The Best MMOs And MMORPGs With Controller Support

Is playing MMOs with a controller right up your alley? Or are you simply wondering which PC MMORPGs are playable with a gamepad? We kick off the list with a bunch of games that offer native controller support and finish with a few titles that don’t but still work.

Final Fantasy XIV and Final Fantasy XI

• Developer: Square Enix
• Release Date: 2010 & 2002
• Platform: Playstation & PC
• For Fans of Anime MMOs

Final Fantasy XIV is one of the MMO games with the best controller support. The critically-acclaimed MMORPG makes it extremely easy for players to set up up their gamepads. A variety of settings allow you to customize in and out of combat hotbars, actions, and whatnot.

The well-integrated support is no surprise considering that FF XIV is also a console MMORPG. Its revered sibling, Final Fantasy XI, comes with native controller support as well. So, if you ever decide to drop the mouse and keyboard in favor of a gamepad, rest assured as these two Final Fantasy MMOs work smoothly with such a peripheral.

World of Warcraft

• Developer: Blizzard
• Release Date: 2004
• Platform: PC
• For Fans of Fantasy MMOs

Before October 2020, gamepad configuration was unofficially available thanks to third-party software, such as the ConsolePort addon. Blizzard Entertainment sneaked in native controller support with the Shadowlands pre-patch giving players the chance to hook up a gamepad of choice and have more excuses for standing in the fire.

Joke aside, WoW works pretty well with a controller. Character movement and camera controls feel fluid. You will have no issues getting around. Setting up the binds for combat takes a bit of time. A class-specific guide is recommended. You might want to get comfortable with the spells and abilities before jumping into any kind of group content with pugs.

Black Desert Online

• Developer: Pearl Abyss
• Release Date: December 2014
• Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
• For Fans of Korean MMOs

We are happy to report that Black Desert Online is among the MMORPGs with built-in controller support. The option to enable the controller, aptly named Gamepad, is under the Interface Setting menu. In the Action Hotkeys menu, you can set up the buttons for actions. However, many players recommend the reWASD mapper for advanced customization.

Playing BDO on a competitive level with a gamepad is not for everyone. It can take time and practice to find and master a comfortable configuration. The experience heavily depends on the class you play.

Elder Scrolls Online

• Developer: Zenimax
• Release Date: April 4, 2014
• Platform: PlayStation, Xbox, PC
• For Fans of Fantasy MMOsc

The controller support in ESO is quite robust, making it a viable option for those who’d rather play with a gamepad than a keyboard and mouse. However, don’t toss the old kbm aside because most Elder Scrolls Online addons don’t work with a gamepad.

Navigating the menus is another action for which you’ll want the designated PC gaming peripherals. You will also need them for typing. Most of the players only use the gamepad for combat. The mapping depends on your preferences and whatever you find easier. Play around with the options and check out community guides for tips!

Lost Ark

• Developer: Smilegate & Amazon Games
• Release Date: December 4, 2019
• Platform: PC
• For Fans of Isometric MMOs

The popular MMO ARPG from Smilegate doesn’t leave gamepad fans stranded. It supports both PlayStation and Xbox controllers. If plug-and-play doesn’t work, you need to go into the Settings menu and enable the Use Gamepad option. The in-game Control menu allows you to map the buttons. For menu navigation, you will feel more at ease with a mouse and keyboard.

As for combat, the auto-targeting option is your friend when playing a ranged class. On the other hand, auto-targeting can be bothersome for close-quarters encounters. The only way to find out if playing Lost Ark with a controller is for you is to give it a try.

Destiny 2

• Developer: Bungie
• Release Date: August 28, 2017
• Platform: PC, Playstation, Xbox
• For Fans of Shooter MMOs

It would be a bit weird for a game that was first released on consoles not to have controller support on PC, right? Connect your controller of choice to the PC and the game should automatically detect and allow you to use it. The controller settings within the game’s options menu allow you to fine-tune the experience. 

Keep in mind that some activities, such as competitive multiplayer or high-level raids, still heavily favor mouse and keyboard controls due to the precision and speed advantages they offer. However, Destiny 2 offers a fair controller experience for players who prefer this input method. 

DC Universe Online

• Developer: Daybreak Game Company, Dimensional Ink Games
• Release Date: January 11, 2011
• Platform: PC
• For Fans of Superhero MMOs

DC Universe Online offers a unique blend of immersive storytelling and exciting gameplay. You have the chance to become a legendary superhero or villain within the DC Comics universe. Unless you are using a controller. DCUO has gamepad support, but don’t count on being as fast and precise as with a mouse.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to individual taste. Some have no problem engaging in thrilling combat armed with their controller of choice, while others swear by the mouse and keyboard. 

