PC Games That Play Better With A Controller

Usually talking, PC gaming is synonymous with a keyboard and mouse, and for good cause. Genres like first-person shooters and technique profit vastly from the improved accuracy supplied by this management scheme, and it may be troublesome to develop accustomed to utilizing the rest for video games that fall inside these classes. Grand and real-time technique initiatives spent many years ignoring consoles because the considered adapting their controls for gamepads appeared futile; these days, this style is not any stranger to PlayStation and Xbox ports, though its representatives are typically at their greatest on PC.

Whereas most releases attempt to embody correct help for keyboard and mouse setups, a number of PC Video games are higher with controllers. Titles that target reflex-based motion or high-octane melee motion are typically good matches for gamepads. Much like keyboard and mouse, a number of genres are related to controllers, particularly if their predominant franchises began on consoles and ultimately made their approach to computer systems. What are the greatest controller video games on PC?

Up to date August 18, 2024: Together with the introduction of one other recreation, open-critic scores have been added for each mission that has one.

1

Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot (Or Most Anime Enviornment Fighters)

Controller Works Effectively Sufficient Out Of The Field

Fairly a number of 3D anime preventing video games are, in the beginning, designed with consoles in thoughts, to the purpose that PC ports weren’t that widespread for an extended whereas. These days, most huge releases debut on PC proper alongside the console variations, and they need to at all times attempt to supply good keyboard and mouse help. Sadly, this peculiar subgenre has a behavior of falling brief within the space, presenting default key bindings which are somewhat unintuitive. Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot isn’t essentially the worst instance of this (small) development, however it’s value highlighting as a consequence of its reputation and recency. Hopefully, it is not going to get replaced by Sparking! Zero.

Associated

Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot — All Playable Characters, Ranked

Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot has a lot of the nice characters followers of the franchise have come to like, however which of the playable ones are the most effective?

Now, to its credit score, the sport provides gamers the liberty to remap keys to swimsuit their style; consequently, with a little bit of trial and error, they need to be capable of discover a system that works for them. That stated, the usual bindings usually are not nice and pretty uncomfortable. Whereas not probably the most advanced fighter on the market, DBZ: Kakarot has fairly a number of mechanics as a consequence of its heavy RPG implementation, creating this unusual mission that’s each easy but additionally difficult. Even the controller’s mapping comes with a studying curve, particularly if somebody isn’t that aware of a majority of these releases.

2

Lords Of The Fallen

Soulslike Controls Perfected (On Controllers)

Just a few exceptions apart, most Soulslikes ought to be performed with a controller. Lately, the subgenre’s choices have steadily began to do a greater job of catering to keyboard + mouse purists, reaching the purpose the place most initiatives are greater than playable on this state. The identical extends to Lords of the Fallen, which doesn’t deal with the standard PC management scheme as an afterthought. Gamers can rebind their keys as they like, permitting them to craft an expertise that fits their fancy. And, they may seemingly must do some tweaking because the default setup will be overwhelming.

Compared, Lords of the Fallen‘s controller setup ought to be able to go proper out of the gate. Every part is sensible and feels completely optimized for the fight system, making certain gamers wouldn’t have to waste an excessive amount of time looking for one thing that works for them.

3

Forza Horizon 5

Sit Again & Loosen up

Most racing video games typically play higher with a controller than a keyboard or mouse. For racing sims, a top quality wheel is the way in which to go, however the identical would not at all times maintain true for arcade racers. When driving the quickest vehicles in Forza Horizon 5, gamers may discover themselves most snug with a controller because the automobiles are typically simpler to direct.

8:51

Associated

13 Greatest Co-Op Open-World Video games, Ranked

Listed here are quite a lot of choices for the most effective co-op video games that may be skilled in an open world setting.

Forza Horizon 5 is a soothing recreation with fairly a little bit of downtime as gamers will spend a big period of time driving by Mexico whereas admiring the vistas. A controller matches the tone and pacing of the sport effectively because it permits customers to take a seat again and chill extra readily.

