25 Controller-First PC Games That Play Better From The Couch

These PC games are designed to be played with a controller, making them perfect for relaxing on your couch. They feature easy-to-use menus, intuitive controls, and even features like vibration and local multiplayer. We’ve included details like release dates, developers, how many players can play, and helpful controller settings to help you choose the best games for your setup.

‘Elden Ring’ (2022)

As a PC gamer, I was really happy to see that FromSoftware and Bandai Namco put full controller support into the game. It automatically recognizes when you plug in a controller and even shows the right button prompts! Everything feels natural – lock-on targeting, swapping items quickly, and controlling your mount all map perfectly to the controller’s buttons and sticks. Plus, if you have a compatible controller, you get vibration feedback, and it works great whether you’re using an Xbox or PlayStation layout. The best part? I can even play online co-op or PvP right from my couch using just one controller!

‘Hades’ (2020)

Supergiant Games has added full controller support to the PC version of the game. You can customize all the button controls, and the analog sticks provide smooth, responsive movement. For more accurate aiming, especially at a distance, the game includes aim-assist and a snap-to-target feature. Controllers with rumble feedback are also supported, and the game runs smoothly at high frame rates, making gamepad controls feel particularly good with features like timed dashes and attacks.

‘Devil May Cry 5’ (2019)

The PC version of the game automatically detects and works with both Xbox (XInput) and PlayStation (DualShock/DualSense) controllers, and displays the correct button prompts for each. Key actions like targeting, switching styles, and performing special moves are mapped to the shoulder buttons and triggers. If your controller supports it, the game offers smooth, high frame rates and rumble feedback. You can even turn on helpful assistance features without needing a mouse or keyboard.

‘Monster Hunter: World’ (2018)

Okay, so Capcom really nailed the controller support in this action RPG on PC. It feels great with a gamepad – they’ve got these radial menus for quickly picking items or using your slinger, and everything’s tweaked to work perfectly with analog sticks. Plus, the controller even rumbles! You can play co-op hunts online, which is awesome, and if you’re playing solo on one screen, one controller is all you need. The best part? The game automatically shows you the button prompts for whatever controller you’ve got plugged in – PlayStation, Xbox, whatever!

‘Rocket League’ (2015)

Rocket League’s controls are built for gamepads, using analog sticks and triggers. The PC version works with various controllers, including Xbox (XInput), PlayStation (DualShock/DualSense), and Steam Input, allowing for custom button mapping. You can play locally with up to four players on a single PC using multiple controllers. If you prefer playing online by yourself, that’s also an option. The game lets you adjust stick sensitivity and deadzones to customize how the controls feel.

‘Forza Horizon 5’ (2021)

Playground Games and Xbox Game Studios have built-in controller support with options to customize how much assistance you get with steering, braking, and staying on the road. When playing on PC with an Xbox controller, you’ll feel vibrations in the triggers when you brake or start to skid, adding to the realism. The game’s menus and information are easy to read even from a distance, and it takes advantage of powerful hardware with smooth, high frame rates and support for ultrawide monitors. Plus, you can easily switch between playing on your Xbox console and on your PC, and your progress carries over within the Xbox system.

‘Red Dead Redemption 2’ (2018)

Rockstar Games has added complete controller support for the PC version of the game. This includes helpful on-screen button prompts for both Xbox and PlayStation controllers. The game’s cinematic camera, aiming system, and horse controls work naturally with analog sticks and triggers, and controller vibration is supported with XInput pads. You can also customize the controls within the game. Whether you’re playing the story mode, Red Dead Online, or using the photo mode, you can play the entire game with just a controller.

‘Hollow Knight’ (2017)

Team Cherry’s game automatically works with controllers on PC, and you can customize the button layout. It’s designed for smooth movement, accurate jumping, and responsive combat when using a controller. If you have a compatible controller, you’ll also get vibration feedback through Steam Input. The game’s clear interface and easy-to-learn controls make it ideal for playing on a TV from a distance.

‘Cuphead’ (2017)

Cuphead offers local co-op for two players on PC when using controllers. The controls are very responsive, featuring smooth analog movement and dedicated buttons for actions like dashing, shooting, locking, and parrying. The game runs smoothly at high frame rates and provides satisfying controller vibration. Joining a co-op game is easy – you can do it directly from the character selection screen, and a keyboard isn’t required.

‘Ori and the Will of the Wisps’ (2020)

Moon Studios and Xbox Game Studios have made sure the game works seamlessly with controllers, letting you customize the button layout to your liking. Challenging platforming, quick attacks, and combat moves are conveniently placed on the shoulder buttons and triggers, so you don’t have to move your thumbs far. It also runs at a high frame rate and has a clean on-screen display, making it easy to play comfortably from your couch. Plus, if you have a compatible controller, you’ll even feel the action with vibration!

‘Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice’ (2019)

The PC version of the game now fully supports controllers, allowing for precise analog movement and easy parrying using the shoulder buttons. Important actions like locking onto enemies, using prosthetic tools, and performing combat arts are readily accessible without needing to pause and go into menus. Controllers that use XInput will also provide vibration feedback. The game maintains fast response times even at high frame rates, which is crucial for perfectly timed blocks and deflects.

‘Resident Evil 4’ (2023)

Capcom’s RE Engine for PC now fully supports game controllers, with helpful on-screen instructions. The controls are optimized for analog sticks, making aiming and quick turns feel natural, and the weapon selection wheel is easy to use with a controller’s directional pad. Compatible controllers can also take advantage of vibration and pressure-sensitive triggers. Players can even adjust accessibility features like aim assist without switching back to keyboard and mouse.

