experience. Rocket League masterfully combines Hot Wheels-style action with the beautiful game. Its low barrier to entry and quick match durations make it ideal for casual pick-up-and-play sessions. However, using a controller provides a significant advantage over keyboard and mouse users, offering superior steering control. With a gamepad, you can effortlessly boost, jump, and flip your way to victory, dominating the arena with precision and agility.
Batman Arkham
Many third-person action-adventure games feel custom-built for controllers, and the critically acclaimed Batman Arkham series is no exception. Although keyboard and mouse players might find a slightly more responsive camera and precise gadget aiming, these advantages are minor compared to the sheer intuition and comfort of controlling the Dark Knight with analog sticks and triggers. Rocksteady’s renowned “Freeflow” combat system truly flourishes with a controller, making it much easier to chain together combos and earn those satisfying Freeflow Perfection achievements.
Monster Hunter World
The arrival of Monster Hunter on PC was eagerly awaited, and since Monster Hunter World launched on the platform, Capcom has continued to impress. While a successor title has garnered praise, its initial performance challenges make Monster Hunter World an even more appealing choice. Whether you’re new to the series or a veteran hunter, this game is a fantastic option—that is, if you have a controller. While skilled keyboard and mouse players can certainly master World, it’s significantly simpler to manage the extensive array of inputs and complex combat mechanics with a gamepad. Consider this your friendly warning!
Cuphead
Ah, Cuphead. Studio MDHR’s charming run-and-gun boss battler, with its delightful 1930s cartoon aesthetic, quickly disarms you before unleashing a brutal, punishing difficulty. This game is notoriously challenging with a keyboard and mouse. You’ll likely need to extensively remap keys just to make it playable, and even then, Cuphead’s relentless bullet-hell boss encounters offer no time to search for the correct input. With projectiles constantly barraging the screen and enemies darting everywhere, precise and immediate reactions are crucial. If you aspire to conquer Cuphead’s toughest challenges, a controller is an indispensable tool.
Forza Horizon 5
For the ultimate driving simulation experience, nothing beats a high-quality PC steering wheel. However, if that’s not an option, a controller is undoubtedly the next best choice. Traditional WASD or arrow keys simply cannot replicate the nuanced, incremental control offered by an analog stick, which is vital when you’re pushing a Hennessey Venom F5 to over 300 mph in Forza Horizon 5. Playground Games excels at crafting racing titles, and Forza Horizon 5 delivers a sprawling open world, blending beautiful Mexican landscapes with dynamic weather and an incredible selection of vehicles. Prepare to hit the gas and explore this breathtaking racing paradise.
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
For a satisfying dose of ’90s nostalgia, few games compare to the iconic 3D platforming of Crash Bandicoot. This beloved franchise, originally a PlayStation powerhouse, finally leaped to PC with the N. Sane Trilogy remaster after more than two decades. Unsurprisingly, a controller is the ideal way to guide this energetic bandicoot. Whether you’re tackling devilishly tricky levels like Road to Nowhere and Stormy Ascent or outsmarting the cunning Dr. Cortex, a keyboard and mouse simply won’t provide the precision and control needed for Sony’s classic mascot.
FF7 Remake
FF7 Remake, as a direct PC port, unfortunately offers limited native mouse and keyboard support. While technically playable, it often requires extensive and inconvenient key remapping. Although community mods exist to improve party and menu navigation, the simplest and most comfortable solution is to use a controller. While many of these input issues were addressed in the follow-up title, FF7 Rebirth, you’ll find the initial chapter of Cloud’s epic saga much smoother with a gamepad. After exploring these top controller-friendly titles, you might also want to check out other fantastic PC games. Ultimately, the choice between a controller and traditional keyboard and mouse is personal, but for these specific titles, a gamepad offers a superior experience.