Best Games to Play Using an Xbox Controller

The best games to play using an Xbox controller are the ones built around analog movement, steering, camera control, and quick button combinations. Start with Forza Horizon 5 for racing, Elden Ring for action RPG combat, Rocket League for competitive sports, or Hades for fast runs. This shortlist covers Xbox console editions and Windows PC releases whose official store pages identify controller support.

The Xbox controller is especially comfortable when you need two sticks, pressure-sensitive triggers, and several easy-to-reach face buttons. These recommendations are selected for how naturally those inputs fit the game, not from a new hands-on benchmark. On PC, controller support can differ by launcher and edition, so use the store listing for the version you plan to play.

Quick comparison: Xbox controller games for PC and Xbox

The PC label below is the current support signal shown by each publisher or storefront. “Partial” means the store does not mark every part of the PC experience as fully controller-supported; keep a keyboard or mouse nearby if you want access to every menu or action.

10 great games to play with an Xbox controller

1. Forza Horizon 5: Best for racing

Forza Horizon 5 makes the clearest case for using a gamepad. The triggers let you ease into acceleration and braking, while the left stick gives you continuous steering instead of the all-or-nothing input of a keyboard. That helps with corner corrections, controlled slides, and relaxed cruising through its open-world roads. The Xbox edition is available on Xbox consoles and PC, and Steam lists full controller support for its PC build. Check the Xbox store page or Steam listing for the edition you use.

2. Elden Ring: Best for action RPG combat

Elden Ring maps naturally to a controller: move and adjust the camera with the sticks, then dodge, guard, attack, and use items without leaving the thumb controls for long. Lock-on helps keep a target in view while you learn an enemy’s timing. Steam identifies Xbox controllers and full controller support for its PC version. It is a strong pick if you want deliberate combat and exploration on an Xbox console or PC. See the Xbox edition and Steam listing.

3. Cyberpunk 2077: Best for a mix of shooting and driving

Night City combines first-person movement, gunplay, menus, and vehicle handling. A controller is a comfortable choice for story-focused play and driving, while a mouse can feel more precise for long-range aiming on PC. Steam lists full controller support. If you are choosing an Xbox edition, pay attention to the generation: Microsoft says the Xbox One base game stopped receiving patches after November 8, 2022; Xbox Series X|S is required for later patches and the Phantom Liberty expansion. Check the Xbox store notice and Steam PC page.

4. Hades: Best for fast roguelike runs

Hades is a strong gamepad match when you are dodging through crowds, chaining attacks, and choosing upgrades between attempts. The left stick keeps movement direct, and the face buttons make it easy to combine attacks, casts, and dashes. Short runs also make it a good choice for handheld PC play or a quick session on a couch. Steam lists full Xbox controller support. See the Xbox page and Steam listing.

5. Rocket League: Best for arcade sports

Rocket League asks you to steer, jump, boost, and make quick corrections in the air. Analog steering and familiar face-button placement make it easier to build consistent muscle memory than with keyboard steering. The Epic Games Store lists controller support, and the game remains free to play there; its official Xbox release is available for console players. Start with the Epic Games Store page or Xbox listing.

6. Street Fighter 6: Best for fighting games

A controller gives you a D-pad or stick for directional inputs and face buttons for attacks, making Street Fighter 6 an approachable fighter to play from the couch. Its official Xbox listing describes Classic, Modern, and Dynamic control types, so new players can choose a simpler starting scheme and change later. Steam currently marks the PC build as partial controller support, so check its listing if you need every PC menu to work without a keyboard. Compare the Xbox product page with the Steam listing.

7. DOOM Eternal: Best for high-speed action

DOOM Eternal’s movement, jump, dash, and weapon switching make it a good console gamepad pick if you like keeping all actions under your thumbs. For PC, aiming with a mouse may suit players who prioritize fine reticle control, and Steam labels its controller support as partial. Choose the input style that feels best to you, and confirm the current PC support tag before buying. The official Xbox release announcement and Steam page cover the console and PC editions.

8. Ori and the Will of the Wisps: Best for precision platforming

Ori’s jumps, dashes, and midair corrections reward smooth directional control. A controller’s left stick or D-pad can make small platforming adjustments feel natural, while the face buttons keep movement abilities close at hand. The Xbox store lists it for Xbox and PC, and Steam marks its PC version as fully controller-supported. View the Xbox store page or Steam listing.

9. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt: Best for a long fantasy adventure

Exploration, horseback travel, swordplay, and signs all work well with an Xbox controller’s sticks, triggers, and face buttons. It is a good fit when you want to settle into a long story without sitting at a desk. The current Steam page marks the PC build as partial controller support, so check the exact PC edition if you expect a keyboard-free experience. Xbox players can use the Xbox edition page; PC players should also review the Steam listing.

10. Hollow Knight: Best for 2D exploration and combat

Hollow Knight’s tight rooms and boss encounters depend on reliable movement, jumps, and well-timed attacks. A controller makes it easy to keep your thumb on movement while tapping jump or strike, and Steam lists full controller support for the PC version. If you like side-scrolling exploration with a demanding combat loop, it is one of the safest picks in this guide. See the Xbox product page and Steam listing.

Which Xbox controller game should you try first?

• For racing: choose Forza Horizon 5 for analog throttle, braking, and steering.
• For difficult combat: choose Elden Ring if you want lock-on, dodging, and deliberate timing.
• For short sessions: choose Hades for compact runs and quick action.
• For online competition: choose Rocket League for car control and aerial play.
• For platforming: choose Ori for flowing movement or Hollow Knight for precise combat and exploration.

On a Windows PC, the standard Xbox Wireless Controller can connect by Bluetooth on compatible models or by cable; exact options depend on the controller revision and device. Microsoft documents supported devices and connection details on its Xbox Wireless Controller page. Steam also maintains an official list of input devices supported through Steam Input. Before you buy or troubleshoot, check the product page for your exact launcher, because Steam, Epic, and Xbox PC versions may show different support details.

These Xbox controller games for PC and Xbox consoles span racing, RPGs, platformers, fighters, and competitive sports. If comfort and familiar button prompts matter most, start with Forza Horizon 5, Hades, or Ori. If you want a hybrid of controller and mouse precision, try Cyberpunk 2077 or DOOM Eternal and switch inputs when the task calls for it.