Controller-Optimized PC Games Enhance Gameplay

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 input devices offer. Adapting to alternative controls in these genres can be challenging. Grand strategy and real-time strategy games, long PC exclusives, are now common on consoles, though they often excel on PC.

While most PC games offer keyboard and mouse support, some are better suited to controllers. Games emphasizing fast-paced movement or melee combat often pair perfectly with gamepads. Just as with keyboard and mouse, certain genres are intrinsically linked to controllers, especially those originating on consoles before arriving on PC. What are the top controller-friendly PC games?

Updated January 7, 2025 by Mark Sammut: 2024 concluded strongly with several notable releases including Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Infinity Nikki, Marvel Rivals, Path of Exile 2, and Delta Force. Most of these titles are excellent with keyboard and mouse, arguably surpassing controller input. However, Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered might be slightly better with a gamepad, although the difference is minimal.

Several upcoming PC game releases (within the next month) appear well-suited for controller use, although this remains to be confirmed:

• 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 benefits from gamepad control, and this remaster is expected to follow suit.
• Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth: The original remake favored controller input on PC, and Rebirth's combat system is very similar.
• Marvel's Spider-Man 2: Another PS5 exclusive porting to PC, typically optimized for controller use first, although keyboard and mouse will likely be adequate.

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

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Slightly Better With Controllers