Controller-Enhanced PC Gaming Experiences Revealed

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 these controls offer. Adapting to alternative control schemes in these genres can be challenging. Grand strategy and real-time strategy games, long absent from consoles due to perceived gamepad control limitations, now frequently appear on PlayStation and Xbox, though they often excel on PC.

While most PC games strive for comprehensive keyboard and mouse support, some titles are better suited to controllers. Games emphasizing reflex-based movement or fast-paced melee combat are prime candidates for gamepad use. Similarly to keyboard and mouse, certain genres are inherently linked to controllers, particularly those originating on consoles before transitioning to PC. What are the best PC games to play with a controller?

Updated January 7, 2025 by Mark Sammut: 2024 concluded strongly, with several high-profile releases like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Infinity Nikki, Marvel Rivals, Path of Exile 2, and Delta Force debuting in close succession. Most of these titles not only support keyboard and mouse but arguably perform better with them than a controller. However, Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered might offer a slightly enhanced experience with a gamepad, although the difference is minimal.

Several upcoming PC game releases (within the next month) appear well-suited for controller play, though their actual performance remains to be seen:

• Freedom Wars Remastered – A PS Vita revival echoing the Monster Hunter formula, ideally played with a controller.
• Tales of Graces f Remastered – The Tales series consistently shines with gamepads, and this remaster is expected to follow suit.
• Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth – The PC version of the remake favored controller input, and Rebirth's combat system closely mirrors its predecessor.
• Marvel's Spider-Man 2 – Another PS5 exclusive transitioning to PC, suggesting a controller-centric design. However, keyboard and mouse will likely provide adequate control.

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

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Slightly Better With Controllers