4

Destiny/Samurai Remnant

Extra Intuitive On A Gamepad

A stand-in for principally each Musou mission, Destiny/Samurai Remnant is clearly designed with controllers in thoughts. Now, to be clear, the sport is completely playable utilizing a keyboard + mouse setup, and gamers can remap key bindings as wanted. Subsequently, die-hard Destiny followers who’re taken with attempting this excellent entry within the franchise ought to be superb even when they do not personal a gamepad; nonetheless, that doesn’t imply each management schemes are equal. Switching stances or selecting arts/particular assaults are extra intuitive on a controller, which is often the case for a majority of these releases.

Destiny/Samurai Remnant is arguably probably the most bold recreation within the license thus far. That includes a surprisingly giant (albeit segmented) open-world, the title casts gamers as Miyamoto Iori, a ronin who abruptly finds himself in a Holy Grail Warfare. Alongside his servant, Saber, he should defeat six different masters, a course of that entails constructing connections with different rivals and rogue warriors.

5

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge

Nearer To An Arcade Stick & Higher For Native Co-Op

One of the simplest ways to play a beat ’em up that could be a clear throwback to the ’90s arcade scene is to get a combat stick, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge is not any exception. Nevertheless, it isn’t value shopping for a brand new peripheral for only one recreation, so most gamers will seemingly make do with both a controller or keyboard. The latter’s bindings will be remapped, however there’s a cause keyboards usually are not usually related to beat ’em ups – they do not fairly really feel proper.

2:03

Associated

12 Greatest Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Video games, Ranked

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have starred in lots of video games, and a few are a lot better than others.

Shredder’s Revenge is at dwelling on a controller, particularly if the sport’s native co-op function is utilized. The sport actually comes alive when multiple participant is collaborating, and this course of will virtually definitely require a number of folks to select up gamepads.

6

Velocity Extremely

Seamlessly Teleport With A Controller

Velocity Extremely

Programs

Launched

July 2, 2013

Developer(s)

FuturLab

FuturLab’s Velocity Extremely is an progressive shoot ’em up puzzle recreation that emphasizes motion over gunplay, though the latter works superb as effectively. Gamers management a ship that may teleport with the press of a button, and this mechanic serves because the gameplay’s core. Basically, ranges function loads of useless ends that may solely be overcome by shifting by a wall, and FuturLab finds loads of enjoyable and difficult methods to include and increase this idea. And, velocity is an enormous a part of the expertise.

Whereas supporting a keyboard and mouse, Velocity Extremely isn’t a pure match for the peripherals, and gamers will seemingly must tweak the important thing bindings to search out one which fits them. Alternatively, they’ll simply decide up a controller and lower out all of the guesswork. The fight additionally requires gamers to fireside bombs in all instructions, which is less complicated to perform with thumbsticks.

7

Yakuza 0

Actual Yakuza Use A Gamepad

Yakuza 0 would not conceal the truth that it’s meant to be skilled with a controller as one of many first issues the sport does is throw out a disclaimer suggesting as a lot. A keyboard and mouse set-up ought to work superb for exploration and a lot of the mini-games, however controllers are higher suited to the beat-’em-up fight.

Yakuza 0 is a delightfully quirky open-world recreation with a gripping storyline that serves as a powerful introduction to this long-running collection. So, decide up a controller and step into Kiryu and Majima’s sneakers.

8

Psychonauts 2

3D Platformers Are Good For Controllers

Psychonauts 2 will be seen as a stand-in for platformers generally, notably 3D ones. For probably the most half, these video games profit from the extra exact motion supplied by an analog stick, whereas they’re often designed to make the most of a controller’s buttons as intuitively as doable.

Associated

10 Newbie Ideas For Psychonauts 2 You Want To Know

These seeking to soar into the platforming world of Psychonauts 2 as Raz will want these easy newbie ideas to assist them on their journey.

