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 setup. 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 frequently appear on PlayStation and Xbox platforms. However, these titles often perform optimally on PC.
While most PC games strive for robust keyboard and mouse support, some titles are better suited to controllers. Games emphasizing reflex-based movement or fast-paced melee combat often lend themselves perfectly to gamepad use. Similarly to keyboard and mouse, certain genres are strongly associated with controllers, especially those originating on consoles before transitioning to PC. What are the best PC games played with a controller?
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 launching within days of each other. Most of these games are not only playable with a keyboard and mouse but arguably excel with this control scheme. That being said, Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered might offer a slightly better experience with a gamepad, although the difference is minimal.
Several upcoming PC game releases in the next month appear well-suited for controller use, though this remains to be confirmed:
- Freedom Wars Remastered – A PS Vita revival mirroring the Monster Hunter formula, this title seems naturally suited to controller play.
- Tales of Graces f Remastered – The Tales series consistently performs better with gamepads, and this remaster is expected to follow suit.
- Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth – The PC version of the remake plays better with a controller, and Rebirth's combat system closely resembles its predecessor.
- Marvel's Spider-Man 2 – Another PS5 exclusive transitioning to PC, suggesting a controller-centric design. However, keyboard and mouse input will likely be acceptable.
A 2024 Soulslike game has also been added to this list. See the link below for details.
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