Best PC games to play with controller: Rocket League, Mortal Kombat, FIFA, and more

The keyboard and mouse combo is what makes PC gaming intuitive and a lot more fun thanks to the precise controls and various key customisation options. At the same time, there are quite a few gaming titles that are more suited to be played with a gamepad or controller, especially genres like sports, racing, and action-fighter. With native support for Xbox controllers and a variety of third-party dual-analogue controllers on the market, you don’t necessarily have to rely on a mouse and keyboard. Speaking of which, do check out our selection of the best gaming controllers for PC.

Have a look at some of the best PC games that are usually better and way more fun when a mouse and keyboard is swapped for a controller.

Cuphead

Cuphead is an award-winning run and gun action game that has won praises for its art style, gameplay, and soundtrack. The classic old-school cartoon animations certainly offer a distinct look, but at the same time, the game comes with a sheer level of difficulty that can get borderline annoying. Using a controller is highly recommended while playing Cuphead as the analogue sticks ensure you get smooth movement and target enemies better especially when you need to shoot diagonally. Cuphead is currently available for Rs 565 and is expected to receive a new DLC in June 2022.

Cuphead review

Cuphead is a pretty intense action game with a great soundtrack. The old-school visuals and challenging difficulty of the game may not be for everyone, but it is definitely worth trying out. Considering how difficult Cuphead can be, it is easier to play on controller compared to mouse and keyboard.

Pros

  • Intense and challenging action game
  • Amazing soundtrack

Cons

  • Can be quite difficult for some players

Download: Steam

Rocket League

“Soccer, but with rocket-powered cars”, Rocket League is a popular game that is surprisingly quite fun to play with friends. You can play the game with a keyboard and mouse, but it feels way more intuitive with a controller and of course there is the game’s console legacy. Thanks to the analogue sticks you get a natural control over steering as well as the camera angles which is important if you want to jump, flip and score goals without being demolished. Rocket League is available free of cost and can be downloaded from the Epic Games store.

Rocket League review

Rocket League is an incredibly fun game with an interesting premise. The game lets you perform some amazing stunts and score some seemingly impossible goals. Rocket League regularly adds new cars and cosmetics, which give you bragging rights after winning a match.

Pros

  • Fun twist on football
  • Free to play

Cons

  • Needs more game modes

Download: Epic Games Store

Mortal Kombat 11

The popular fighting action-adventure game has a huge fan following all over the world and considering its legacy of being a console game, Mortal Kombat is best enjoyed with a controller. While we personally love all versions of the game, Mortal Kombat 11 is the latest installment in the franchise. During the release, the game was praised for its gameplay, story, graphics, and improved netcode. Of course, the game also includes various deadly combos that are a lot easier to configure on a controller compared to a keyboard. Mortal Kombat 11 is selling for Rs 1,149 or you can go for Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate at Rs 1,349 which includes additional content.

Mortal Kombat 11 review

Mortal Kombat is an iconic fighting game series and Mortal Kombat 11 is no exception. The over-the-top special attacks and finishers are incredibly fun to perform and watch. The game seem a bit challenging at first when you are trying to learn the moves, but it only gets better as you continue playing.

Pros

  • Intense fighting experience
  • Huge roster of characters

Cons

  • Could be really challenging for some players

Download: Steam 

Forza Horizon 5

The newest addition to the Forza franchise, Forza Horizon 5 is one of the best open-world car racing games on PC. Building on the success of Forza Horizon 4, the new iteration takes you to Mexico where you get to drive a range of cars over different terrains along with a new weather system. It also has the largest map in the entire Forza Horizon series, being 50% bigger than its predecessor. Racing sims are generally better if played with a controller instead of a mouse and keyboard and it holds true for this game as well. Forza Horizon 5 is selling on Steam for Rs 3,499 as a Standard Edition while the Deluxe and Premium editions cost Rs 4,499 and Rs 5,499 respectively. You can also get the game from the official Xbox store.

Forza Horizon 5 review

Forza Horizon 5 is set in Mexico and its open world contains beautiful locales from the country. The game has expanding roster of cars, with several types of races and events. Forza Horizon 5 has some of the best and most realistic visuals out there.

Pros

  • Great graphics
  • Lots of races and cars

Cons

  • May get repetitive after a few hours

Download: Steam | Xbox

Hades

Hades is a multi-award-winning roguelike action dungeon crawler game. It is based on Greek mythology where you play as Zagreus, Hades’ son who is trying to run from home and reach his mother Persephone. The game features unique artwork and enticing gameplay that is bound to keep you hooked for hours. The majority of gameplay is absolutely fabulous on a controller, apart from targeted ranged weapons and attacks that feel better with a mouse. The game can be purchased on Steam for Rs 569.

