Can all PC games be played with a controller?

Not all PC games support controllers out of the box, but many modern titles do, and there are ways to play almost any game with a controller if desired. Let’s break down the compatibility and options for playing PC games with a controller.

1. Games That Natively Support Controllers

Many modern PC games are designed with controller compatibility in mind. These games automatically recognize controllers when they are connected, either via USB or Bluetooth. Popular games that support controllers natively include:

• Action/Adventure Games: Games like Assassin's Creed, Spider-Man, Red Dead Redemption 2, and Grand Theft Auto V offer built-in controller support, giving players a smooth and immersive experience.
• Fighting Games: Titles like Mortal Kombat 11, Street Fighter V, and Tekken 7 are optimized for controller play due to the ease of performing combos and precise button presses.
• Racing Games: If you're playing games like Forza Horizon 5, Need for Speed, or F1 2020, a controller is ideal for steering, acceleration, and braking.
• Platformers: Games like Celeste and Hollow Knight offer a natural feel when played with a controller, and controllers work especially well for jumping and platforming.
• Sports Games: Titles like FIFA, NBA 2K, and Rocket League are built for controllers, offering intuitive gameplay for competitive play.
• Simulation Games: Games such as The Sims 4 and Cities: Skylines also support controllers, though these are usually optional and often more comfortable with a mouse and keyboard.

2. Games That Don’t Natively Support Controllers

However, some PC games don’t have native controller support. These games are usually designed around mouse and keyboard input, which can provide more precise control for certain types of gameplay (e.g., first-person shooters or strategy games). Games that tend not to support controllers include:

• First-Person Shooters (FPS): Games like Call of Duty, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and Apex Legends are primarily designed for keyboard and mouse input. While controller support may exist, it’s often not ideal for fast-paced action where precision is critical.
• Real-Time Strategy (RTS) Games: Titles like StarCraft II and Age of Empires IV benefit from the fine control of a mouse and keyboard, making controller support either unavailable or unwieldy.
• Some MMO Games: Many Massively Multiplayer Online games, such as World of Warcraft, are better suited for keyboard and mouse use due to the complex hotkeys and macro management.

3. How to Use a Controller with Non-Supported Games

If you have a game that doesn't natively support controllers but you still want to use one, you can take advantage of third-party software to map controller buttons to keyboard and mouse actions. Some useful tools include:

• Steam Big Picture Mode: If you're using Steam, you can configure your controller through Big Picture Mode to map controller buttons to keyboard and mouse inputs, allowing you to use a controller even in games that don't support it.
• InputMapper (for DualShock controllers): This is a tool that can help you map PlayStation controller buttons to keyboard commands.
• DS4Windows: For PlayStation controllers (especially the DualShock 4 and DualSense), this app enables controller support for games that don’t natively support them on PC by mapping controller inputs to keyboard and mouse actions.
• Xpadder or JoyToKey: These tools can map controller inputs to any keyboard or mouse function, allowing controllers to work with virtually any game.

4. Types of Controllers for PC Gaming

• Xbox Controllers: Xbox controllers are probably the most commonly used controllers on PC, thanks to their seamless compatibility with Windows. Xbox controllers use plug-and-play functionality, especially for games purchased on Microsoft Store or Steam.
• PlayStation Controllers: DualShock 4 and DualSense controllers can be connected via Bluetooth or USB to a PC. They work well with many games, though they may require extra setup for some games.
• Third-Party Controllers: Many third-party options (like those from 8BitDo, Razer, and SteelSeries) work well with PC and offer additional customization features.

5. Does a Controller Work with Every Game on Steam?

Steam is one of the most controller-friendly platforms for PC gamers. It provides native controller support for a huge range of games and has a feature called Steam Input that allows for customizable button mapping for any controller.

• Steam Big Picture Mode: Steam’s Big Picture Mode is designed for controller users, making it easy to use controllers for games with or without native support.
• Steam’s Library: Most Steam games can be played with a controller, and if the game doesn’t support it natively, you can use Steam Input to map controls manually.

Conclusion

Not all PC games support controllers, but there are many that do, and even if a game doesn’t offer native controller support, you can usually work around it with third-party software. Controllers are ideal for certain genres like racing, fighting, and platformers, while keyboard and mouse remain the go-to input method for FPS and RTS games.

If you're looking for a high-quality controller for your PC gaming, be sure to check out Youwei Trade’s Gaming Controllers Collection to find the right controller that suits your gaming style!