20 best controller games on Android

For several years now, mobile games have been trying to compete with more interesting options on PC. However, they lose every time due to various parameters: from performance to comfort. Indeed, few find it convenient to tap on tiny virtual keys when there's a full-sized keyboard or gamepad available.

Today, we've compiled the 20 best Android games with gamepad support. It's the best option if you want to play but are irritated by the small screen.

Max Payne Mobile

Image: androidmag.de

Kicking off our TOP phone games with gamepad support is the cinematic action game Max Payne Mobile. An exciting story about a policeman accused of various heinous crimes. You'll have to not only defend his honor but also deal with dozens of bandits.

Max Payne Mobile is unique thanks to its slow-motion mechanics. It activates during shootouts and turns a regular scuffle into a beautiful movie scene. Lots of action, a rich plot, and thrilling fights.

Minecraft

Image: Amazon

We doubt Minecraft needs an introduction. We're sure everyone has heard of this game or spent time in it. After all, it's the best sandbox and survival simulator where you can do anything.

A huge advantage of the new versions of the game is the ability to connect from different devices. Minecraft B.E. is compatible with phones and consoles. You can play in the same world from home, work, or school.

Need for Speed: Most Wanted

Image: youtube.com/@EAMobileGames

How can we talk about games with gamepads on Android and not mention various racing simulators? Precise and comfortable control is key to winning races.

We've added the best mobile racing game to our TOP - Need for Speed: Most Wanted. Here you're not just immersed in the world of sports cars and races, but also feel like a real racer. Various competitions, chases, and many other interesting modes.

Moreover, the game stands out for its good graphics and the ability to customize cars. Such features are rare on mobile devices.

Hotline Miami

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Our TOP already included an interesting shooter, but we must also include the Hotline Miami series. This unique top-down shooter came to mobile devices straight from computers. So, it's literally designed for joystick use.

Moreover, control in this cult game definitely plays a crucial role. All enemies and the character itself can die from a single random shot.

If you've never played Hotline Miami, definitely check it out for a few minutes. The game easily wins hearts with its unique concept, spectacular shootouts, and dynamic music accompaniment.

Grimvalor

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Let's not forget about one of the most popular genres — platformers. In this genre, you can easily get hooked for dozens of hours, passing level after level. A great example of the genre is the video game Grimvalor.

It's a multi-level fantasy platformer with elements of hack & slash, where you must save the world. Decapitate the minions of darkness, immerse yourself in the role of the chosen hero, explore a brilliantly designed world, and simply enjoy the game.

Apple Knight: Action Platformer

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Since we're on the subject of platformers, here's another interesting representative of the genre — Apple Knight: Action Platformer. It's a classic pixel platformer where you have to jump over obstacles, slay hordes of knights and mages, and search for treasures.

You're unlikely to get bored of slicing through enemies, collecting gold coins, and jumping over spikes. Even in 2022, the hardcore gameplay combined with an old-school atmosphere makes the game much more enjoyable.

Badland

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Badland is arguably one of the most interesting action games in which you can spend dozens of hours of your life. At one time, Badland became a true phenomenon in mobile gaming, collecting a slew of awards and garnering a large fan base.

The appeal lies in its simple design, pleasant gameplay, and a variety of different modes. Among them is a very cool cooperative mode. If you're intrigued, go ahead — over 100 levels (from easy to incredibly difficult) await you.

Once, even the author of this article spent a lot of time in this atmospheric action-platformer — highly recommended to play.

Snowboard Party

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What's a game rating without sports simulators? One of the best examples of the genre is Snowboard Party. A very cool game about snowboard races with a bunch of interesting maps, customization, and insane tricks.

Of course, you don't necessarily need a gamepad, but with it, the control becomes incredibly comfortable. Plus, the game features a multiplayer mode for racing with friends. It's perfect for an evening in good company.

Set off on thrilling races, gain experience, and compete with friends or players from around the world.

I, Gladiator

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A highly interesting game in our TOP is the arena combat simulator I, Gladiator. A cartoonish yet very bloody action game where you'll experience the life of Roman warriors firsthand. Hundreds of battles, various enemies, unique gameplay... all for glory and freedom.

Grab a joystick and head to Ancient Rome for exciting duels. If you're craving some spirited bloody action, this game is especially for you.

Oddmar

Image: destructoid.com

Next up is another platformer — Oddmar. A captivating and colorful story about the unlucky Viking Oddmar, who struggles to make a name for himself. To prove his strength to his tribe, he embarks on a dangerous journey from which he may not return.

24 vibrant levels with hordes of enemies and traps await anyone brave enough to accompany the poor fellow on his challenging journey. Beautiful locations, an engaging storyline, and a unique character will leave a pleasant aftertaste in your memory.

