When it comes to PC gaming, the keyboard and mouse combo is often the go-to choice, especially for genres like first-person shooters and strategy games. These control schemes offer unparalleled precision and have been the standard for decades. Initially, grand strategy and real-time strategy games shunned consoles due to the challenges of adapting their complex controls to gamepads. However, times have changed, and these genres now frequently see releases on PlayStation and Xbox, though they still shine brightest on PC.
While many PC games are designed with keyboard and mouse in mind, some titles truly excel with a controller. Games that emphasize fast-paced movement or intense melee combat often feel more natural with a gamepad. This is particularly true for genres that originated on consoles and later migrated to PC. So, what are the top controller-friendly games on PC?
Updated January 7, 2025 by Mark Sammut: The end of 2024 brought a slew of exciting 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. These games generally perform well with a keyboard and mouse, often outshining their controller counterparts. However, Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered might be slightly better with a gamepad, though the difference isn't significant.
Looking ahead, several upcoming PC games seem poised to benefit from controller use, though their performance remains to be confirmed:
- Freedom Wars Remastered – A revival of a PS Vita game that follows the Monster Hunter formula, making it a natural fit for controller play.
- Tales of Graces f Remastered – The Tales series has always been better with gamepads, and this remaster is expected to follow suit.
- Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth – The original remake played better with a controller on PC, and Rebirth's combat system closely mirrors its predecessor.
- Marvel's Spider-Man 2 – As a former PS5 exclusive now coming to PC, it's designed with controllers in mind, though keyboard and mouse will likely suffice.
Additionally, a 2024 Soulslike game has been included in this article. Click below to jump directly to this title.
