Whether you prefer Xbox, PlayStation, or third-party controllers, Windows gaming offers robust offline options with near plug-and-play compatibility. Below are 10–12 controller-ready offline Windows games verified for Steam and GOG, along with setup guidance using Steam Input and DS4Windows.
Key Picks: Hades, Hollow Knight, Cuphead, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Dead Cells.
Platforms: Windows 10/11 (Steam & GOG).
Controllers: Xbox, PlayStation DualShock/DualSense, 8BitDo, Logitech F310.
Offline Verification: All playable offline after initial installation.
Top Controller-Ready Offline Windows Games
1. Hades
Source: Steam / GOG
Controller Support: Xbox / PS / Steam Input
Offline Status: Fully offline
Hades features fluid controls and flawless mapping for all major controllers. Verified offline on both Steam and GOG versions.
2. Hollow Knight
Source: Steam / GOG
Controller Support: Xbox / PS / Steam Deck
Offline Status: Fully offline
Hollow Knight provides tight controller response and stores progress locally — ideal for unplugged play.
3. Cuphead
Source: Steam / GOG
Controller Support: Xbox / PS / 8BitDo
Offline Status: Fully offline
Cuphead shines in local co-op mode and full controller support, running smoothly offline once installed.
4. Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Source: Steam
Controller Support: Xbox / DualShock
Offline Status: Fully offline
Ori and the Will of the Wisps offers responsive platforming with precise analog input, verified offline.
5. Dead Cells
Source: Steam / GOG
Controller Support: Xbox / PS / 8BitDo
Offline Status: Fully offline
Dead Cells supports all major controllers via Steam Input, running beautifully offline.
6. Celeste
Source: Steam / GOG
Controller Support: Xbox / PS
Offline Status: Fully offline
Celeste provides precise control response and is fully playable offline on even modest PCs.
7. Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove
Source: Steam / GOG
Controller Support: Xbox / PS / Generic
Offline Status: Fully offline
Shovel Knight runs perfectly offline with native controller mapping and local saves.
8. Bastion
Source: Steam / GOG
Controller Support: Xbox / PS
Offline Status: Fully offline
Bastion supports full gamepad control and local saves, playable offline after initial validation.
9. Streets of Rage 4
Source: Steam / GOG
Controller Support: Xbox / PS / Generic
Offline Status: Fully offline local co-op
Streets of Rage 4 offers couch co-op and perfect controller calibration even without internet.
10. Dark Souls: Remastered
Source: Steam
Controller Support: Xbox / DualShock
Offline Status: Fully offline
Dark Souls: Remastered supports full offline play for solo adventuring and controller-based combat precision.
11. HOLLOW 2
Source: Steam
Controller Support: Xbox / PS
Offline Status: Fully offline campaign
HOLLOW 2 delivers controller-optimized gameplay and atmospheric sci-fi exploration offline.
12. Hades II (Early Access)
Source: Steam
Controller Support: Xbox / PS / Steam Deck
Offline Status: Fully offline
Hades II builds on its predecessor’s smooth controller support with zero online dependencies after installation.
How to Set Up Controller Support on Windows
- Steam Input: Go to Steam → Settings → Controller → Enable “Generic Gamepad Configuration Support.” Steam auto-maps buttons and saves layouts offline.
- DS4Windows (for DualShock/DualSense): Download from ds4-windows.com. Connect via USB/Bluetooth and map as XInput device for full compatibility.
- Generic Controllers: Test with
joy.cplin Windows Run to calibrate and confirm axis response. - Offline Play: Steam saves controller profiles locally, ensuring full access even without internet.
Quick Comparison Table
| Game | Platform | Controller Support | Offline Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hades | Steam / GOG | Full | Yes |
| Hollow Knight | Steam / GOG | Full | Yes |
| Cuphead | Steam / GOG | Full | Yes |
| Dead Cells | Steam / GOG | Full | Yes |
| Dark Souls: Remastered | Steam | Full | Yes |
Final Thoughts
Controller-ready Windows gaming has never been smoother. With Steam Input and DS4Windows, nearly every modern game supports full offline play without complex configuration. For more platform options, see Offline Windows Games on Steam & GOG (2025) or explore lightweight titles in Low-Spec Offline Windows Games.
Can I use controllers offline?
Yes — controller drivers and profiles are stored locally, so no internet is needed after setup.
Do PlayStation controllers work natively?
Most games support them via Steam Input; DS4Windows improves compatibility.
Can I save controller mappings offline?
Yes, Steam saves mappings under Steam/config for offline use.
Are these games plug-and-play?
Nearly all listed titles detect controllers instantly upon launch.
Do they support rumble or vibration?
Yes, most Steam and GOG builds include vibration feedback support offline.
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