These 15 PS5 Games Make The Best Use of the DualSense Controller

The PlayStation 5 wasn’t just a more powerful console; it also introduced the DualSense controller, designed to create a more immersive and interactive gaming experience, allowing players to truly feel connected to the game.

The controller’s advanced vibrations and textures are designed to fully pull you into the game, realistically simulating everything from different surfaces to the feel of weapons. The buttons even change how they feel based on what’s happening on screen, making it feel like an extension of the game itself. It also brings back the convenient touchpad and speaker from the previous PlayStation controller. Unfortunately, not every game takes full advantage of these features.

However, many games actually make excellent use of the DualSense controller‘s features. If you want to experience what it can do, here are some top titles to check out. Let’s dive in!

1. Ghost of Yotei

Being a PlayStation 5 exclusive, it was expected that Atsu’s Revenge would take advantage of the DualSense controller. The game already used the touchpad for things like wind direction and important actions. But the really impressive parts were using touchpad swipes to play the shamisen, or physically moving and tilting the controller to simulate cooking – these details added a surprising level of immersion to the game’s open world and activities.

The way even a simple campfire was built in the game was really well done. While the controller’s vibrations and triggers could have been more impactful during fights, they worked pretty well overall. If you want to fully immerse yourself and feel like your DualSense controller is part of the experience, this game is a great pick.

2. Astro Bot

Team Asobi’s platformer really showcased the PlayStation’s history and took full advantage of the DualSense controller. It was so impressive that they created a whole new game centered around the Astro Bot character. The controller’s advanced haptics made it feel like you could actually feel different surfaces – sand, metal, and more – with each one offering a unique and distinct sensation thanks to the varying intensity of the motor.

The game cleverly used the DualSense controller’s features to enhance the experience. For example, when you picked up certain items, like a suction device, the triggers would push back against your fingers, making it feel like something was filling up. Boxing gloves caused the triggers to click, simulating the impact of punches. These details really showcase the controller’s capabilities, making this game a great choice for anyone who wants to fully experience what the DualSense can do.

3. Gran Turismo 7

Gran Turismo 7 is a very realistic racing simulator, so it’s no surprise the developers used everything available to make the game as immersive as possible. PlayStation 5 owners, especially those familiar with the DualSense controller, will appreciate what it brings to the experience.

Honestly, it’s tough to explain, but each car feels different thanks to the subtle changes in the controller’s vibrations – you really feel the engine’s power. And when you’re pushing hard, you can feel the road through the controller, like when your tires start to lose grip. The triggers are awesome too, changing how much resistance you get on the brake pedal depending on the car, and even mimicking ABS. There’s a ton of detail here, but it all adds up to a stunning visual experience with gameplay that feels incredibly real, especially when combined with the DualSense controller features – it’s totally worth checking out!

4. STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl

The PS5 version of the new STALKER game makes great use of the DualSense controller. The developers especially focused on the adaptive triggers, working hard to make each gun feel unique and realistic – even getting input from weapon experts on the team to accurately recreate the feel of different firearms.

All the in-game radio communication comes through the PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller speaker. The controller’s vibrations are also designed to realistically mimic the feel of different ground surfaces as you explore the varied environments in the game. Because STALKER 2 is so immersive, the PS5 version is the best way to play, and the DualSense controller really enhances the experience.

5. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

Not only did Insomniac Games feature both Peter Parker and Miles Morales as playable Spider-Men, but they also made amazing use of the PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller, bringing the city to life in your hands. The game’s realistic reflections and advanced graphics clearly showed this was a next-generation experience when it was released.

The DualSense controller really enhanced the experience. Its vibrations cleverly mimicked sensations like wind rushing past while swinging, and the triggers tightened realistically when Spider-Man prepared to launch. Gliding across water was a particularly impressive example of the controller’s capabilities, and this game is definitely worth playing to see what the DualSense can do.

6. Horizon Forbidden West

This is another excellent game only available on PlayStation 5, and it really showcases what the DualSense controller can do. The controller’s special features are woven into the gameplay so seamlessly, you might not even realize they’re there at first. But soon, you’ll find yourself actively trying to trigger the controller’s haptic feedback, and that’s when the game truly comes alive.

You’ll start to feel subtle details, like the gentle vibrations of grass as you hide in it, or the immediate feedback from the controller when you fall from a height. Swimming feels different depending on your strokes, and each weapon has a unique feel thanks to the controller’s triggers. This game is truly immersive and worth experiencing for yourself – it’s also a lot of fun!

7. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach

Hideo Kojima’s highly anticipated 2025 game is already generating excitement, and Sam Porter’s new journey really showcases the DualSense controller’s capabilities. The game cleverly uses the controller to make players feel more connected to the character and the world, with different surfaces providing unique sensations in their hands.

We could feel the weight of what he was carrying thanks to the controller’s realistic triggers, and the rain effects created a sense of urgency and dread. It’s incredibly immersive, and suggests even more innovative uses for the controller are on the way.

8. The Last of Us Part I

This updated version of the beloved 2013 game cleverly uses the Dualsense controller to enhance the experience. Even though players might be familiar with the story, the controller’s features – like different sensations in the triggers for guns and Ellie’s bow, and subtle vibrations – add a new layer of immersion and tension as you explore the world.

These additions significantly enhance key moments in the story, adding a nuanced and modern feel that wasn’t achievable when the game was first created. If you’re a fan looking to rediscover the original experience with a new perspective, the DualSense controller will help you do just that.

9. Dead Space Remake

Playing the USG Ishimura with a DualSense controller was a surprisingly immersive experience. The plasma rifle felt incredibly powerful, and the controller’s vibrations perfectly matched the action on screen, making taking down terrifying enemies even more satisfying.

The magnetic boots provide realistic feedback with every step, and each weapon feels unique thanks to the responsive triggers – you’ll likely be able to identify them by feel alone after playing for a while. If you enjoy being scared, this game is worth trying.

10. Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

The continuation of Cloud Strife’s battle against Shinra, following the events of Remake, makes fantastic use of the DualSense controller’s features. The haptics and triggers really enhance the combat and exploration, and cleverly integrate with the story and even some of the smaller games within the larger experience.

The game Rebirth really showcases the potential of the DualSense controller beyond just fighting. It cleverly integrates the controller’s features into story moments and even simulates the feeling of different surfaces, like walking on various types of ground. It’s a natural fit for the controller, and a fun game regardless of the tech!

11. Alan Wake 2

We especially loved this game. Pairing a controller like the DualSense with such an immersive game really enhances the experience. While the graphics are already fantastic on the PS5, the DualSense adds another layer of immersion, making it one of the best gaming experiences available.

The game is incredibly immersive – you’ll feel the rain through the controller’s subtle vibrations, and each weapon, like the shotgun and crossbow, feels uniquely powerful thanks to the well-designed triggers. It’s the kind of game you’ll want to play again and again, even after you’ve completed it.

12. Black Myth Wukong

You’ll immediately notice how well the DualSense controller enhances the experience. Battles with each boss really come to life, as the controller vibrates with every hit you block. But Wukong also includes other clever details in its gameplay that make playing on a PS5 (or PC with a DualSense) especially enjoyable.

The controller’s adaptive triggers and haptic feedback really set your equipment apart, responding to everything from enemy resistance to spellcasting. They create a more immersive experience, especially during combat, and truly bring the game world to life. It’s a perfect fit for experiencing the story through the main character’s journey.

13. Deathloop

Okay, so I’ve been playing Deathloop, and honestly, it’s one of the best games I’ve experienced with the DualSense controller. The way they use the haptics is incredible – walking on different surfaces actually feels different, which is so immersive. And the adaptive triggers? They really make a difference with the weapons, each one feeling unique and distinct. It’s a total game changer!

Adding haptic feedback to cutscenes really enhanced the experience, making key moments feel more impactful as the developers intended. If you have a DualSense controller, you’ll definitely enjoy playing in Blackreef.

14. Stray

This game feels perfectly designed for the DualSense controller – it’s not like the controller was added on as an afterthought. It truly enhances the experience, especially with details like feeling the purr of your cat character and even understanding why cats love to scratch, thanks to the controller’s triggers.

We especially loved using the controller while our cats were resting. It subtly mirrored their breathing patterns, which was both charming and surprisingly relaxing. This is a really creative way to use the DualSense controller, and a unique experience overall.

15. Baldur’s Gate 3

Larian Studios successfully adapted the user interface from keyboard and mouse controls to a controller, making it easy to explore the world of Faerun and enjoy the game’s many mysteries and adventures. This is a particularly well-done adaptation of the Dungeons & Dragons experience.

The game’s controls are really responsive, using different levels of pressure to manage the radial menus. The DualSense controller’s light bar changes color to match the spells you’re using, and the haptic feedback adds to the immersion. It’s definitely worth trying, and even better that Larian officially supports modding on the PS5 version.

That concludes our list of games that are especially great on the PS5, thanks to the immersive experience provided by the DualSense controller. We’re excited to see what new titles emerge in the future!

2025-12-05 17:18