Ever since its debut in 2022, Elden Ring has remained one of the most challenging but highly rewarding RGPs out there today. In fact, the game is even harder now with the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion out, which makes it a pretty good time to consider investing in one of the best controllers for Elden Ring so you're ready to battle once more.
Much like how the best Warzone controller can improve FPS skills, a good controller for Elden Ring can help you evade attacks, hit critical strikes, and simply run away from enemies when death looks inevitable. The kind of features that can help here include additional buttons to make dodging, rolling, and changing equipment quicker, adjustable triggers to make blocking and attacking even faster, and a level of customization that allows you to personalize your setup to whatever feels comfortable.
That's a lot to take in, but thankfully there's no need to panic. We've already taken these features into account alongside price, general reviews, and our own experiences with these gamepads, resulting in a comprehensive list of top picks. We've also considered every platform, ensuring there's something for every Elden Ring player here. With that in mind, let's start with PlayStation...
Best controllers for playing Elden Ring
- DualSense Edge - the best option for PlayStation
- Xbox Elite Series 2 - a great choice for Xbox
- ASUS ROG Raikiri Pro - a superb alternative for PC players
- PowerA Spectra Infinity Enhanced - the best budget pick
- Nacon Revolution 5 Pro - top option for old-gen players
1. DualSense Edge
Best PlayStation controller for Elden Ring
Where to buy *
- Amazon - $199.99 / £198.30
- PlayStation Direct - £209.99
- Best Buy - $199.99
* prices are accurate at the time of last check
Although a little expensive, the DualSense Edge is a controller we like that can quite easily take your Elden Ring skills to the next level, if your platform of choice is PlayStation.
Starting with its triggers, you can manually set the travel distance on both sides, which is important for Elden Ring as the notoriously difficult parry and heavy strike can be a little slow at times, so making the distance shorter can speed these actions up. The Edge also comes with two swappable sets of back buttons, which you can assign to commands like dodging and summoning to make evading death a little easier.
An underrated element of the DualSense Edge is its choice of three stick caps. Elden Ring is a game that actually requires quite a lot of precision, so finding thumbsticks that can make your in-game movements even smoother and more precise might make all the difference in a tricky boss fight.
Finally, you can save different setups to the DualSense Edge and then swap between them quickly. That means you can create multiple profiles for different Elden Ring setups and save them for different occasions.
Reasons to buy:
- You can manually set the travel distance of the triggers
- It comes with alternative thumbstick caps for different preferences
- You can save different setups under different profiles
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2. Xbox Elite Series 2
Best Xbox controller for Elden Ring
Where to buy *
* prices are accurate at the time of last check
The Xbox Elite Series 2 is essentially a like-for-like alternative to the DualSense Edge for anyone rocking an Xbox over a PS5. Like the Edge, you can save different setups (up to three profiles), adjust the trigger lengths to speed up reactions, and assign commonly-used commands to the back bumpers for quicker access.
Alongside all of that, the Elite Series 2 features rubberized grips to make holding it more comfortable, particularly during longer sessions—a common occurrence playing Elden Ring. You can also adjust the tension of the thumbsticks to whatever provides the most precision for you.
It's also worth highlighting the Elite Series 2 can be used wirelessly, meaning you can sit back and play without the burden of wires for up to 40 hours on the battery. You can connect it via a USB-C though if you'd prefer.
Regardless of your preference, the Elite Series 2 is a top choice for Elden Ring, and will likely only be beaten for Xbox users when the Elite Series 3 arrives.
Reasons to buy:
- You can adjust the trigger lengths, remap the back buttons, and save up to three profiles
- It features comfortable rubberized grips
- It has a battery that can last up to 40 hours
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3. ASUS ROG Raikiri Pro
Best PC controller for Elden Ring
Where to buy *
* prices are accurate at the time of last check
Because most gamepads are PC-compatible, there's stiff competition for the title of best PC controller for Elden Ring. Given the number of connectivity options of the ASUS ROG Raikiri Pro though, it's hard to argue against this controller taking the crown.
Like the Elite Series 2, you have the option of connecting it via a USB-C. However, we imagine most players are more interested in the wireless options, which include both Bluetooth and a low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless connection. Each option has its benefits, so it all comes down to personal preference.
If you do go wireless, then you'll find you can use this device for up to 48 hours without recharging. The Raikiri Pro also comes with additional back bumpers, adjustable triggers, and dead zones that can be customized via the Armoury Crate app.
The main highlight of this controller though is its OLED display. Some may call it overkill, but the little screen can be used to view status indicators and switch between profiles on the fly, and you can create custom animations to make it personalized to you. It's a nice addition that helps make the Raikiri Pro stand out from the competition.
Reasons to buy:
- It comes with three different connectivity options
- Features adjustable triggers, back buttons, and customizable dead zones
- You get a unique OLED display
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4. PowerA Spectra Infinity Enhanced
Best budget controller for Elden Ring
Where to buy *
* prices are accurate at the time of last check
The controllers we've covered so far have all been quite expensive. That is fine if you can afford one, but not ideal if you're working with a tighter budget. Fortunately, PowerA's excellent Spectra Infinity Enhanced is a little more budget-friendly.
Even though it's cheaper than most, this gamepad still has plenty to offer for a game like Elden Ring. Like its competitors, this controller comes with additional buttons on the back, and its triggers can be locked at three different heights so you can alter the travel distance to your preference. It also features built-in rumble motors and some colorful LEDs that can be set to “Breathing” or always-on if you want to brighten your setup.
The Spectra Infinity Enhanced comes with a 3.5mm audio jack too, which is handy when you need to plug in a headset to keep the noise to a minimum, and it has anti-friction thumb caps to avoid any slippages during crucial moments.
It does only offer a wired connection though, although the cable you get with it is braided and 10 feet long. That said, you never have to worry about dead batteries cutting your adventure short with this PowerA device.
Reasons to buy:
- It's much cheaper than its competitors
- You can plug a headset directly into it
- Its wired connection means you never have to recharge it
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5. Nacon Revolution 5 Pro
Best PS4 controller for Elden Ring
Where to buy *
* prices are accurate at the time of last check
Although compatible with the PS5 as well as most PCs, the Nacon Revolution 5 Pro is a top option to consider for any Elden Ring fan playing on the now old-gen PS4.
Highly rated by Stealth Optional, this controller offers both wired or wireless gaming, adaptive triggers depending on different needs, and four Omron micro-switch back paddles to provide a "shortcut" to the most important in-game actions in whatever game you're playing.
Additionally, the Revolution 5 Pro has magnetic sensors. Nacon has included these to help eliminate stick drift while increasing the precision and durability of both the triggers and joysticks. This is hugely important, especially as it's not the cheapest device, so will likely be a long-term investment.
If you do keep the Revolution 5 Pro long-term, then you can also use it with the PS5 if you decide to upgrade. Nacon also has a dedicated program that offers advanced customization options with programmable buttons, individual profile settings, and software updates all from one app.
Reasons to buy:
- It's highly rated by our friends at Stealth Optional
- It features magnetic sensors for long-term performance
- You can customize almost every aspect of it via the accompanying app
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Hopefully you have found the right controller in this guide for your needs and Elden Ring gameplay. Stay tuned for more guides like this at Gfinity.