Psychonauts 2 goes one step additional by together with a fight system that requires fast reflexes and the incorporation of a Psi-Powers wheel, each issues that really feel higher by a controller.

9

Fort Crashers

Xbox Origins Shines By way of

Fort Crashers debuted in 2008 on the Xbox 360, and it didn’t come to PC till greater than 4 years later. Unsurprisingly, the sport’s console origins will be seen in its controls as they’re extra intuitive with a controller. That is to not say {that a} keyboard and mouse can not get the job accomplished, however it can take some getting used to; in the meantime, Fort Crashers simply feels proper on a gamepad.

Fort Crashers casts gamers as knights who’re tasked with saving 4 princesses. Whereas pleasant solo, the side-scroller additionally helps co-op; in truth, it’s arguably the best approach to expertise the title. Though enjoying out like a hack and slash beat ’em up, Fort Crashers can be a light-weight RPG that enables gamers to degree up their characters, unlocking new assaults alongside the way in which.

10

Crash Bandicoot 4: It is About Time

The Energy Of Nostalgia

As anyone who grew up with the PS1 and Crash Bandicoot, the considered enjoying a recreation within the collection with something however a controller sounds mistaken. That stated, that’s merely nostalgia and never an indictment of the franchise’s fashionable makes an attempt to combine keyboard and mouse controls. Actually, the N. Sane Trilogy works fairly effectively on a keyboard, particularly because the authentic video games have been designed with a d-pad in thoughts. They could take some adjusting, however they aren’t too unhealthy. The sequels are additionally fairly straightforward so long as the participant isn’t a completionist.

Crash Bandicoot 4 is a barely totally different case. Firstly, the long-awaited successor was designed from the bottom as much as match fashionable sensibilities, which implies a extra pure implementation of analog controls. That stated, the d-pad can nonetheless be helpful once in a while, particularly since It is About Time may simply be the toughest entry within the franchise. Even placing apart all of the relics and trophy runs, the bottom content material ramps up the issue loads by the top of the marketing campaign.

11

Closing Fantasy 7 Remake

A PC Port Of A PS5 Recreation, And It Reveals

Closing Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade

Programs

Launched on PC in December 2021, Closing Fantasy 7 Remake is a polarizing port. Placing apart its different points, the JRPG works effectively sufficient with a keyboard and mouse, within the sense that there is not enter delay and the characters really feel responsive. Nevertheless, reaching this degree requires remapping the keyboard and mouse structure because the default settings are fairly uncommon. Allowing somebody is keen to take a couple of minutes to remap the buttons, FF7 Remake is completely manageable with out a controller.

That stated, it’s nonetheless barely higher with a controller. The motion RPG was designed for the PS4, and it exhibits. The fight is tailored for a controller’s button structure, and it simply feels “proper.” Most JRPGs which are ported to PC are often higher with a controller.

12

Sheepy: A Quick Journey

Developer Recommends Controller

Sheepy: A Quick Journey

Programs

Launched

February 6, 2024

Developer(s)

MrSuicideSheep

When somebody boots up Sheepy: A Quick Journey, they are going to be greeted with a message stating that the sport is supposed to be performed with a controller. Platformers are, clearly, not unimaginable to play with a keyboard and mouse, and the identical will be stated for this title; nonetheless, if achievable, initiatives ought to be skilled as meant by their creators.

Extra importantly, Sheepy: A Quick Journey is incredible, and it comes with a degree of polish and appeal that’s spectacular for a free-to-play mission. Whereas solely lasting roughly an hour, the sport accomplishes loads on this interval, delivering a surprisingly efficient story (and lore) together with gameplay that evolves fairly a bit all through the journey. The visuals are gorgeous, they usually assist deliver to life an odd and engaging world that has seen higher days.

