Top 10 Android Games with Controller Support in 2024
- Dead Effect 2 (Free)
- Grimvalor (Free)
- Oddmar (Free)
- Rocket League Sideswipe (Free)
- Brawlhalla (Free)
- Call of Duty: Mobile (Free)
- The Ramp (Free)
- SKY: Children of the Light (Free)
- Castlevania: SotN ($2.99)
- Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition ($3.99)
Mobile games are great in many ways. Firstly, they are in your phone, the one device most people carry around everywhere, allowing you to play your favorite games anywhere and at any time. Many of these games are offline too, allowing you access to gameplay without an internet connection. However, while there are a lot of pros to mobile gaming, controls on mobile games are often not that great. Playing on small screens is difficult, and they usually don’t allow for a lot of precision and accuracy.
To remedy this, many game designers are including controller support in their mobile games, allowing you to play your favorite mobile games with a physical controller. In this article, we list the ten best Android games with controller support.
1. Dead Effect 2 (Free)
The horror survival game Dead Effect 2 from Badfly Interactive is a horror game that takes place in space. High-level scientists from Earth board the spacecraft ESS Meridian, and set out to find a planet. These scientists ultimately abuse their knowledge and tools to mutate into monsters. The user, the lone survivor of this catastrophe, must now find a way to protect the ESS Meridian and protect themselves from the crippling infection. Each of the three available character options for the standard classes has a different fighting style; Gunnar Davis comes with heavy weapons, Kay Raynar with melee weapons, and Jane Frey with shotguns.
There are more than 40 upgradeable weapons and more than 100 upgradeable gear sets and body implants. A game filled with zombies, drones, mutts, monsters, and soldiers, Dead Effect 2 essentially combines elements of horror and sci-fi adventures. As you advance in the game, a woman named Dannette, a brain-damaged mechanic named Minikin, and Dr. Bielik, a scientist, will guide you toward missions and assist you in earning skill-based points and body upgrades.
Dead Effect 2 features a lot of gunplay and offers a variety of story modes, including Generic Missions, Biohazard Mode, Survival Mode, Infestation Mode, and Lone Wolf Missions. Each game mode presents a different challenge. For example, in Survival Mode, your goal is to merely avoid being attacked by the zombie enemy troops, whereas in Infestation, you must actively engage them in combat. These story modes keep players engaged and prevent the game from becoming repetitive over time while also assisting them in gathering more collectible credits for upgrades. To obtain ammunition, you occasionally need to solve pretty simple puzzles.
The various spaceship-set scenes in Dead Effect 2 have stunning visuals and believable audio effects. The gameplay is engrossing, the content is captivating, and the soundtrack is sublime. Dead Effect 2 will surely keep you hooked with its 20 action-packed story missions.
With over five million downloads, Dead Effect 2 is rated 4.2 out of 5 stars on Google Play Store.
2. Grimvalor (Free)
Next on our list of the best Android games with controller support is Grimvalor, a hack-and-slash game from Direlight Games. The game was released in 2018 and does everything the hack-and-slash genre is known for while doing it incredibly well. Grimvalor, which takes place in the Vallaris kingdom, has you hone your combat abilities while attempting to stop whatever evil is brewing in the kingdom. The game is a very visually appealing one, with gloomy castles, dark rooms, and a variety of strange creatures that hide in the shadows and try to kill you.
The game’s controls are very slick and enhance the playing experience. The different buttons are positioned in the corners to prevent users from inadvertently pressing the wrong one, and they all respond to commands quickly and without any lag. The game places a strong emphasis on improving your weapons and learning new moves. Additionally, you discover new weapons to use and upgrade, and you can use objects you come across on your travels to further improve your weapons.
Grimvalor has a soul bar that you should be aware of in addition to the health bar because it is used for all of your character’s power moves. Both of these maneuvers and Grimvalor’s combat, in general, are extremely sophisticated. Grimvalor places equal emphasis on defense and offense because allowing larger foes and bosses to hit you will result in you dying very quickly. However, once you learn your opponent’s movement patterns, it is simple to exploit them and deal significant damage to your adversaries. Grimvalor is a fantastic game to play offline for long stretches of time or brief bursts of play, with impressive combat and fantastic graphics.
With over one million downloads, Grimvalor is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars on Google Play Store.
3. Oddmar (Free)
Oddmar by Mobge Ltd. is the next game on our list. The game’s plot centers on Oddmar, a Viking warrior who has been given the enormous responsibility of bringing his entire village back after it mysteriously vanishes. Oddmar, who is typically a selfish oaf, is now saddled with enormous responsibility and must battle every monster in his path to restore order to his village. Additionally, by doing this, he will gain entry into Valhalla, a magnificent hall in Norse mythology that is set aside for the greatest warriors. This is the game’s ultimate goal, and in order to assist Oddmar in finding his place in Valhalla, the player must battle a variety of monsters.
