Elden Ring Controller or Keyboard: What’s Better?

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By Yasir Jamal

The release of Elden Ring was a monumental event in the gaming world, and now that the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion has been announced, it’s natural to wonder which control method is better for the game: controller or keyboard.

From Software, the studio behind Dark Souls and Bloodborne, is renowned for its vast lore, challenging gameplay, and immersive environments. However, the studio has struggled with PC ports in the past. For instance, the PC version of Dark Souls featured amusing glitches such as infinite ladder sliding due to mismatched frame rates and vanishing NPCs. But the bigger issue has been the use of a keyboard for control.

However, Elden Ring was not simply a PC port but a game natively developed for PC. Historically, the problem with From Software games on PC has not been that it’s impossible to use a keyboard but rather that a keyboard and mouse aren’t well-suited for third-person RPG games.

Is Elden ring better with controller or keyboard?

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If you’re wondering which input method is best for playing Elden Ring, it’s most likely a regular game controller, rather than a Guitar Hero controller or Dance Dance Revolution mat. The FromSoft community has consistently advocated for using controllers for their games, and using a keyboard is generally not recommended, although it’s ultimately up to personal preference.

Controllers are typically the optimal input device for third-person RPG games, and Elden Ring is no exception. The game benefits from having precise controls within easy reach, and the ability to manipulate movement and angle with sticks can give players an edge over those using a keyboard and mouse.

As we eagerly anticipate more updates on Elden Ring, particularly with the announcement of the upcoming expansion, we’ll be closely monitoring the situation. In the meantime, you may be interested in our coverage of Sons of the Forest, which includes the best graphics settings for the Steam Deck.

Can You Play Elden Ring With Keyboard And Mouse?

Yes, it is possible to play Elden Ring with a keyboard and mouse on your PC. However, it’s worth noting that FromSoftware games are typically optimized for controllers, so using a gamepad is often recommended. That being said, it’s still possible to play Dark Souls 3 and other games in the Souls series with a keyboard and mouse if you prefer.

Elden Ring, on the other hand, is reportedly better optimized for keyboard and mouse combinations on PC compared to previous FromSoftware games. This means that players who choose to use a keyboard and mouse may have a better overall experience with Elden Ring than they would with previous games in the Souls series.

Elden Ring Keyboard And Mouse Or Controller?

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Elden Ring is playable on PC with a keyboard and mouse, but whether or not you should use them is up for debate. Here is our perspective on the matter.

If you’ve never played a FromSoftware game with a keyboard and mouse before, you can expect the mouse buttons to function as the L1 and R1 buttons in the default key bindings. Left-click is used for a light attack with your main weapon, and right-click is used for an attack with your offhand weapon, such as a bow or crossbow, or for blocking with a shield.

Pressing Shift + Left Mouse Button will launch a powerful assault with your primary weapon, while Shift + Right Mouse Button activates a weapon skill.

While it may take some getting used to, the game is certainly playable with these controls if you’re willing to put in the time to learn and practice until attacking feels natural.

That being said, the D-Pad controls are a point of contention for some players.

Elden Ring on PC can be played with a keyboard and mouse, but using a controller is still the recommended option. The keyboard and mouse controls require some getting used to, with the mouse buttons acting as L1 and R1 buttons and the arrow keys serving as the default key bindings for D-Pad functions. This setup can be inconvenient when it comes to swapping weapons or items quickly, which may result in deaths during battles.

However, the controls can be customized to your liking, with the exception of the menu and map buttons which remain as Esc and G, respectively. The Pouch function can also be improved, as the default binding for the keyboard controls is not as intuitive as using a controller. The on-screen prompts can also be a hassle to switch manually between controller and keyboard and mouse, which is not an automatic process.

In short, while it is possible to play Elden Ring on PC with a keyboard and mouse, it is still recommended to use a controller for a more seamless experience.

The Bottom Line on Elden Ring Controller or Keyboard Debate

Ultimately, the choice between using a keyboard and mouse or a controller to play Elden Ring comes down to personal preference and what you feel most comfortable with. Some players may prefer the precision and customization options that come with a gaming keyboard and its macro keys, while others may prefer the tactile feedback and analog controls of a controller. As long as you’re enjoying the game and able to play it effectively, the choice of equipment shouldn’t matter too much.

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