With so many PC games to play, PC gamers can only enjoy their titles by using one of two options, which are:
- A combination of a keyboard and a mouse (Otherwise known as KBM).
- The controllers.
Some games were developed for the keyboard and mouse configuration. First-person shooters like Call of Duty, Battlefield, and Apex Legends are easier to play using a keyboard and a mouse. Also, strategy games like Civilization VI and Rusted Warfare – RTS Strategy are better suited for keyboards.
Also Read: Diablo 4 Comparison: PC, PS5 or Xbox Series X|S
The Counter Argument for Controllers
There are so many games out there that are best enjoyed on controllers. For one, FIFA 23 is too complicated to play with a keyboard and a mouse. So, it’s best experienced on a controller.
10 Games to Play Using Controllers
These are the 10 games that are best experienced on controllers. Humour yourself! Try playing any one of them with a keyboard and a mouse, and you’ll notice how tough it is to manoeuvre. In these games, controllers are king.
#1: Forza Horizon 5
Forza Horizon 5 is a racing game that was released on November 9, 2021. The developers behind this title are Playground Games. Sure, racing games are usually best experienced with a racing wheel. But keyboards come close, especially if you’re playing racing sims like Truck Emulator. But for arcade racing games like Forza Horizon 5 where the fastest cars race, controllers are the way to go.
You’ll be racing around Mexico, and you have the option to enjoy the views too. Thankfully for players, Forza Horizon 5 is pretty laid-back; It isn’t a Need for Speed title. So, you don’t have to worry about evading the police. Just chill and enjoy the ride.
#2: Wo Long: Fallen Destiny
Wo Long: Fallen Destiny is an action RPG that was released in 2023 with bugs that made the game unplayable with a controller and otherwise. But following some updates from Team Ninja, the game is finally playable with a keyboard and a mouse. Ultimately, this game can be best enjoyed using a controller.
It’s a souls-like title with fantasy elements that are reminiscent of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. You’re a militia caught in the machinations of the Three Kingdoms and their warmongering leaders. Also, this is a third-person game, which is basically where gamepads shine.
#3: Persona 5 Strikers
Persona 5 was released in 2021 by Omega Force and P-Studio. It’s a hack-and-slash RPG that requires quick reflexes, so a keyboard is too slow for players to use. Moreover, you’re fighting with a sword, so your directions must be precise. Also, you’ll need to configure the controls to find a system that comes naturally to you. On the bright side, you can skip the legwork if you play Persona 5 Strikers with a gamepad.
#4: Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla
Despite the public opinion that Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla is a copied and pasted version of Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey; It’s still a great game. Following Eivor’s adventures as a Viking warrior until he became the king of his clan was long and beautiful. Let’s not forget that this is a third-person action-adventure RPG, so controllers are the best option for crushing enemies in combat.
#5: Psychonauts 2
Psychonauts 2 was released in 2021 by Double Fine, and it’s a 3D game, so it’s developed for the controller experience. Gamers control Raz, a 10-year-old psychic with powerful abilities. For one, the Psi-Powers wheel is suited for gamepads, rather than a keyboard and mouse.
The game aims to stop psychics who aren’t using their powers for the betterment of humanity. Since it’s a third-person game, Psychonauts 2 benefits from the precise control over movement that’s offered by analogue sticks; Especially for camera movements.
#6: Yakuza 0
Upon launching Yakuza 0 on your rig, the first disclaimer you’ll receive is that the game is best experienced using controllers. If you’re exploring the sights, a combination of keyboard and mouse will be just fine. But they’re awful to use in combat, so you’ll have to switch right back to a gamepad. So, why not use a controller right from the start?
It’s a fun open-world game where you’re a Yakuza entangled in one of the most gripping stories we’ve experienced in games. Also, the fact that the combat is so sleek keeps us coming back for more.
#7: Final Fantasy VII Remake
Final Fantasy VII Remake was released in 2021 by Square Enix Business Division 1. This action JRPG is hard to play with a keyboard and a mouse because you have to tweak the controls by remapping the buttons. You can skip all the stress by using controllers from day one. One could argue that Final Fantasy VII Remake plays well on a keyboard and a mouse. But the experience is weird, except for the most seasoned keyboard user.
#8: Elden Ring
Elden Ring is another classic and it was developed by FromSoftware. The game improves on everything we loved about their old titles. The open-world feel of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is still present here. Likewise, you’ll battle many eldritch monstrosities like Radhan in Bloodborne. Naturally, this game requires fast reflexes, so it’s not easy to play using a keyboard and a mouse. Especially when the developers created this game with a gamepad in mind. Note that it’s not impossible to play Elden Ring using a keyboard and a mouse, but it’s a hassle to do so. Picture switching from skill use to parrying attacks and back to switching weapons because you want to exploit a weakness. It’s just too much work if you’re not playing with a controller.
#9: Sifu
Sifu is a beat ‘em up title that was released in 2022 by Sloclap. It’s already on its way to becoming a classic because of its fluid combat. Speaking of combat, it requires sharp reflexes and precise controls when you’re swarmed by multiple enemies. So, having a controller to beat down opponents is the best way to play this game.
Lest we forget, a revenge story is the heart of the game, so you’re not crushing thugs just for the fun of it. For a game that’s already as tough as nails, using a keyboard and a mouse would only further complicate things. To wrap it up, you can watch out for realistic animations and flashy finishers in Sifu.
#10: Overcooked
Controlling your avatar in Overcooked is straightforward, even when playing with a keyboard and a mouse. Ultimately, a neat trick from the developers ensures that the game will be enjoyed the most using a controller. The gimmick is that gamers can play co-op mode with their friend or partner; In which case, you’ll need to share a single gamepad, which is rather quirky.
It’s a puzzle game that also doubles as a platform title with team management at its core. Essentially, you’re in charge of several chefs, and together with your significant other, you can prepare several signature dishes. Though the preparation is always chaotic, especially in the early missions.
Our Final Say
There are tons of games out there that you can play with a keyboard and a mouse. But for the majority of third-person games like GTA: San Andreas, GTA 5, Hollow Knight, Mortal Kombat, and Rocket League, a gamepad is just perfect. While these games are enjoyable on keyboards, they’re even better on controllers.
Of course, there are other games that are perfect for controllers. So, if you’re a keyboard warrior, you’ll be surprised at how great gamepads are. In the end, just play however you prefer because getting used to controllers can be a chore by itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do All PC Games Support Controllers?
The majority of PC games support controllers. Sure, some titles are better experienced using a keyboard and a mouse. But they still support controllers. Some PC-exclusive games even support controllers. Heck, games like FIFA 23 are basically unplayable using a keyboard and a mouse.
Is CoD Better with a Controller?
No, Call of Duty isn’t better with a controller because it takes too long to aim. On the other hand, a KBM configuration (A keyboard and a mouse) is the better combination. It’s the superior option for shooter games because it’s easier to aim and shoot opponents (More so in close-range combat).
How Much Do Call of Duty Pros Get Paid?
Every player in the league will walk away with an annual base salary of almost £43,500. Plus, the club throws in some health benefits and retirement perks. In the end, the highest contributors will walk home with more money; More so, if they win championships and the like.