Critics from all over the world have praised the game’s graphics, with many describing it as one of the best-looking platformers to ever be released on mobile. In Oddmar, every single visual component appears to have a specific function, but at the same time, the visuals are evenly spaced out and the screen doesn’t appear to be overly crowded. The game’s narrative is highlighted by the excellently done cut scenes and sound acting.
It’s very easy to use the controls. To run and jump, move your finger to the left side of the screen and up from there. You can initiate an attack sequence by tapping the screen to the right; however, Oddmar will launch his destructive shield bash if you swipe down while in midair. Given how well the game is made, don’t be surprised if you spend a good few hours immersed in Oddmar’s world each time you play. The controls feel just as fluid on a controller as they do on the screen.
With over one million downloads, Oddmar is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on Google Play Store.
4. Rocket League Sideswipe (Free)
Next on our list is Rocket League Sideswipe, a mobile-optimized version of Rocket League, created by Psyonix Studios. Rocket League Sideswipe is a game in which football and car racing meet to create an exciting combination filled with fun and energy. The main aim of Rocket League Sideswipe is for the user to play a football match, except, instead of human players, the user will be controlling a race car which can be used to hit the ball in order to make it fall into the opponent’s goalpost.
The game features 2-minute long matches, which can be played in both 1v1 and 2v2 modes. The game also has two different game modes. The Ranked Match mode enables you to compete against fellow Rocket League Sideswipe players from across the world in order to see who is the best amongst you. Playing and winning Ranked Matches allows you to climb the global leaderboard. These matches are intense and require a bit of practice in order for a user to be able to win them. The other mode is the Casual Mode, in which players can relax and play the game any way they want. You can practice your skills, learn new trick shots, or just have a good time with your friends. You can invite your friends and have a friendly competition amongst yourselves too.
The game also features Seasons, each of which comes with its unique differences. Season 4, for instance, is called Mutator Madness, and in it, players must adapt to sudden game permutations and learn to master the mutated game on the fly.
Since Rocket League Sideswipe features race cars, you also have the ability to customize these race cars to your heart’s content. From a wide range of colors to a variety of patterns, you can customize your car any way you want.
With over ten million downloads, Rocket League Sideswipe is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars on Google Play Store.
5. Brawlhalla (Free)
Brawlhalla is a platformer from Ubisoft that is the finest rival to Nintendo’s Super Smash Bros. It sticks to the fundamentals and executes them flawlessly. Unlike other fighting games like Tekken or Street Fighter, which also operate on a 2D plane, Brawlhalla requires you to knock your enemies off the battlefield rather than slowly beating them down and depleting their health bars. Instead, you must wait until you can deliver the killing blow before watching them crumble to their defeat.
Due to the lack of specific attack moves for each character in the game, the game is frequently mistaken for being a casual combat game. However, as previously mentioned, Ubisoft works with the basics, and the attacks that are provided to you by the game are more than enough to make for an excellent playing experience. This makes Brawlhalla a must-play for anyone looking for an arcade-style combat game that is not Tekken or Super Smash Bros. It also helps that the game has over 50 playable characters, a playful art style, and an online mode where you can compete against other fans of the game.
Brawlhalla has a variety of casual modes that you can play in addition to a featured mode that is updated frequently, giving you new things to do in the game each time you play it.
With over ten million downloads, Brawlhalla is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars on Google Play Store.
6. Call of Duty: Mobile (Free)
Activision released Call of Duty: Mobile for iOS and Android on October 1st, 2019. With over 270 million downloads in the first year of release alone, the game, created by TiMi Studio Group, quickly gained acclaim and became one of the most popular mobile games ever. The game is a free-to-play shooter that functions as the Call of Duty franchise’s greatest hits game, featuring the most well-known characters, weapons, and maps. The game’s publisher, Activision, has optimized it for mobile devices while preserving the best elements of the original console series.
There are a ton of different fight modes available in the game, including Deathmatch, Search and Destroy, Capture The Flag, Gun Game, etc., all of which are very exciting and add something fresh to the gameplay. In addition to the standard multiplayer mode, the game also features a battle royale mode that is akin to games like PUBG, in which 100 players engage in combat on a single, large map, with the victor being the last one standing.
Call of Duty: Mobile, one of the top mobile games available right now, is also compatible with additional controllers. Many people might not be aware of this, but Call of Duty: Mobile supports both the official Xbox One controller and the PlayStation 4 DUALSHOCK 4 controller. Users can enhance their playing experience by using these controllers because the game supports all PS4 controllers other than the first-generation ones. In competitive games like Call of Duty: Mobile’s ranked matches, where quick, accurate aim and shooting with few mistakes are required, controllers are especially helpful. Both of these controllers provide these features.
With over one hundred million downloads, Call of Duty: Mobile is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars on Google Play Store.
7. The Ramp (Free)
Next on our list is Crescent Moon Games’ The Ramp, which is a simple skating game with no unlockables, leaderboards, or storyline. While the lack of the aforementioned features may make it seem like The Ramp is a boring game, it is exactly the opposite. According to the creators of the game, the entire point of The Ramp is for users to attain a flow state as they skate on the ramp provided to them.
