As one of the greatest games of all time, Elden Ring continues to attract new players who may not have prior experience with Souls-like games. For those who are new to the genre, one of the biggest questions is whether it’s better to play Elden Ring with a keyboard or a controller.
First things first: It’s worth noting that FromSoftware, the developer of Elden Ring, hasn’t always had the best track record when it comes to PC ports of their games. The Dark Souls series, in particular, has had some problematic PC ports, and the fact that Bloodborne is exclusive to PlayStation further reinforces this notion.
However, this isn’t necessarily the case for the Elden Ring. As the best game of 2022, it was developed from the ground up for both consoles and PC. As a result, playing the game on PC should be a smoother experience than with previous Souls-like games. While the answer to the keyboard vs. controller questions may vary depending on the individual player, in most cases, playing with either option should work just fine.
What Is the Best Way to Play Elden Ring?
We’ll delve into our experiences playing Elden Ring with both a controller and a keyboard / mouse setup, so you can decide which option will best suit your playing style. But first, a quick overview.
As with previous Souls-like games, Elden Ring is a third-person RPG where avoiding enemy attacks is a central mechanic. As such, the ideal way to play Elden Ring is with a controller, as you need to be able to move quickly and use a variety of spells, attacks, and combos.
However, that’s not to say that playing with a keyboard and mouse setup can’t be effective as well. In the next section, we’ll examine both options in detail to help you determine which approach is right for you.
Playing Elden Ring with a Keyboard and Mouse
Playing Elden Ring with a keyboard and mouse can actually be a smoother experience than you might expect, especially if you have a high-spec computer. That said, it may take some time to get used to the controls.
It’s important to note that technically, Elden Ring has no problems with its keyboard and mouse controls. However, due to the gameplay mechanics, you’ll need to use a lot of different inputs in a short amount of time, which can be a bit confusing.
Unlike the controller, the keyboard doesn’t have a D-Pad, which can make things feel a bit awkward during tough boss battles. For example, if you’re fighting Maliketh in Crumbling Farum Azula, you may need to dodge, attack, dodge, heal, attack, dodge, summon, and so on – all within a matter of seconds. This can be tiring with the different key combinations required on the keyboard.
Pros:
- Everything is running fluently.
- Thanks to the freedom given by the mouse, you can look around while running and see the moves of the bosses more easily.
- If you have macro keys, you can easily assign custom combos.
Cons:
- You have to press two different buttons at the same time to make combos, and it’s hard.
- It is very difficult to do the most necessary mechanics such as rolling and dodging, especially in boss battles.
If you’re primarily a PC gamer who prefers using a keyboard and mouse, you can certainly give Elden Ring a try with this setup. The key thing is to make sure you feel comfortable with your control scheme, especially as you search for Ranni in her tower, where you’ll need to be able to move quickly and use various abilities.
Playing Elden Ring with a Controller
Now that we’ve gotten rid of PC gamers who boast 144hz refresh rates (It’s a joke if you’re still reading it, of course), we can talk about the real Elden Ring experience.
Playing Elden Ring with a controller is often described as the definitive way to experience the game, much like going out in shorts and a hoodie on the first warm day of spring. It’s exciting and familiar, daring yet comfortable. Technically, everything works as it should, with only a few limitations to consider.
One of the biggest advantages of using a controller is the D-Pad, which allows for quick item and spell changes. This means you can attack immediately after dodging, without wasting any time. Additionally, as with previous Souls-like games, you have a complete 360-degree control over your character’s movements.
Pros:
- 360-degree movements with only one stick.
- D-Pad is superior for switching items, etc.
- Dodging, rolling or attacking feels natural in every fight.
Cons:
- You can see a limited area while on the move.
- The camera angle gets weird sometimes in boss fights.
- Your thumbs can get very tired after long gaming sessions.
Given Elden Ring’s more dynamic gameplay compared to the Dark Souls series and Bloodborne, using a controller is even more essential. You’ll need to be able to move quickly and easily as you explore the open world and clear dungeons, and using a controller makes this much easier. You can even invade your friends if you solve connection problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
With a playtime of at least 70+ hours, Elden Ring is a long and immersive experience that will keep you engaged for days. However, as you start your journey, you may have other questions in mind. Fortunately, we have clear and concise answers to help you along the way.
What Is the Best Controller for Elden Ring?
Compatible controllers include the Xbox Elite Series 2, Xbox Wireless, DualSense, and DualShock 4 for optimal gameplay.
Is Elden Ring a PC Exclusive?
Elden Ring is available on almost all platforms, including PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.
Will Elden Ring Have Expansions?
Excitingly, the game’s first DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, is set to release in the coming months, promising even more adventure in The Lands Between.
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