13

Kingdom Hearts (All Of Them)

PS2 Heritage

Kingdom Hearts has been on PC for fairly a very long time, however the franchise received a big increase in publicity by debuting the HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX compilation bundle and Kingdom Hearts 3 on Steam in June 2024. That ecosystem’s gamers now have entry to basically the complete story, and finishing Kingdom Hearts requires investing a whole bunch upon a whole bunch of hours. Because the video games help a keyboard and mouse, the controls will be discovered if somebody is keen to place within the effort and time; after some time, they may really feel second nature, even when every entry introduces a number of mechanics that shake up the scheme that must be memorized. Apart from the primary recreation, a lot of the entries’ predominant campaigns are pretty forgiving, with often just a few genuinely difficult boss fights. Kingdom Hearts 2 and 3 are notably straightforward.

Nonetheless, all of the video games are tailored for gamepads, demonstrating the IP’s PlayStation 2 origins. Whereas not notably troublesome, Kingdom Hearts likes to stack mechanics on high of one another, notably in sequels like Beginning by Sleep. These techniques are well-tuned for controllers, making it easy to handle every thing and make the most of all of the out there choices. They’re only a bit extra cumbersome on a keyboard and mouse.

14

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

Lackluster Ok+M Choices At Launch

PC gamers received the brief finish of the stick when it got here to EA’s Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. Whereas not unplayable, the Soulslike title launched with efficiency and optimization points that soured what was in any other case a powerful core expertise. Additionally, Survivor dropped the ball by way of keyboard and mouse help by not together with the choice to rebind the WASD arrow keys, one thing that was doable in its predecessor, Fallen Order. The omission of this function was an odd backward step, particularly because the recreation in any other case had first rate accessibility choices.

Associated

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor – Full Information and Walkthrough

Cal Kestis units out on one other epic journey throughout the galaxy in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor –use this hub web page to take a look at all of our guides.

Jedi: Survivor encourages the usage of a controller, and most PC folks will seemingly have to show to that possibility or make the most of mods. Most of these video games are typically meant for gamepads, however a keyboard and mouse setup ought to nonetheless be a sound various that doesn’t come throughout as an afterthought.

15

Atlas Fallen

Deck13’s Video games Are Usually Higher With Controllers

Deck13 has spent the final decade specializing in motion RPGs with Soulslike fight. Unsurprisingly, each The Surge video games are higher matches for controllers, and the identical might be stated for 2014’s Lords of the Fallen, though that launch is troublesome to advocate in any type. Though not a large departure from the developer’s earlier initiatives, 2023’s Atlas Fallen nonetheless covers new territory, providing a fight system that’s nearer to the hack and slash style than Darkish Souls. Nevertheless, the sport retains some parts from Deck13’s earlier releases, together with an emphasis on studying the enemy’s moveset and loadout selection within the type of a momentum system that enables gamers to unlock new talents and expertise as a reward for performing effectively in battle.

Atlas Fallen is a blended bag. The story has potential however is let down by a bland presentation. Whereas fairly lovely at instances, the semi-open-world will get repetitive since a lot of the areas are deserts. The enemies are typically enjoyable to combat, however they’re recycled a bit too typically through the second half of the marketing campaign. The fight is fast-paced and satisfying, and the momentum system provides numerous replay worth; nonetheless, the digital camera can get in the way in which throughout battles. Atlas Fallen has loads of good concepts that don’t totally come collectively, creating a complete that’s first rate somewhat than nice. Nonetheless, this title may hit the spot with anybody searching for a hack and slash AA recreation, though PC gamers ought to ideally have a controller out there.

16

Hole Knight

No Want To Make The Recreation Even More durable

Hole Knight is a masterpiece that ought to be performed in any type. If somebody is hesitant to attempt the sport as a result of they do not have entry to a controller, they need to take into account taking the plunge anyway since it’s completely playable with a keyboard and mouse. It’s simply not best, as tends to be the case with most 2D Metroidvanias that prioritize platforming and reflex-based fight.

Hole Knight is pretty troublesome at its best, and the prolonged marketing campaign is filled with aggressive bosses who punish even the slightest of errors. A controller could make these sections barely extra manageable, and these moments add up over the lengthy, lengthy marketing campaign.

