"Top PC Games Enhanced by Controller Use"
- By Matthew
- Mar 29,2025
PC gaming is often synonymous with using a keyboard and mouse, and for good reason. Genres such as first-person shooters and strategy games greatly benefit from the precision and control these input methods offer. It can be challenging to adapt to other control schemes for these types of games. Historically, grand and real-time strategy games largely avoided console ports due to the complexities of adapting their controls to gamepads. However, today, these games are increasingly available on PlayStation and Xbox, though they typically perform best on PC.
While most PC games are designed with keyboard and mouse support, some titles are actually enhanced by using a controller. Games that emphasize reflex-based movement or high-octane melee action often feel more natural with a gamepad. Certain genres are closely associated with controllers, particularly those whose flagship titles originated on consoles before transitioning to PC. So, what are the best controller games on PC?
Updated January 7, 2025 by Mark Sammut: The end of 2024 saw the release of several notable titles, including Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Infinity Nikki, Marvel Rivals, Path of Exile 2, and Delta Force, all within a short span. These games generally excel with a keyboard and mouse, often providing a superior experience compared to using a controller. However, Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered might be slightly better with a gamepad, though the difference is minimal.
In the coming month, several PC games are set to launch that could potentially benefit from controller use, though their performance remains to be confirmed:
- Freedom Wars Remastered – A revival of a PS Vita game that follows the Monster Hunter formula, this title is likely to be more enjoyable with a controller.
- Tales of Graces f Remastered – The Tales series has always been better with gamepads, and there's no indication that this remaster will deviate from that trend.
- Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth – The original remake was more enjoyable with a controller on PC, and given the similar combat system, Rebirth is expected to follow suit.
- Marvel's Spider-Man 2 – As another PS5 exclusive transitioning to PC, it typically suggests a controller-first experience, though a keyboard and mouse setup should still be satisfactory.
Additionally, a 2024 Soulslike game has been included in this article. Click below to jump to this title.
