Controller-Suited PC Games Unveiled for Seamless Gaming

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 control schemes in these genres can be challenging. Grand strategy and real-time strategy games, long PC-exclusive, are now frequently ported to consoles, though they often remain superior on PC.

While most PC games strive for robust keyboard and mouse support, some titles are better suited to controllers. Games emphasizing fast-paced movement or melee combat often pair perfectly with gamepads. Similarly, certain genres, particularly those originating on consoles before arriving on PC, are naturally associated with controller use. What are the top controller-friendly PC games?

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 debuting within days of each other. Most of these games are excellent with keyboard and mouse, arguably superior to controller input. However, Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered might be slightly better with a gamepad, though the difference isn't substantial.

Several upcoming PC game releases (within the next month) appear primed for controller use, though this remains to be confirmed:

• Freedom Wars Remastered – A PS Vita revival echoing the Monster Hunter formula, likely best 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 PC version of the remake played better with a controller, and Rebirth's combat system is very similar.
• Marvel's Spider-Man 2 – Another PS5 exclusive transitioning to PC, suggesting a controller-centric experience, although keyboard and mouse will probably suffice.

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

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Slightly Better With Controllers