17

Hello-Fi Rush

Press To The Rhythm

Tango Gameworks’ Hello-Fi Rush got here out of literal nowhere, and the third-person motion recreation immediately cemented itself as certainly one of 2023’s nicest surprises. Mixing hack and slash fight with a way of rhythm, Hello-Fi Rush‘s brilliance lies in its intelligent implementation of music. If gamers are rewarded for transferring together with the beat within the type of extra assault harm and even an extra combo. Even enemies strike to match the soundtrack, so somebody may genuinely grasp the fight by rising aware of the music. It’s a nice system that enhances the sport’s story, visible fashion, and humorousness.

Associated

Hello-Fi Rush: Greatest Particular Skills, Ranked

The perfect particular talents in Hello-Fi Rush are those which are straightforward to make use of, and dish out huge harm.

Now, third-person melee motion video games are typically nice matches for controllers, even when fairly a number of of them are completely superb with a keyboard and mouse. Though definitely playable utilizing the latter, Hello-Fi Rush receives some distinctive advantages from the previous. As such, a controller is the way in which to go if somebody plans to play Tango’s pleasant title.

18

Nioh 2

So A lot To Keep in mind

Frankly, each Crew Ninja recreation is best with a controller. Ninja Gaiden? PC variations launched with no keyboard and mouse help. Wo Lengthy: Fallen Dynasty? Playable with keyboard and mouse, however not superior. Stranger of Paradise: Closing Fantasy Origin? A greater try to implement non-gamepad help, even when the fight feels extra pure on a controller. Lastly, there are the Nioh video games. Now, these two are a little bit of a singular case because the first entry has, by far, weaker Ok+M help than its sequel. It’s not notably well-implemented and comes throughout as an afterthought. Like with most video games, if the guts is keen, most gamers will be capable of educate themselves the controls; nonetheless, will probably be a extra laborious mission than it ought to be.

Compared, Nioh 2 is at a greater place these days relating to catering Ok+M customers, even when it took a number of updates for the sport to get there. Nonetheless, this Souls-like throws numerous mechanics at gamers. In addition to the usual assaults and dodges, they need to study to grasp Guardian Spirits, Soul Core assaults, Onmyo Magic, Ninjutsu Abilities, and Burst Counters, all of which might have tight timings that permit enemies to significantly punish any delays. That’s earlier than going into the various weapon varieties that play pretty in another way from one another, and gamers are inspired to swap between two geared up gadgets on the fly. Unsurprisingly, Nioh 2 could be very troublesome, with the fight being extra aggressive than most different entries within the style. Simply to be clear, this stuff mix to create a incredible and deep expertise; nonetheless, it may be overwhelming.

19

Rocket League

Each Are Tremendous, However Controller Is Higher For Informal Play

With sufficient observe, any particular person can grasp a management scheme; nonetheless, some require fewer hours. Rocket League is ok with both a keyboard and mouse or a controller, however most individuals are likely to lean in the direction of the latter because of the recreation’s legacy as a console title.

Past that, Rocket League‘s driving is unlocked completely with a controller as, in the end, a keyboard cannot fairly match an analog stick’s 360° freedom. The controller can be superior for aerial play, which is a fairly large deal in Rocket League. Nonetheless, there are many RL professionals preferring a keyboard and mouse, so an argument might be made for that management scheme.

20

Monster Hunter World (Melee)

Ok+M For Ranged, Controller For Every part Else

When enjoying Monster Hunter World on PC, the most effective management possibility relies on a personality’s construct. If enjoying as a ranged fighter, the keyboard and mouse are typically higher since they supply extra exact aiming. Conversely, the controller shines when using a melee construct, notably relating to dispensing combos.

Monster Hunter began life on consoles, and this legacy influenced World. These are video games designed with controllers in thoughts, though Capcom did a passable job of constructing the keyboard and mouse a sound various.