Alien: Isolation

Image: Steam

A quality mobile port of one of the most popular games in the Alien universe. Amanda, the daughter of the famous Ellen Ripley, heads to the space station "Sevastopol", which has suddenly reappeared many years after disappearing. Along with her, you will unravel all the mysteries of the station and its crew, and meet the beloved Aliens.

Gameplay-wise and genre-wise, it's the same old good Isolation from PC — a horror game with stealth elements. Explore the spaceship, hide from aliens, craft items, and solve puzzles. And all this with a gamepad in your hands.

Fortnite: Battle Royale

Image: Xbox

It's obvious that Fortnite would be in the top Android games with gamepad support. A unique Battle Royale that many believe buried its main competitor, PUBG. The project is still very much alive, with new content being continuously created in abundance.

Epic Games' project is also well-suited for phones with gamepads. The game features unique yet simple casual gameplay, vibrant cartoonish graphics, and a large active player base. It's a worthy contender for taking up your time.

Hello Neighbor

Image: Xbox

Another popular PC game port. Hello Neighbor is an excellent survival horror in an interesting setting. Your main task is to sneak into the neighbor's house and uncover all its sinister secrets without getting caught by the owner.

The gameplay in Hello Neighbor revolves around exploration, collecting items, and running away from the neighbor. It sounds simple, but in practice, it's extremely engaging. And with a gamepad, avoiding traps and hiding from the annoying mustachioed man is much more convenient.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

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This legendary GTA installment is no exception in the series of mobile ports. Despite its age, GTA: San Andreas feels great on a smartphone screen. We recommend revisiting this immortal classic.

The game transports you to the early 90s, where Carl returns to his hometown and is framed for a police officer's murder right at the airport. To deal with all the troubles piling up, CJ will have to travel across almost the entire state of San Andreas.

Vampire Survivors

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The recently popular roguelike about vampires has finally made its way to mobile. Vampire Survivors is a frantic action game with auto-battle and top-down view from a solo indie developer. Initially unnoticed at release, the game gained huge popularity a few months later.

In Vampire Survivors, you have to fight against vast, countless hordes of enemies. All attacks happen automatically, so your task is to skillfully maneuver, level up thoughtfully, and choose the right weapons.

Terraria

Image: Amazon

Terraria is a massive 2D sandbox with survival elements and procedural world generation. Many call it a two-dimensional Minecraft, but believe me, these games have more differences than similarities.

The scale of detail and the number of gameplay features in Terraria can be overwhelming at first. It includes crafting, farming, dungeons, exploration, and multiplayer. An entire article is needed to cover everything about this game. Notably, one of the updates added gamepad support to Terraria, making the gameplay even more comfortable.

Call of Duty: Mobile

Image: Facebook

Another multiplayer action game in our selection. COD: Mobile has long been a mainstay in the rankings of popular mobile games. In the first month after its launch alone, the shooter was downloaded about 148 million times — the second-largest launch in mobile history.

Call of Duty: Mobile boasts numerous game modes, but the most beloved by the audience remains the battle royale. The game features tons of weaponry, ground and air transport, and a lively online community. Call of Duty: Mobile also supports gamepads, which is extremely relevant for a shooter.

Don't Starve: Pocket Edition

Image: dont-starve.fandom.com

Don't Starve is a stylish isometric 2D survival game in the vein of Minecraft with a unique visual style. Originally released for PC, it soon made its way to smartphones.

The project stands out with its simultaneously enchanting and unsettling world. It resonates with the vibes of Tim Burton's animations and the works of H.P. Lovecraft. You'll need to survive in a mysterious forest, building a base and battling enchanted monsters. Gather resources during the day, prepare in the evening, and try to survive in the pitch-dark night.

Alto's Odyssey

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Meditative and relaxing Alto’s Odyssey is a great choice for those tired of the frenetic pace of most games. Here, with Alto, you embark on an exploration of a mysterious, endless desert, traversing sand dunes on a sandboard.

The gameplay is quite simple and straightforward, which works to the game's advantage. Enjoying the relaxing music and pleasant graphics, you'll easily calm down and de-stress.

Genshin Impact

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We conclude this top list with a game that couldn't go unmentioned. Genshin Impact, the heart-stealer of countless gamers, connects wonderfully with a gamepad and offers hundreds of magical hours in front of your smartphone screen.

Genshin is an open-world action RPG, partly reminiscent of Zelda, partly of MMO projects, but overall a unique game. Explore the world, complete extensive storylines, farm and grind, and even furnish your own home inside a magical teapot. All this in the company of anime-style boys and girls. 

We hope you found a worthy game for the evening. We tried to gather the most interesting projects that we ourselves wouldn't mind getting lost in. Enjoy your gameplay and bright emotions! Share your thoughts on the games from the top list in the comments and suggest your own favorites.

Main image by Stable Diffusion