Whether you want to play PC games using a controller, mouse, or keyboard depends on your preferences. However, some prefer a controller because they feel more comfortable with it. Moreover, they are often cheaper. But, there are some downsides to using a controller, including limited customization and battery life.
Movement Assist
In competitive FPS games, movement is arguably the most essential aspect of gameplay. Using a mouse gives PC players a clear advantage in strafing and positioning, but a growing number of established controller pros play at the game’s highest levels.
These players can use the game’s keyboard shortcuts to quickly switch between weapons and building materials, which can be vital in a fast-paced match. For instance, PS5 dualsense controller players can instantly swap between different grips on their controllers. This allows them to hold the controller in a claw grip and precisely position the reticle on an enemy player. While some players see aim-assist as necessary for creating a level playing field between console controller players and PC players who use mouse and keyboard, others believe it takes the fun and skill out of competitive gaming. Moreover, some argue that using aim-assist is not cheating as long as the user is not actively trying to influence the outcome of a fight artificially.
For example, a skilled PC gamer can easily reduce the input lag by setting their display’s refresh rate to 60 frames per second and using a low-profile mouse with minimal weight and height. However, it is impossible to eliminate the input lag, which means that there will always be some delay between the player’s command and the screen display.
Aim Assist
Aim assist is a game mechanic that helps players with their aim in first-person shooters (FPS) by guiding and slowing down the reticle when it gets near an enemy. It’s been the subject of much debate in the gaming community as it has become a standard for cross-platform play. Some gamers believe that aim assist gives controller players an unfair advantage over those using a mouse and keyboard. While the argument can be made that aim assist is a form of cheating, the fact is that it allows players who would otherwise struggle to keep their crosshairs on an enemy with precision to do so. It can also be argued that aim assist is a natural part of gameplay and doesn’t give players an objectively different set of tools than those who use a mouse and keyboard.
Some of the most popular FPS games available on PC offer aim assist, including Battlefield V, Call of Duty, and Fortnite. Aim assist is also available on consoles, and many of them allow players to customize the settings to suit their individual needs. However, some gamers believe that aim assist is overpowered and should be toned down or abolished altogether. Others argue that the benefits of aim assist are so great that a mouse and keyboard player would never consider playing a console game without it.
Multiplayer Modes
Multiplayer mode refers to the ability of more than one person to play a video game in real-time on the same system. This mode is most commonly used in multiplayer arcade games, consoles, and computer games. Traditionally, multiplayer games are played with two or more players on separate systems in the same room, but this can also be done over a network.
It has been shown that multiplayer rehabilitation games promote more social interaction and engagement than single-player games. However, the exact features that influence these effects still need to be fully understood. The mode (competitive, co-active, or collaborative) in which a multiplayer video game is presented can impact these outcomes.
Customization
Many games don’t offer full keyboard and mouse support, meaning a controller can feel more natural. This is especially true for console-to-PC conversions on other platformers, where boosting and jumping with a thumbstick feels easier than using a mouse and keyboard.
However, most PC gamers use a mouse and keyboard combination because most eSports games are developed to be played with them. There are exceptions, of course, including a handful of FPS titles that can be successfully played with a controller as long as the controls are well-designed.
Fortunately, many high-end gaming controllers offer a wide range of customization options. From additional programmable paddles on the back of the device to customizable dead zones on the analog sticks, a huge amount of flexibility is available to make any controller feel more like your own. In addition, some controllers come with conclusive software that allows you to configure your key bindings and rumble effects with ease.
Some of the best PC controllers also come with tournament lock functions that prevent you from pressing the system buttons while playing a game, which could lead to disqualification in competitive leagues. These features are an important consideration for any pro gamer looking to optimize their hardware setup.
