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Now that the game’s shifted from a top-down perspective over to a third-person shooter, it’s not a bad time to consider the best controller for Helldivers 2.
Having undergone a total paradigm shift in terms of gameplay, it’s not even more important to consider the optimal form of input, even the best keyboard for Helldivers 2, and also including what controllers are going to enhance your gameplay.
Helldivers 2 isn’t a competitive game by any stretch, and so you will not need e-sports ready components to enjoy the game. Much of the game’s excitement will be in its co-op, suggesting that casual play is this game’s forte. That said, all shooters are going to be much more fun with pro controllers laced with hotkeys and macro switches, so we’ll be offering controllers that intersect between casual and competitive play. If you’re playing on the best gaming laptop for Helldivers 2, then you’ll probably want to sack off playing on the keyboard, and consider our best gamepad options instead.
Best controller for Helldivers 2
When it comes to choosing a controller for Helldivers 2, you’re not necessarily going to need to consider gamepads that are designed for professional e-sports players. Sometimes, a more casual gamepad is going to suit you just fine. We’ve offered a blend of controllers here: Pro Controllers, standard controllers, and fancy yet affordable Hall Effect controllers.
Whatever you end up going for, it’s going to be a good fit for Helldivers 2.
1. Victrix Pro BFG Wireless Controller – best pro controller for Helldivers 2
Victrix Pro BFG Wireless Gaming Controller
Connectivity
USB-C, 2.4 GHz Wireless
Buttons
R1, R2, 4 x face buttons, D-pad, Clutch Triggers
Compatibility
PC, PS5, PS4
Features
Customizable buttons, fightpad module, tournament lock mode, LED
- Extremely modular
- Remappable buttons
- Best gaming performance
- Expensive
- Complicated to configure
Our first choice for most pro controllers is the Victrix Pro BFG controller, especially when it comes to choosing one for Helldivers 2. One of the main reasons it’s a fine choice is the modular back paddles which can be remapped to a slew of different commands in-game.
As with most games featuring highly customisable loadouts, there’s plenty of little actions in-game that you’re going to want to have quick access to. If you’re playing on PC, using a controller will allow you to map a wide range of macro keypresses to the paddles, so you’ll be able to perform loads of time-saving clicks having to open up menu after menu.
Alongside that, the controller is essentially a souped up PS5 controller, though it offers a much more affordable price than the DualSense Edge. The reason we’re suggesting this particular pro controller goes down to the fact it’s so adaptable. At any moment (so long as you have a screwdriver at hand) you’ll be able to pop out the different modules and rearrange them to your liking.
Once you’re finished tearing up Super Earth, you’re going to be able to switch the face button modules out to the fight module so you can enjoy titles like Mortal Kombat 1 and Tekken 8.
2. Xbox Core Wireless Controller: Best PC controller for Helldivers 2
Xbox Core Wireless Controller
Custom Button Mapping
Possible
Connectivity
USB-C, 3.5mm Audio Jack
Battery
40 hours
- Budget friendly
- Ergonomic feel
- Build quality
- Minimal features
- Prone to stick drift
If you’re not interested in all the bells and whistles of paddles, modules, dongles, and all the extra bits, then the classic Xbox Core Wireless Controller should be of interest to you. Helldivers 2 is a fairly simple game in terms of mechanics, especially as a third-person action shooter, so there’s no reason to seek much more than what’s offered by a stock console controller.
The Xbox Core Wireless Controller is one of my favourite controllers ever and I say that as a life-long PlayStation fan. Now, you’ll only be able to use this controller if you’re playing Helldivers 2 on PC, as of course it’s not going to compatible with PS5s. That said, it’s one of the most cost effective ways to enjoy PC gaming with a controller, as you’re going to be able to pick it up for extremely affordable prices.
While it’s compatibility with PC games and Xbox games is one of the main attractions, the ergonomic design is actually much more important to me. Xbox seem to have just cracked the code on making a controller feel really good in your hands, whether it’s the textured grip, weighty feel, or the responsive and snappy interface.
3. GameSir G7 SE Hall Effect Controller – best Hall Effect Controller for Helldivers 2
GameSir G7 SE Wired Controller
Remappable Buttons
2
Connectivity
USB Wired, 3.5mm Audio
Battery
None
Compatibility
Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC
- Hall effect joysticks increase longevity
- Inexpensive
- Wired connection limits input delay
- Feels cheaper
- Limited modularity
GameSir are by no means a giant brand yet, though its Hall Effect controllers are certainly capable of making a name for itself. If you’re committed to hours of grinding in Helldivers 2, your joysticks and triggers are probably going to get tired after a while. The GameSir G7 SE features Hall Effect joysticks and triggers though, which means they won’t be subject to stick-drift and trigger-stick after years of wearing down.
Alongside the design of components that won’t wear and suffer over time, the GameSir S7 GE features 2 back-buttons which can be mapped to whatever’s needed in-game. These can also be disabled with switches to avoid unwanted input.
The only thing to consider with this particular controller is that if feels slightly smaller than other controllers you might be used to, alongside feeling lighter and slightly more hollow. This is counterbalanced by the trigger motor and vibration grip motor that enhances the tactility and feedback, giving you a more immersive gaming experience altogether.
Is Helldivers 2 better with a controller or keyboard?
Now that the game has switched over entirely to being a third-person shooter, a controller is now a much more viable option for Helldivers 2. While before it was a no-brainer to use a keyboard for the game, it’s not a much tougher decision and is going to depend entirely on how seriously you take the game. Casual gamers stick to controllers, and those who are more devout will enjoy a keyboard experience more.
