Best PC Games That Shine with Controllers
When it comes to PC gaming, the conventional setup often revolves around a keyboard and mouse. This is particularly true for genres such as first-person shooters and strategy games, where precision and responsiveness can make all the difference. Historically, developers of grand and real-time strategy games largely dismissed consoles, believing it futile to adapt gamepad controls. However, as technology evolved, we now see a range of such titles available on PlayStation and Xbox, although their true potential remains evident on PC.
Despite the prominence of keyboard and mouse setups, there are notable PC games that are better experienced with controllers. Games emphasizing reflexive movement and dynamic melee combat lend themselves well to gamepads. In fact, some franchises that originated on consoles and later migrated to PC seem inherently designed for controller use. So, what are the best controller games on PC in today’s gaming landscape?
1. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii
Why Gamepads Are Best for Yakuza Games
The infamous tagline “Real Yakuza Use a Gamepad”typifies the legacy of the Yakuza series. Although the PC ports offer keyboard and mouse compatibility, the series’ roots in console gaming become glaringly apparent. Players will find that while most titles work well enough with keyboard and mouse controls, the real-time combat found in Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii feels far more intuitive with a gamepad, especially if you’re accustomed to a more relaxed gaming environment—like playing from the couch.
2. Granblue Fantasy: Relink
Adapting to Different Controls
Initially launched as a mobile title, the Granblue Fantasy franchise has evolved, with Granblue Fantasy: Relink entering the action RPG scene positively in 2024. This title features a compelling story and various unique playable characters. Although the game can be enjoyed with keyboard and mouse, it is tailored for controllers—especially regarding its fluid combat mechanics and camera controls.
3. Another Crab’s Treasure
Navigating the Challenge
In the realm of Soulslikes, titles like Another Crab’s Treasure emphasize fluid movement and platforming—areas where gamepads excel compared to keyboard and mouse setups. While this game showcases beautiful aesthetics and an engaging narrative, it offers a challenging experience best tackled with a gamepad to enable precise control.
4. Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero
Perfectly Crafted for Gamepads
As a continuation of the beloved Budokai Tenkaichi series, Sparking! Zero successfully embraces its legacy, becoming a modern hit among PC gamers. The game was designed with controllers in mind, making them the preferred option for navigating its complex mechanics, especially in competitive scenarios.
5. Warhammer 40, 000: Space Marine 2
Shooter Dynamics Reimagined
Traditionally, shooters have thrived on PC with keyboard and mouse controls; however, Space Marine 2 incorporates melee combat elements that enhance the controller experience. Despite some initial hiccups in its Steam launch regarding controller recognition, proper configurations allow players to engage more dynamically with the action.
6. Forza Horizon 5
Embrace the Joy of Racing
Racing games typically align more comfortably with controllers rather than keyboards. In Forza Horizon 5, where players explore breathtaking landscapes at high speeds, a controller facilitates a more enjoyable and relaxed gaming experience, providing smooth control that suits the gameplay.
7. Fate/Samurai Remnant
Designed with Controllers in Mind
This latest entry in the Fate franchise clearly favors controller gameplay. While adaptable to keyboard and mouse, the game’s mechanics—such as action stance-switching—are inherently more intuitive with gamepad controls, enhancing the user experience.
8. Black Myth: Wukong
Controller Preference Validated by Developers
The developers of Black Myth: Wukong actively recommend controller use, given the game’s intricate combat systems and demanding gameplay. Although playable with keyboard and mouse, the combat mechanics are more seamlessly executed with a gamepad, making for a more enjoyable experience.
9. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge
Nostalgia Meets Modern Co-Op
Brought back to life with a modern touch, Shredder’s Revenge is a nostalgic beat ’em up best played using a controller, especially when engaging in local co-op. The game dances to the rhythm of collective play, calling for controllers as the most effective way to enjoy its arcade-style mechanics.
10. Velocity Ultra
Teleportation at Your Fingertips
Velocity Ultra intertwines puzzle elements with shooting mechanics, showcasing the advantages of a gaming controller for its complex navigation and combat systems. While playable on keyboard and mouse, utilizing a gamepad can lead to a smoother and more satisfying experience.
11. Psychonauts 2
Ideal for 3D Platforming
Serving as a quintessential example of platformers tailored for controllers, Psychonauts 2 employs intuitive control schemes that resonate best with gamepads, particularly as players navigate its immersive environments and combat systems.
12. Castle Crashers
A Classic Console Experience
Dating back to its Xbox 360 debut, Castle Crashers is undeniably at home on controllers. The game supports co-op functionality, making it a sociable experience that thrives when shared—a testament to its controller-centric design.
13. Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time
Nostalgia Boosts Connection
For fans of the series, playing Crash Bandicoot 4 feels fundamentally wrong without a controller. This title, designed with modern sensibilities, favors gamepads, showcasing better control and precision—especially during its challenging levels.
14. Final Fantasy 7 Remake
Console Roots Evident in Control
The Final Fantasy 7 Remake delivers a compelling experience on PC, but players benefit from using a gamepad, reflecting its console origins. While customizable keyboard and mouse setups exist, they require significant adjustment and ultimately feel less natural compared to controller usage.
15. Sheepy: A Short Adventure
Playing as Intended
With its developers recommending controller usage, Sheepy: A Short Adventure is an artful, polished title that seamlessly integrates gameplay mechanics best suited to gamepads. Though playable with keyboard and mouse, the experience is elevated considerably through controlled gameplay.
16. Kingdom Hearts (All Of Them)
Rooted in Console Gameplay
With its extensive narrative requiring substantial gameplay investment, the Kingdom Hearts series is designed for controllers. While accessible with keyboard and mouse, managing the complex mechanics feels intuitively easier through gamepads—demonstrating the series’ robust console heritage.
17. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
Keyboard and Mouse Challenges
While Jedi: Survivor made waves upon release, its keyboard and mouse support left much to be desired, encouraging many players to opt for controllers out of necessity. The intricacies of gameplay can feel more natural and rewarding when integrated with a gamepad.
18. Hollow Knight
Navigating Complexity
A beloved title that excels under any setup, Hollow Knight feels notably easier with a controller, particularly during the game’s more intense encounters. While it remains perfectly playable on keyboard and mouse, the added ease of a gamepad enhances the experience considerably.
19. Hi-Fi Rush
Rhythm as Gameplay
The unexpected success of Hi-Fi Rush shines a light on how well the game performs with a controller, thanks to its rhythm-based combat system. Players are incentivized to engage with the game’s beat, making controllers the optimal choice for an immersive experience.
20. Nioh 2
Complexity Best with Gamepads
As an embodiment of challenging gameplay, Nioh 2 incorporates numerous mechanics best suited for a gamepad. While it’s playable on keyboard and mouse, the latter can be cumbersome for new players navigating the depth of its combat systems, reinforcing the benefits of using a controller.
For further insights on engaging with each title, feel free to explore the source and accompanying images provided here.
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