PC games to play with a controller: the ones that feel best

Many PC games are designed for mouse and keyboard, but others play better with a controller: platformers, action, adventures and racing. If you're looking for PC games to play with a controller, here's a selection of Steam games with full controller support (the category Steam uses when the whole game, menus included, can be played without keyboard or mouse).

We've grouped them by type of game, because a controller isn't equally good for everything: what shines in a precision platformer isn't what you enjoy most in a long RPG.

Before you start: how to connect your controller

• Xbox, PlayStation and Switch controllers. Steam recognises them when you connect them by cable or Bluetooth. If something doesn't respond, check Steam's controller settings.
• Steam Input lets you remap buttons per game. It's handy if a game comes with a layout you don't like.
• Big Picture mode. If you connect your PC to the TV, this mode lets you browse Steam and launch games with the controller, without getting up from the sofa.
• One thing to bear in mind: a game having full controller support doesn't mean the controller is always the best option. In competitive shooters or menu-heavy strategy games, the mouse usually wins.

Platformers and exploration: where the controller is king

Platformers are the classic example: the controller gives you precise analogue movement and buttons right where you need them.

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  CelestePlatformer · Precision · NarrativeWhen you have energy and fancy a fair challenge: every screen you clear gives instant satisfaction, even in short sessions.When to play it and when not to
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  Hollow KnightMetroidvania · Platformer · 2D actionWhen you feel like exploring thoroughly and have the energy for a challenge: discovering a shortcut or a secret area is a constant reward.When to play it and when not to

Celeste is precision platforming with finely tuned controls: you die a lot, but you respawn instantly. It includes a very flexible assist mode if you want to adjust the difficulty. Hollow Knight is a huge, interconnected map you explore without guidance, with fights that require learning patterns. Both are demanding: best when you have energy and fancy a challenge.

If you'd rather have something with no pressure at all, A Short Hike is a small island you explore by climbing, gliding and chatting with its inhabitants. You can finish it in an afternoon.

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  A Short HikeAdventure · Exploration · CosyWhen you want a complete, lovely experience with no pressure at all: it fits in one or two sessions and leaves you in a good mood.When to play it and when not to

Adventures to get lost in calmly

Some games are designed for exploring and discovering, with no combat and no rush. With a controller in your hands and the PC on the TV, they feel a lot like a console.

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  Outer WildsExploration · Mystery · Space adventureWhen you feel like exploring and thinking calmly, with at least an hour ahead of you. Every loop ends with a discovery.When to play it and when not to

Outer Wilds drops you into a solar system caught in a 22-minute loop. You don't level up or collect items: the only thing that progresses is what you know. It's ideal if you like thinking calmly, but not if you want action: the game doesn't tell you where to go, and sometimes that can feel overwhelming.

Action with rhythm and weight

This is where you really notice the controller: rumble, triggers and combos within reach of your thumbs.

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  Hi-Fi RUSHAction · Music · ComedyWhen you want cheerful, energetic action that puts you in a good mood, in hour-long sessions.When to play it and when not to
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  God of WarAction · Adventure · Norse mythologyWhen you have a free afternoon and energy: the mix of story and combat works best in long sessions.When to play it and when not to

Hi-Fi RUSH syncs its combat to the music, with cartoon humour and loads of colour. It's best enjoyed in hour-long sessions, although if you have no sense of rhythm at all it can be frustrating. God of War is the opposite option: punchy combat with the Leviathan Axe and a story about a father and his son. It works better with a free evening, because between sequences and travel, half-hour sessions fall short.

RPGs and long adventures for the sofa

If you're going to spend many hours, a controller and a sofa are more comfortable than a desk chair.

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  Clair Obscur: Expedition 33RPG · Turn-based · FantasyWhen you want a long, moving adventure to come back to every afternoon: each area fits into a session.When to play it and when not to

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a turn-based RPG where you also dodge and counter in real time. Each area fits into a session, so it's easy to pick up every evening. Careful: if you don't like fights that need reflexes, dodging on time is part of every battle.

Driving without thinking too much

Cars are another classic case: the analogue accelerator and brake on the triggers are no match for a keyboard.

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  Forza Horizon 5Racing · Open world · ArcadeWhen you want some action without demands: a race lasts a few minutes and you can drive around the map with no objectives.When to play it and when not to

Forza Horizon 5 is a driving festival in an open-world Mexico. A race lasts a few minutes and you can drive with no objectives, so it works for short bursts. On Steam Deck, Steam marks it as "playable", not "verified". And if you're looking for a realistic simulation, it's not for you: here fun comes first.

How to choose depending on the moment

• You're low on energy: A Short Hike or Outer Wilds, with no reflex pressure.
• You want a challenge: Celeste or Hollow Knight.
• You have a whole evening: God of War or Clair Obscur.
• You just want to switch off for a while: Forza Horizon 5.

If you want to play with someone on the same screen, have a look at our list of couch co-op games on PC. And if you're tired, tell the recommender you're low on energy and it will suggest something calmer.