Hades review

Hades is amazing roguelike with a fantastic story and soundtrack. The gameplay feels incredible as you slow turn into a god every time you die. The game has really interesting boss fights as well as mobs that will test your skills in every run.

Pros

  • Amazing story
  • Great gameplay

Cons

  • Lack of post-launch content

Download: Steam

FIFA 22

Out of all the sports-based video games out there, FIFA is a popular name and has a fairly big fanbase. Like most sports games, this one also works best with a controller. The analogue sticks offer precise control and help in the fluid movement of players especially when you have to move diagonally or dodge around with the ball. The latest installment, FIFA 22, supports all popular controllers but it is advised to double-check before spending your hard-earned money. FIFA 22 is available for Rs 2,999 while the Ultimate Launch Edition is selling for Rs 4,299.

FIFA 22 review

FIFA 22 is the latest title in the series and it is pretty much what you would expect from a FIFA game. Action-packed simulation of football with licensed teams and real-world stadiums have been a part of FIFA games for several and FIFA 22 is no exception.

Pros

  • Great football experience for fans

Cons

  • Pretty much the same experience as previous titles

Download: Steam

Hollow Knight

Hollow Knight is a popular indie game that is available on multiple platforms, including PC. After its release in 2017, the game was well-received by critics for its world-building, character design, and combat mechanics, with emphasis on the extensive story. Considering the game’s inspiration from older platformers, it is best enjoyed with a controller. Notably, a sequel called Hollow Knight: Silksong, is in development and is expected to release soon. Hollow Knight is available for purchase on Steam for Rs 479.

Hollow Knight review

Hollow Knight tells a great story, thanks to its incredible characters and world building. You get some amazing abilities that assist you taking down powerful enemies and bosses. Hollow Knight is worth playing over and over again once you really get into it.

Pros

  • Great platformer gameplay

Cons

  • 2D animation may not be appreciated by everyone

Download: Steam

Street Fighter V

Street Fighter is regarded as a definitive example of the fighting genre of video games. The game has been around since the early 90s and since then has seen multiple installments in the main series alongside various adaptations and spin-offs. Street Fighter V is the latest title that includes all the popular characters including Ryu, Chun Li, Ken, M. Bison, and many more. The game involves complicated combos which can only be achieved using a controller, especially one with dual analogue sticks. In fact, most professional players use arcade sticks during competitive matches. Street Fighter V is available for Rs 1,499 on Steam while the Champion Edition is selling for Rs 2,299.

Street Fighter V review

Just like Mortal Kombat 11, Street Fighter V is an incredible fighting game. The game has huge roster of characters who come with unique moves to master. As you continue to play the game, you will uncover different combos and moves for various characters and find out weaknesses of your opponents.

Pros

  • Intense fighting action
  • Great roster of characters

Cons

  • Difficult to play for beginners

Download: Steam

Devil May Cry 5

The popular action-adventure game by Capcom, Devil May Cry 5 takes place five years after Devil May Cry 4 and follows Dante, Nero, and V, attempting to stop the Demon King Urizen from destroying the human world. The gameplay focuses on fast-paced stylish action where you need to fight off hordes of demons with a variety of attacks and weapons. They receive a style rating for combat based on several factors, such as move variety, length of a combo, and dodging attacks. All of this can be achieved best with a controller rather than a keyboard and mouse. Pricing starts at Rs 1,749.

Devil May Cry 5 review

Devil May Cry 5 has some of the best action-packed fights in gaming. The game rewards you for chaining various combos and moves to defeat hordes of enemies. Devil May Cry 5’s combat focuses a lot on being styling, instead of just being an attack, dodge, attack combo.

Pros

  • Stylish fights
  • Amazing weapons and attacks

Cons

  • The over-the-top story may seem a bit tacky

Download: Steam

Batman Arkham

One of the best comic-book hero adaptations of all time, the Batman Arkham series surprisingly feels much better with a controller. While scrolling through and using gadgets can feel a tab bit slow, using a controller brings a more fluid and intuitive control during combat. If you haven’t played any of the Arkham games, we recommend that you try it with a controller. The Batman Arkham series includes a total of four games but if you are lucky, Steam occasionally sells all the games as a single bundle.

Batman Arkham series review

Batman Arkham series delivers some of the most iconic games out there. The combat has inspired several games that you play today. The series is also known for its great storytelling, side-missions, and amazing fights.

Pros

  • Fantastic combat
  • Great storytelling

Cons

  • Using gadgets can feel a bit slow on controller

Download: Steam – Batman Arkham Knight | Steam – Batman Arkham Knight Origins | Steam – Batman Arkham City | Steam – Batman Arkham Asylum