PC gaming is often associated with keyboard and mouse controls, which excel in genres like first-person shooters and strategy due to their precision. These genres, particularly grand and real-time strategy, were historically designed for PC, with console adaptations once considered impractical. Today, many strategy titles are available on PlayStation and Xbox, yet they often perform best on PC.

While most PC games support keyboard and mouse, certain titles shine with controllers. Games emphasizing fast-paced movement or intense melee combat are particularly well-suited for gamepads. Some genres, especially those originating on consoles before transitioning to PC, feel more natural with controllers. Which PC games offer the best controller experience?

Updated January 7, 2025, by Mark Sammut: The end of 2024 brought exciting releases like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Infinity Nikki, Marvel Rivals, Path of Exile 2, and Delta Force, all launched within days of each other. Most of these titles excel with keyboard and mouse, often outperforming controller setups. However, Legacy of Kain Soul Reaver 1&2 Remastered feels slightly better with a gamepad, though the difference is minimal.

Several upcoming PC releases over the next month appear promising for controller use, though their performance remains to be seen.

• Freedom Wars Remastered – A PS Vita revival following the Monster Hunter formula, this title is well-suited for controller gameplay.
• Tales of Graces f Remastered – Tales series games consistently favor gamepads, and this remaster is unlikely to differ.
• Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth – Like its predecessor, this remake’s combat system feels smoother with a controller on PC.
• Marvel's Spider-Man 2 – Transitioning from PS5, this title is designed with controllers in mind, though keyboard and mouse should work well.

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

Quick Links

• Another Crab's Treasure

1 Ys 10: Nordics

Enhanced with Controllers