Top games to play with controller on pc

A universal and yet still uncomfortable truth for many PC gamers is that sometimes, just sometimes, a controller is better for some games. Now before a pitchfork-wielding rabble turns up on the GMG doorstop demanding justice, we’re not saying all games, but a controller can definitely enhance some.

But which games, I hear you ask? These games! Here are our top picks for the best PC games to play with a controller.

Mortal Kombat 11

Fighting games are made for analogue control, with their arcade roots many would say that they perform best when used in conjunction with a fight stick. Failing that, you can always use a controller which is an easy and accessible way to get that arcade feeling when in front of your PC. Mortal Kombat 11 is the Mortal Kombat series’ high point, filled with brutalities and characters from across Earthrealm (and other realms). We reckon if you want a fighting game to test your controller against, Mortal Kombat 11 might be the perfect fit for you.

Shop Mortal Kombat 11 for PC here.

Forza Horizon 5

Anyone who’s played a racing game on keyboard can probably attest to it being a little difficult when facing corners. The analogue steering of an analogue car, even in a digital world, benefits massively from analogue input. Forza Horizon 5 is one of the most intensely immersive arcade racing games ever created and if you have a PC compatible controller on hand, like a PlayStation DualSense, then you’ll be ready to dive into a world of racing heaven.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade

The original Final Fantasy VII remains one of the finest JRPGs ever created and this remake is the perfect example of how to remake a game. Not only are the visuals and gameplay enhanced for modern gamers, it takes the story in different and unique directions making it full of surprises. For games like this a controller really adds to the action, helping you feel in charge of Cloud and his pals in a way you just can’t with a standard setup.

Shop Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade for PC here.

American Truck Simulator

The road is long and dusty, but you’re in your cab high up above the passing traffic. The sun is blazing down on you but nothing can touch you as you turn up the radio and cruise to your destination. American Truck Simulator is a slice of Americana that’s unbeaten in gaming and if you don’t have a steering wheel to hand you can grab your controller and have an amazing time as you deliver cargo across the US.

Filthy Animals: Heist Simulator

Sometimes what you need in your life is a little chaos and Filthy Animals: Heist Simulator brings that in spades. Its mix of physics-based action, puzzle solving, and high-stakes mutant animal theft is best appreciated when using a controller. Of course, other input methods are supported, but why settle for less – grab your nearest controller, be it a DualSense or something else, and get heisting.

Shop Filthy Animals: Heist Simulator here.

Super Meat Boy

Ah, the game that started it all. Well, it didn’t start the trend for controllers but it was one of the first to state outright at launch that you should really be using a controller if you want to get the most out of it. Now, years later, Super Meat Boy remains a high point of platforming on the PC. With super tight controls, incredible levels, and boss fights that’ll stick with you forever, Super Meat Boy is the perfect advert for why you need a controller in your life.

Horizon Zero Dawn

Horizon Zero Dawn is one of those games that captures the imagination of anyone who plays it. Set in a post-apocalyptic Earth filled with colossal robot creatures, this open world third person action/stealth RPG is a masterpiece in how to tell a story while having utterly compelling gameplay. With a controller, it just gets even better, you’ll feel every knock of your bow and the thump of every creature passing by making it a totally immersive experience.

Shop Horizon Zero Dawn: Complete Edition for PC here.

Elite: Dangerous

Speaking of immersive experiences, there are few games that subsume the player so totally as Elite: Dangerous. Now before anyone shouts at us, yes Elite: Dangerous is best played on a HOTAS flight stick but failing that, second best is a controller. With the recent updates to the game’s control system it’s never been better to play Elite: Dangerous on a controller like a DualSense, so grab it today and start your journey into the vast unknown of space.

Shop Elite: Dangerous for PC here.

Assassin’s Creed (All of Them)

Every single entry in this long-running historical stealth action series is better with a controller, don’t believe us, that’s just a fact. From the start the controls of even the very first game were optimised for controllers, with a naturalistic layout for head, feed, and both arms being core to the game. Since then the series has continued to embrace controller support, with games like Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag and Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla showing off exactly why you should have a controller in your PC gaming inventory.

Shop Assassin’s Creed games for PC here.

Elden Ring

Ah yes, Elden Ring. The biggest game of 2022, and the game that out of all on this list most exemplifies why having a controller is a necessity. While obviously you can play with mouse and keyboard this is a game that has been built from the ground up for controller support. From the deep, rich combat to riding Torrent around the beautiful world, you’ll find every moment so much more impactful when you use a controller. So don’t let your DualSense gather dust, plug it into your PC – it’s Elden Ring time.

Shop Elden Ring for PC here.

Need a Controller for your PC?

In 2023 thankfully the days of scrounging about for a controller that’ll work with your favourite game are long gone. With current controllers like the Sony PlayStation DualSense using a controller with your PC has never been easier – simply plug it in or pair it and you’re off, no configuration necessary. For advanced users, backup software such as DS4Windows can help you configure your controller to your specifications, but for many games you should just be able to pick up and play.

Controllers aren’t essential for every game but their increased support on PC has meant that PC gaming is more accessible than ever before, bringing new audiences into gaming and opening up gaming to more people.

So if you struggle with mouse and keyboard but still want to get involved with PC gaming, grab a controller, set it up, and experience PC gaming in ways you’ve never experienced before.

What games can I use my controller on PC?

10 Best Steam Games To Play With A Controller.

3 Star Wars Jedi: Survivor..

4 Street Fighter 6. ... .

5 Elden Ring. ... .

6 Final Fantasy 7 Remake. ... .

7 Cuphead. ... .

8 Hades. ... .

9 Rocket League. ... .

10 The Witcher 3. While The Witcher 3 isn't awful with a mouse and keyboard, it does feel much better to play with a controller than even The Witcher 2. ... .

Is PC gaming better with a controller?

It may not be the most satisfying answer, but the truth is that there is no clear victor between keyboard and mouse vs. controller. It comes down to the genre of game you're playing, and, most importantly, personal preference.

Which PC games are better with a controller reddit?

Any fighting game or racing game I use a controller for. Even in GTA I'll go mouse/keyboard for gunfights but driving i grab my controller. Rocket League, Elden Ring, Racing Games(I recommend Forza Horizon 5), Assassin's Creed, Witcher 3, God of War, Snow Runner.... Gta 5, Or red dead redemption 2.

Are most PC games controller compatible?

Buying Options. Microsoft's Xbox Wireless Controller for the Series X|S consoles has a proven design that works well, and the vast majority of PC games use controls and button layouts made for an Xbox controller (or one with an Xbox-style button layout).