Elden Ring -- Best Overall Controller Experience
Elden Ring by FromSoftware is purpose-built for controller play. Every mechanic. Dodging, parrying, spell casting. Maps intuitively to a gamepad. The left and right triggers handle light and heavy attacks while bumpers manage shields and skills, creating a layout that feels second-nature after an hour. The open world of the Lands Between rewards exploration, and navigating it with a thumbstick feels natural and immersive. With over 100 hours of content, incredible boss encounters, and deep build customization, this is a controller gaming benchmark for 2026.
Check price on Amazon →Discover the best controller compatible Steam games in 2026. From action-RPGs to platformers, these titles offer flawless gamepad support for a couch-gaming experience.
If you want to kick back on the couch and play PC games without touching a mouse and keyboard, Steam’s library has you covered. The platform hosts thousands of titles with full controller support. but not all are created equal. These five games deliver exceptional gamepad experiences in 2026, from fluid combat to precise platforming, all without ever reaching for a keyboard.
| Product | Best For | Rating |
| — | — | — |
| Elden Ring | Action-RPG veterans | 9.8/10 |
| Hades II | Roguelike fans | 9.5/10 |
| It Takes Two | Co-op couples | 9.4/10 |
| Hollow Knight | Precision platformers | 9.3/10 |
| Deep Rock Galactic | Co-op shooter lovers | 9.2/10 |
Our methodology
We compare every pick against the field on real specifications, certifications, and aggregated owner reviews. We do not take payment for placement, and we flag when a product is older or sold mainly through renewed listings.
Side by side
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elden Ring -- Best Overall Controller Experience | Check price | ||
| Hades II -- Best Roguelike on Gamepad | Check price | ||
| It Takes Two -- Best Co-Op Controller Game | Check price | ||
| Hollow Knight -- Best Precision Platformer | Check price | ||
| Deep Rock Galactic -- Best Multiplayer Controller Game | Check price |
The full reviews
Elden Ring -- Best Overall Controller Experience
Elden Ring by FromSoftware is purpose-built for controller play. Every mechanic. Dodging, parrying, spell casting. Maps intuitively to a gamepad. The left and right triggers handle light and heavy attacks while bumpers manage shields and skills, creating a layout that feels second-nature after an hour. The open world of the Lands Between rewards exploration, and navigating it with a thumbstick feels natural and immersive. With over 100 hours of content, incredible boss encounters, and deep build customization, this is a controller gaming benchmark for 2026.
Hades II -- Best Roguelike on Gamepad
Supergiant Games designed Hades II with controller play fully in mind. The fast-paced combat flows beautifully through a gamepad. dashing, casting, and attacking all feel snappy and responsive. The Early Access release already packs more content than many full releases, with a compelling story, stunning art, and addictive runs. Analog stick control enhances directional dodging precision in ways that feel almost better than mouse-and-keyboard for this genre.
It Takes Two -- Best Co-Op Controller Game
It Takes Two is a masterpiece of cooperative design. Built specifically for two players, each with their own controller, this game cycles through wildly different gameplay styles. platforming, shooter sections, puzzle mechanics. all seamlessly. The emotional story keeps adults engaged while the accessible controls work for players of all skill levels. Sharing a couch for this one is an experience few PC games can match.
Hollow Knight -- Best Precision Platformer
Team Cherry's Hollow Knight is a masterclass in tight, responsive platforming that suits controller play perfectly. The analog stick gives subtle directional control during jumps, and the face buttons handle combat and abilities with minimal confusion. The hand-drawn art style and haunting score make exploration deeply atmospheric. It's a challenging experience, but every death feels fair. And overcoming tough sections on a gamepad is deeply satisfying.
Deep Rock Galactic -- Best Multiplayer Controller Game
Deep Rock Galactic is a strong pick for controller-wielding co-op fans. The first-person shooter mechanics translate beautifully to gamepad with generous aim assist and well-mapped abilities. Mining, drilling, and fighting bugs with up to four friends on Steam is seamlessly fun, and the game's progression keeps sessions compelling. Regular updates add new missions and gear, ensuring there's always a reason to boot it up.
What matters most
What to consider
Start by filtering the Steam store using the "Full Controller Support" tag. this guarantees the game was designed to be played with a gamepad from the menu to the credits. Avoid titles marked only "Partial Controller Support," as these often require a keyboard for certain actions. Read recent reviews from controller users and check community hub discussions. Consider your preferred genre: action-RPGs, platformers, and co-op games typically offer the best native controller experiences. Also verify that button prompts match your controller type, or that you can change them in settings.
What to consider
Choosing the right game also means matching difficulty to your comfort level. Soulslike games like Elden Ring demand precise inputs, while relaxed co-op games like It Takes Two are welcoming to all skill levels. Matching the game's demands to your experience ensures you'll actually enjoy the controller experience rather than fighting it.
What to consider
If you enjoyed this guide, check out our picks for [best controller for Android](/articles/best-controller-for-android) and explore [best controller for aiming](/articles/best-controller-for-aiming) for more gamepad recommendations. For details on how we evaluate and rank products, see our [methodology](/methodology).
Frequently asked
On each Steam store page, look for the 'Controller Support' badge near the top. 'Full Support' means the game is designed for gamepads with no keyboard needed. You can also filter the Steam store by 'Full Controller Support' to find verified titles. Checking community reviews for controller users is also a reliable way to confirm real-world gamepad performance.
Steam supports a wide range of controllers including Xbox (all generations), PlayStation DualShock and DualSense, Nintendo Switch Pro, and many generic USB and Bluetooth gamepads. Steam Input lets you remap and configure nearly any controller. Some games may show PlayStation or Xbox button prompts automatically based on the connected device.
Tom Reeves has reviewed consumer electronics for over a decade, with a focus on televisions, monitors, laptops, and smart home devices. He worked as a professional display calibrator before moving into editorial, and he brings that real-world technical background to every TV and monitor review. At TheTestedHub, Tom covers display calibration, computer monitors, laptops and 2-in-1s, smart home platforms, home theater setups, and HDR performance.