Tom Clancy’s The Division 2

• Developer: Ubisoft
• Release Date: March 1, 2019
• Platform: PC, Playstation, Xbox
• For Fans of Shooter MMOs

The PC version of The Division 2 fully supports the DualSense, DualShock 4, Xbox Elite Wireless Series 2, and Xbox Wireless controllers. The question is: are gamepad users at a disadvantage? We all know that shooters and controllers aren’t the bestest of friends.

For relaxed PvE, go ahead and hook up your gamepad and you will feel – for the most part at least – no difference. For competitive content – where precise aiming and quick interactions are crucial – nothing can beat the mouse and keyboard. Consider switching to the console version if you want to be on a level ground with your pad pals in PvP.

Bless Unleashed

• Developer: Roud 8 Studio
• Release Date: February 26, 2020
• Platform: PC
• For Fans of Free-to-Play MMOs

While the game supports most types of controllers, the UI displays the Xbox controls even when using a PlayStation controller. For some, that is a deal breaker. If you can get over it, you will find that Bless Online has good support for this input method.

Bless Unleashed features fast-paced engaging action combat that feels fluid and natural when playing with a controller. If in other MMOs, controllers hinder your movement and actions, in Bless Unleashed, you will find the opposite to be true. Too bad that the game doesn’t get much attention from the developers.

Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis

• Developer: Sega
• Release Date: July 4, 2012
• Platform: PC, Playstation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
• For Fans of Action-Combat MMOs

Phantasy Star Online 2 and its New Genesis iteration are two MMOs that come with native controller support. What you need to know is that you will lose some convenience when playing with a gamepad. For example, the camera movement isn’t as precise as when using the mouse.

The newer PSO2NG provides a better experience. Even if you decide to use a controller, you will still want to keep the keyboard around for typing and the mouse for browsing the menus and settings.

Star Trek Online

• Developer: Cryptic Studios
• Release Date: February 2, 2010
• Platform: PC, Mac, Playstation, Xbox
• For Fans of Sci-Fi MMOs

Can you play Star Trek Online with a controller? Yes. Should you play Star Trek Online? Only if you truly want to go where (almost) no player has gone before. Being a console game, you’d think STO has all that fancy controller support. Sadly, that is not the case. However, fret not as you can still make your favorite space MMO work with a gamepad. A quick search will yield an excellent community-made guide detailing all you need to know.

The following MMORPGs don’t integrate support for controllers, but we all know that gamers are nothing if not resourceful. With a bit of research and a few tweaks here and there, you can play these MMOs with a controller.

Guild Wars 2

• Developer: ArenaNet
• Release Date: August 28, 2012
• Platform: PC
• For Fans of Action-Combat MMOs

The developers have stated that controller integration is not in the plans, but that’s merely a setback. Guild Wars 2 is the game with the best unofficial controller support. The community went to great lengths to be able to play this MMO with a gamepad. You will find no shortage of guides.

Star Wars The Old Republic

• Developer: BioWare Austin
• Release Date: December 13, 2011
• Platform: PC
• For Fans of Sci-fi MMOs

For raiding and PvP, SWTOR is designed to be played exclusively with a mouse and keyboard. However, story campaigns and leisure activities are perfectly doable with a controller.

Neverwinter

• Developer: Cryptic Studios
• Release Date: June 20, 2013
• Platform: PC, Playstation, Xbox
• For Fans of Action Combat MMOs

It’s funny that a game that has been on consoles for ages doesn’t have native controller support on PC. Nevertheless, there are a few good emulators and mappers that will allow you to adventure into the Forgotten Realms sans mouse and keyboard.

Dungeons and Dragons Online

• Developer: February 28, 2006
• Release Date: Turbine
• Platform: PC
• For Fans of Dungeons & Dragons

Dungeons and Dragons Online lets players use a gamepad without too much fuss. Users can alter the settings with third-party software. If you need configuration ideas, you can check out reWASD.

Lord of the Rings Online

• Developer: Standing Stone Games
• Release Date: April 24, 2007
• Platform: PC
• For Fans of Lord of the Rings

Playing Lord of the Rings Online with a gamepad is viable depending on the content. You may underperform in raids and have your behind handed to you in PvP. For all those other times when you want to chill – LOTRO is a great casual MMO – and do things at your own pace, the controller offers a smooth experience.