Controller-Enhanced Gaming Dominates the PC Realm

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. Indeed, grand strategy and real-time strategy games largely ignored consoles for decades due to the perceived difficulty of gamepad adaptation. While now common on PlayStation and Xbox, these titles often remain superior on PC.

Although most PC releases strive for robust keyboard and mouse support, some games are better suited to controllers. Games emphasizing reflex-based movement or fast-paced melee combat are prime candidates for gamepad use. Similar to keyboard and mouse, certain genres are intrinsically linked to controllers, especially those originating on consoles before transitioning to PC. So, what are the best controller-centric PC games?

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 are not only compatible with keyboard and mouse but arguably play better with them. However, Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered might offer a slightly enhanced experience with a gamepad, though the difference isn't substantial.

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

• Freedom Wars Remastered – A PS Vita revival echoing the Monster Hunter formula, making controller use logical.
• 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 favors controller input, and Rebirth's combat system closely mirrors its predecessor.
• Marvel's Spider-Man 2 – Another PS5 exclusive transitioning to PC, typically implying a controller-first design. However, keyboard and mouse should still prove functional.

A 2024 Soulslike game has also been included in this updated article. Click below to jump to this title.

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Slightly Better With Controllers