When it comes to PC gaming, the mouse-and-keyboard combo is king for precision and speed. But some games just feel better with a controller in hand. Whether it’s the satisfying rumble as you swing a sword or the ease of sitting back while playing on a big screen, controllers can elevate your entire experience on gaming PCs.
Here, we’ll cover the best gaming controllers for PC that deliver immersive, fluid, and unforgettable gameplay.
Why Should I Use a Controller for PC Games?
While PC gaming has long been associated with mouse-and-keyboard setups, there are plenty of reasons players prefer using a controller for gaming on a prebuilt PC. Controllers can make specific genres more intuitive and physically comfortable to play.
A few other reasons playing with a controller for PC games is great are:
You get a More Immersive Gaming Experience: Modern gamepads feature vibration feedback, letting you feel every explosion, collision, or hit. That tactile sensation adds an extra layer of realism, making each in-game event resonate through your hands in a way traditional peripherals can’t replicate.
The Ergonomic Comfort for Long Sessions: Controllers are designed for long sessions. Their shape naturally fits into your hands, reducing the strain that often comes with extended keyboard and mouse use. If you enjoy marathon gaming sessions, a controller can help prevent wrist fatigue and offer a relaxed grip for long hours of playing.
Its Accessibility for Beginners: Controllers make gaming more accessible for new players. Their button layouts are straightforward, and this intuitive design shortens the learning curve.
Having Enhanced Precision for Certain Genres: While mouse aiming is unmatched in first-person shooters (FPS), analog sticks offer finer control over movement and vehicle handling. Racing, platforming, and fighting games often benefit from analog sensitivity to make gameplay feel more fluid and natural.
Now that you better understand why using a controller for PC games can take your gameplay to the next level, below are some of the best controller games for PC.
Best Controller Games for PC #1: Elden Ring
Few games feel as rewarding (and as punishing) as Elden Ring. FromSoftware’s massive open-world masterpiece builds on the legacy of Dark Souls and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, featuring fluid combat, vast landscapes, and intricate lore.
Playing Elden Ring with a controller makes it easier to transition between light and heavy attacks, rolls, and spellcasting, which feels perfectly tuned to a gamepad layout. The analog sticks allow for natural camera control and movement, which is vital for dodging boss attacks with split-second precision.
If you want to experience The Lands Between as intended, this is one of those good controller games for PC to try out.
Best Controller Games for PC #2: Monster Hunter: World
Capcom’s Monster Hunter: World delivers intense, strategic battles against towering creatures. While ranged fighters may prefer a keyboard and mouse for precision aiming, the melee combat feels so much better on a controller.
The series’ console roots are apparent, as its button layouts and combo systems are optimized for gamepads. With a controller, switching between attacks, dodges, and tools feels fluid, and the vibration feedback lets you feel every impact as you land hits or get knocked back by a massive beast.
If you’re taking on monsters solo or teaming up online, this can be one of the best PC games to play with a controller for an even better experience.
Best Controller Games for PC #3: Kingdom Hearts Series
When Kingdom Hearts finally arrived on PC, it brought nearly two decades of Disney-meets-Final Fantasy magic to a new audience. With the release of the HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX collection and Kingdom Hearts 3 on Steam in 2024, PC players now have access to the franchise’s entire saga.
Although these titles technically support keyboard and mouse, their PlayStation 2 origins are obvious, as playing this game with a controller feels much better. The layered combat systems, quick action commands, and lock-on targeting all feel more natural with a gamepad.
Best Controller Games for PC #4: Hollow Knight & Hollow Knight: Silksong
Team Cherry’s Hollow Knight set the gold standard for indie Metroidvania games. Luckily, its long-awaited sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong, released in September 2025, continues that legacy. Both games feature tight platforming, intense combat, and responsive controls, making them ideal controller-compatible games for PC.
While Silksong can be played with a keyboard, it’s far smoother with a controller. Analog sticks make movement and aiming abilities like dashes or wall jumps more precise, while the compact button layout lets you string together combos without losing rhythm.
If you’re new to the series, a controller can help you navigate Hallownest and Pharloom’s intricate worlds with ease and precision, especially during the boss fights.
Best Controller Games for PC #5: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is one of 2025’s standout RPGs, as it effortlessly combines turn-based mechanics with real-time elements. While you can play this game with a keyboard and mouse, the developers specifically recommend using a controller. Its haptic feedback system enhances combat timing, giving subtle cues on when to block or strike. The analog triggers and thumbsticks also add fluidity to the exploration and battle transitions for more engaging gameplay.
However, if you find controller timing tricky, switching to a keyboard is still really easy. For most players, though, this is one of the best PC games to play with a controller, as the gamepad offers the most intuitive and comfortable experience for long RPG sessions.
Other Good Controller Games for PC to Check Out
While the titles above are standouts, there are plenty of other good controller games for PC worth exploring.
Some of these other controller-compatible games include:
Overcooked: All You Can Eat!: This fast-paced and chaotic cooking game is so much more fun when playing with your friends in a co-op and is much easier with controllers.
Forza Horizon 5: Racing bliss made even better with analog triggers and steering control in this game.
Persona 5 Royal: This Japanese RPG’s turn-based combat mechanics make it so that more careful and thoughtful moves are better than just being fast, and a controller can help a lot.
Final Fantasy VII Remake: Combines action combat with menu navigation that’s smoother on a controller.
These controller-compatible games highlight just how versatile and rewarding controller play can be.
Play Your Favorite PC Games with an iBUYPOWER PC
While mouse and keyboard will always have their place in PC gaming, some experiences shine with a controller. Whether you prefer wired or wireless, the right controller for PC games can redefine how you play. And when paired with the right system, like a high-performance iBUYPOWER gaming PC, you’ll be fully equipped to enjoy the best controller games for PC in all their glory.
Explore iBUYPOWER’s gaming PC builder and experience the perfect combination of performance and control. To see all our sales, check our iBUYPOWER coupons page or our daily deals page for the newest discounts.
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