The game doesn’t have any difficulty levels or stages for players to unlock. Instead, there are four different ramp shapes that players can interact with. These include a half-pipe, a bowl, a swimming pool, and a mega-ramp. These different ramps do not signify difficulty levels but are simply new environments for users to skate in. The creators of the game also encourage users to play using controllers since there are only two controls to be used in the game. The thumbstick on the left controls the movement of the character, and a button on the right is used to ‘pump’, which enables the character to squat while going up or down a ramp in order to gain momentum. Once the character is in the air, the user can use the thumbstick to perform various tricks.
If you want a higher difficulty, the game provides you with a Hardcore mode, in which the user must time their jump and landing perfectly, with no help from the game’s AI. This can be difficult due to the isometric design of the game, which makes it hard to ascertain which direction the character will move in.
The game is simple and very well designed, with both the gameplay and the graphics running in a clean and smooth manner.
With over one hundred thousand downloads, The Ramp is rated 4.1 out of 5 stars on Google Play Store.
8. SKY: Children of the Light (Free)
SKY: Children of the Light was first released in 2019 as a mobile game, but after receiving positive reviews, it was relaunched in 2021 with a console option and is now playable on the Nintendo Switch. This is fortunate because SKY is a game that is best played with a controller due to its beautiful graphics and simple gameplay.
SKY is a game that involves exploring various landscapes in order to run into spirits and the Children of the Light. It is set in a beautiful kingdom. In exchange for in-game currency, the spirits help you personalize your appearance by equipping you with capes, hairstyles, and accessories, while the Children of the Light support you in improving your flying skills as you advance in the game. You can advance further into the kingdom the more of these gifts you have. SKY is a straightforward game with serene graphics and an aesthetically pleasing setting; there are no competitive battles or tactical play in it.
The realm is divided into seven distinct landscapes, each with stunning scenery of its own. The most impressive aspect of SKY is its emphasis on social interaction. As you play, you’ll encounter many other players who are also on their own journeys. You can interact with these players and make friends with them by giving them a nickname of your choosing.
Players who choose to play the game on their smartphones can also cross-play with other players in SKY. In order to keep you interested, SKY focuses on the endearing growth of friendship and interaction between players. It succeeds; your friends join you on this exploratory journey. With charming graphics and a lovely musical score, SKY: Children Of Light is enchanting. It combines interaction and adventure to make the ideal journey.
With over ten million downloads, SKY: Children of the Light is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars on Google Play Store.
9. Castlevania: SotN ($2.99)
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night was originally released in 1997 for Playstation, but has now been revamped and optimized for mobile gaming. The game follows Alucard, the son of Count Dracula, on his journey inside Dracula’s castle, where he must find an entity by the name of Shaft, who is in control of the current Lord of the Castle, Richter Belmont. Once Shaft has been defeated, the game reveals the second part of the plotline, which takes place in the upside-down version of the castle, where Alucard must fight a range of enemies, collecting pieces of Dracula on the way. The final boss in the game is the reawakened Dracula, whom Alucard must fight in order to win the game.
Symphony of the Night follows 2D side-scrolling gameplay, where the player can only move from side-to-side, and up-and-down. The creators of the game have not messed with the graphics and the overall design of the game, and it is still the same as it was in 1997, meaning you get to relive an authentic gaming experience from two decades ago.
As opposed to other Castlevania games, where the main weapon the user can control is a whip, Symphony of the Night has a wide range of weapons for you to choose from. There are also a variety of other role-playing elements that can be employed in-game. Although the game is non-linear, a large part of the castle cannot be unlocked without particular items or abilities. For instance, some parts of the castle can only be accessed if you have the ability to shapeshift into a bat. If this ability is not yet available to you, you will not be able to access that part of the castle.
The gameplay is simple and so are the controls. Since the game was originally made for the PlayStation, playing Castlevania: Symphony of the Night with a controller only enhances your gaming experience. The sound design, as well as the graphics, are both vintage and a treat to experience.
With over one hundred thousand downloads, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night is rated 4.1 out of 5 stars on Google Play Store.
10. Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition ($3.99)
The final game on our list of the best Android games with controller support is Raw Fury’s Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition. The game is a 2D platformer, in which the titular character, Dandara, must save the world of Salt from forces of evil. While this is a simple enough plotline, the game is executed in a fantastic way, including fresh ideas into a tried-and-tested genre.
The first thing that strikes you about Dandara is the movement. Gravity does not seem to work on you, and the only way to move is to press and hold on the right side of the screen, which will deploy a line that points to where Dandara will move. You can maneuver across the entire map and even walk on walls above you, which is possible since gravity doesn’t work on you. Holding down on the left side of your screen allows you to shoot at your opponents. Given that the controls require both accuracy and speed, it is recommended that you play Dandara with a controller, which will give you both precision as well as agility.
The game features huge bosses and battles, a large and intricate map with many areas to explore, retro graphics, and brilliant sound design.
With over fifty-thousand downloads, Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars on Google Play Store.