Elden Ring -- Best Open-World Controller Game
Elden Ring is a masterpiece of open-world design and it was built to be played with a controller. The combat system. with its precise dodges, parries, and stamina management. feels most natural on a gamepad. FromSoftware's control scheme has been refined across over a decade of Soulslike games, and Elden Ring represents the pinnacle of that work. The Lands Between is vast and rewarding to explore, with over 100 hours of content for completionists. While the PC port had early issues, patches have made it a smooth experience. If you own one controller game on Steam, make it Elden Ring.
Check price on Amazon →The best controller games on Steam in 2026, hand-picked for excellent gamepad support, deep gameplay, and value. From action RPGs to platformers, these are must-plays.
Steam has the largest PC game library on the planet, and the best controller games on Steam rival anything available on consoles. With Steam Input supporting nearly every gamepad on the market, all you need is a great game and a comfortable controller. Here are five titles that deliver exceptional gamepad experiences in 2026.
| Product | Best For | Rating |
| — | — | — |
| Elden Ring | Open-world Soulslike fans | 4.9/5 |
| Hades II | Roguelite action lovers | 4.8/5 |
| It Takes Two | Co-op players | 4.9/5 |
| Celeste | Precision platformer fans | 4.8/5 |
| Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice | Hardcore action challenge seekers | 4.7/5 |
How we evaluated these
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.
The shortlist
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elden Ring -- Best Open-World Controller Game | Check price | ||
| Hades II -- Best Roguelite | Check price | ||
| It Takes Two -- Best Co-Op Game | Check price | ||
| Celeste -- Best Platformer | Check price | ||
| Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice -- Best Action Game | Check price |
Each pick, examined
Elden Ring -- Best Open-World Controller Game
Elden Ring is a masterpiece of open-world design and it was built to be played with a controller. The combat system. with its precise dodges, parries, and stamina management. feels most natural on a gamepad. FromSoftware's control scheme has been refined across over a decade of Soulslike games, and Elden Ring represents the pinnacle of that work. The Lands Between is vast and rewarding to explore, with over 100 hours of content for completionists. While the PC port had early issues, patches have made it a smooth experience. If you own one controller game on Steam, make it Elden Ring.
Hades II -- Best Roguelite
Hades II from Supergiant Games is the most polished roguelite in Early Access and it's engineered perfectly for gamepad play. The fast-paced combat chains light attacks, special attacks, casts, and dashes in satisfying combinations that feel natural on a controller. The narrative is delivered between runs through dialogue with a rich cast of characters, making every session feel purposeful. Supergiant has built controller support deep into the UI, so menus and map navigation are equally smooth. At in Early Access, it already contains more content than many finished games.
It Takes Two -- Best Co-Op Game
It Takes Two is arguably the greatest co-op game ever made, and with two controllers it's a transformative experience. Every level introduces entirely new mechanics. platforming, third-person shooting, puzzle-solving, stealth. keeping both players constantly engaged. The game requires two players and two controllers, but what you get in return is a wildly creative 12-hour adventure with exceptional production values. Hazelight Studios designed every element around cooperative play, and the result is a game that feels genuinely collaborative rather than just multiplayer-enabled. Winner of The Game Award for Game of the Year when it released, it holds up brilliantly.
Celeste -- Best Platformer
Celeste is the definitive precision platformer and its tight controls make it perfect for a gamepad with analog triggers and face buttons. The D-pad is razor-sharp for those who prefer it, while the analog stick accommodates players who want finer directional control. The game is mechanically pure. no upgrades, no randomness. just you, the level, and an incredibly rewarding skill curve. Celeste's story about mental health adds emotional weight to the challenge. The free Farewell DLC adds some of the hardest content in any platformer. At, it's one of the best controller games on Steam at any price.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice -- Best Action Game
Sekiro is FromSoftware's most mechanically focused game, built entirely around its posture-based sword combat system. Mastering deflects and mikiri counters requires the kind of consistent, repeatable precision that a controller offers over mouse and keyboard. The parry timing demands feel natural on a gamepad's shoulder buttons, and the game's exceptional sense of rhythm clicks once you internalize it. Set in a stunning reimagining of Sengoku-era Japan, Sekiro is a gorgeous and brutal experience that rewards dedicated players with one of the most satisfying combat systems in gaming history.
Buying considerations
What to consider
When selecting controller games on Steam, check the store page for the "Full Controller Support" badge. this means the entire game including menus works without a keyboard. "Partial Controller Support" often means in-game controls work but menus require a mouse. Read user reviews filtered to those mentioning controllers. Look for games in genres that traditionally play better on gamepad: action RPGs, platformers, fighting games, and third-person adventures. Steam's Controller Compatibility section in settings can also surface games in your library with excellent gamepad support, helping you discover titles you already own that are worth revisiting with a controller.
What to consider
For the best experience, pair these games with quality hardware. see our [best controller gaming](/articles/best-controller-gaming) guide for top gamepad picks. If comfort during long sessions is a priority, our [best controller grips](/articles/best-controller-grips) article has you covered. Learn more about how we test and rank products at our [methodology](/methodology) page.
Questions answered
Steam has the most comprehensive controller support of any PC platform. Xbox Wireless Controllers, PlayStation DualSense, and Nintendo Pro Controllers all work natively. Steam Input also allows deep remapping of nearly any HID controller. Xbox controllers are the default standard since most Steam games are tested with them, but DualSense adaptive triggers work in supported titles.
Open Steam Settings, navigate to Controller, and enable Steam Input for your controller type. Steam will auto-detect most modern controllers. For individual games, right-click the title in your library, go to Properties, then Controller, and select 'Enable Steam Input.' Steam's Big Picture Mode is also optimized for couch controller gaming.
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.