‘The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’ (2015)

As a fan, I’m really impressed with how CD Projekt Red handled controls! They’ve created this awesome radial menu for signs, items, and bombs that works perfectly with a controller on PC. What’s even cooler is that the interface automatically adjusts for TV screens, and the button prompts change depending on what controller you’re using. They’ve also mapped things like horse controls, lock-on, and quick casting to the shoulder and trigger buttons, which feels so natural. And the best part? Even with the next-gen updates, full controller support stayed intact on PC, and it all runs even smoother now!

‘Horizon Zero Dawn’ (2017)

The PC version of the game now fully supports controllers, with customizable button displays. Players can easily select weapons and craft ammo using radial menus, and aiming sensitivity can be adjusted to their preference. Controllers with vibration functionality will also provide haptic feedback, and the on-screen display can be adjusted for comfortable use while playing from a distance.

‘Yakuza 0’ (2015)

As a huge fan, I’m so excited that Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and Sega finally added full controller support to the PC version! It’s awesome – everything from fighting to the fun mini-games and even just navigating the menus works perfectly with a gamepad. Plus, the game runs at high frame rates, which makes the controller feel really responsive. You can even change your save settings and subtitles without touching your mouse or keyboard – it’s all done with the controller! It’s a fantastic improvement.

‘NieR:Automata’ (2017)

The PC versions of the game fully support controllers, including features like lock-on targeting and smooth transitions between close-combat and shooting. The game automatically adjusts button displays for Xbox or PlayStation controllers, and you can customize the controls within the game’s settings. Vibration feedback is also included, and the high frame rate makes precise movements like dodging and attacking much easier.

‘Persona 5 Royal’ (2019)

The PC version of the game from Atlus and Sega offers complete controller support, with a user interface designed to be easily viewed on large TV screens. The game’s menus and commands are optimized for quick navigation using a controller, and it runs smoothly at high frame rates. Plus, it supports controller vibration and automatically adjusts button prompts to match your gamepad.

‘Tunic’ (2022)

Developer Andrew Shouldice and publisher Finji have made the game fully compatible with controllers. Moving, dodging, and targeting feel natural with analog sticks, and the game’s menus and instructions are designed for controller use. The game also features vibration on standard controllers, and the clear interface with adjustable text size makes it perfect for playing on a TV from the couch.

‘Rayman Legends’ (2013)

Players on PC can enjoy four-player local co-op in the game using gamepads. The controls are easy to learn—just jump, attack, and glide—and are designed to feel comfortable when using a gamepad. The game automatically detects multiple controllers, making it perfect for playing with friends on the couch. You can even navigate all the menus and select levels using just a controller.

‘Overcooked! 2’ (2018)

Ghost Town Games and Team17 have added a fun way to play together on PC: up to four players can join in locally, using gamepads! It’s easy to set up and start playing right away, with simple controller customization. You can even combine players on the couch with those playing online. The game is designed to be easy to see and read, even when playing from a distance.

‘It Takes Two’ (2021)

Okay, so as a gamer, here’s what’s cool: Hazelight and EA really nailed the co-op for this game. You need a friend to play, and thankfully you can team up either locally – split-screen on the same PC with two controllers – or online. The online co-op uses something called Friend Pass, which is awesome. And the best part? Everything is built for controllers. All the menus and prompts are designed to be used with a gamepad, so you don’t have to mess around with keyboard and mouse. It’s totally designed around both players using controllers, and it feels really natural!

‘Shovel Knight’ (2014)

As a gamer, I really appreciate that Yacht Club Games made the PC version work great with controllers – you can even customize the buttons and feel the rumble! Plus, the ‘Treasure Trove’ update added local co-op, which is awesome for playing with a friend on the same screen, and more campaigns to dive into. Even better, the game’s interface is clean and easy to see, even when I’m playing on my TV. And the best part? The button prompts automatically change depending on what controller I’m using thanks to Steam Input, so I don’t have to mess with settings!

‘Dead Cells’ (2018)

Motion Twin built the game’s movement and combat with controller play in mind, using analog sticks and shoulder buttons. The PC version fully supports controllers, letting you customize the button layout and even feel the action with vibration on compatible gamepads. The interface is simple and easy to navigate when playing from the couch, and the game runs smoothly at fast speeds. You can access daily challenges and downloadable content using just a controller.

‘Vampire Survivors’ (2022)

poncle has added excellent controller support for the PC version, letting you move with analog sticks and even set up automatic firing. You can also play with up to four players locally on a single screen, each with their own controller. The game’s interface adjusts nicely for TVs, so text remains clear and readable from the couch. Plus, it runs well even on less powerful computers, making it easy to enjoy multi-controller gameplay.

‘Batman: Arkham Knight’ (2015)

Rocksteady Studios and Warner Bros. Games have made sure the PC version of the game fully supports controllers. This includes features like lock-on, counters, and gadget selection all easily accessible with a gamepad. The game is designed to feel natural with controller inputs for both driving and fighting, utilizing analog sticks and triggers. If you’re using a controller, you’ll also get vibration feedback, and the game will automatically show the correct button prompts for your specific controller. You can navigate all menus and select missions using just a gamepad.

Let us know in the comments what PC games you’ve been playing comfortably on your couch, and what games you’d like to see us cover next!

2025-11-14 14:51