Best Controller for ARC Raiders on PC: Gyro, Remaps, Battery

The best controller for ARC Raiders on PC for most players is the standard Xbox Wireless Controller, because the game reads it natively with correct button prompts and zero setup; if you want gyro aiming, Valve’s 2026 Steam Controller is the stronger pick, since ARC Raiders still has no built-in gyro and Steam Input is the only way to add it. A wired DualSense is the third route, for players who care more about adaptive triggers and haptics than about battery life.

Those picks follow directly from how the game handles gamepads in late 2026, so it is worth knowing what has changed since launch before you spend anything.

XBOX Wireless Gaming Controller | Shock Blue | Textured triggers and bumpers, Hybrid D-pad, XBOX Wireless, Bluetooth, USB-C, Play across Console & PC & Cloud Devices

Chosen because it specifies Shock Blue and Textured triggers and bumpers.

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8Bitdo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller for PC, Apple, Steam & Android, Black | TMR Joysticks, Hall/Tactile Triggers, 8Speed 2.4G, 1000Hz Polling Rate, Motion Control, RGB Fire Ring, Charging Dock

Chosen because it specifies Apple and Steam & Android.

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PlayStation DualSense® Wireless Controller – Midnight Black + USB Cable for PC

Chosen because it specifies Midnight Black + USB Cable for PC.

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GameSir G7 Pro Wired Controller for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Wireless Gamepad for PC&Android with TMR Sticks, Hall Effect Analog Triggers, 1000Hz Polling Rate, 3.5mm Audio Jack - Black

Chosen because it specifies Xbox One and Wireless Gamepad for PC&Android with TMR Sticks.

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Updated October 2026 – picks rechecked against current listings and manufacturer specifications.

Best Controller for ARC Raiders on PC by Budget and Need

The best controller for ARC Raiders on PC depends on whether you value gyro, battery life or paddles. These are the short lists, with one spec line per pick.

Best controller for ARC Raiders on PC under $60

• Xbox Wireless Controller · native XInput · no gyro · AA or rechargeable battery
• 8BitDo Ultimate 2C Wireless · 2.4G dongle · 1000 Hz polling · Hall effect sticks and triggers · remappable L4/R4
• 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless · TMR sticks · 2.4G · Steam Input gyro in DInput mode

Best controller for ARC Raiders on PC with gyro

• Steam Controller (2026) · Steam Input gyro · back buttons · trackpads
• 8BitDo Pro 3 · TMR sticks · back buttons · gyro through Steam Input (community guides exist)
• Sony DualSense · wired for haptics · gyro through Steam Input

Best controller for ARC Raiders on PC for paddles and customization

• Xbox Elite Series 2 · four paddles · adjustable tension · long rated battery
• Razer Wolverine V3 Pro · six remappable buttons · wired tournament mode
• GameSir G7 Pro · TMR sticks · Hall effect triggers · 1000 Hz polling

The three names to remember: the Xbox Wireless Controller for zero setup, the Steam Controller for the best gyro aiming, and the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless for gyro and paddles at a lower price.

Where ARC Raiders controller support stands in 2026

• Native pads: ARC Raiders launched on Steam, the Epic Games Store and the Microsoft Store on October 30, 2025, with native support for Xbox-style XInput controllers and PlayStation pads, including matching button prompts.
• Remapping arrived late: at launch, gamepad bindings were locked. The Headwinds update (1.13.0, January 27, 2026) added an options tab for rebinding most gamepad buttons, made aim assist consistent across frame rates and fixed inputs not always registering above 30 fps.
• New default layout: the Frozen Trail 2.0 update (October 8, 2026) changed the default gamepad mapping. If you set up custom binds or back-button macros before that patch, check them again.
• Still no native gyro: Embark’s other shooter, The Finals, has gyro aiming, but ARC Raiders does not. On PC, gyro comes only from Steam Input or similar remapping tools.
• DualSense extras need a cable: the game supports DualSense haptics and adaptive triggers on PC, but only over a wired USB connection. Over Bluetooth the pad still works, without haptics.
• Mixed input is allowed: the game accepts mouse and controller input at the same time. That is what makes gyro-as-mouse possible, and it is also the source of a small hitch described below.

The shortlist at a glance

Match the controller to how you raid

ARC Raiders mixes slow looting with sudden, fast fights against small flying ARC such as Wasps and Hornets, plus other Raiders who may be on mouse and keyboard. Those two jobs pull in different directions, so the right pad depends on which part of a raid you struggle with.

Battery math: how many raids per charge

A standard raid runs up to 30 minutes, and some map conditions stretch that to 40. Add roughly six minutes in Speranza for selling, crafting and loadouts, and one raid cycle is about 36 minutes, or 0.6 hours. Dividing each controller’s battery figure by 0.6 gives a practical raid budget.

Rated figures are best cases; rumble, RGB lighting and gyro all pull them down, and 40-minute map conditions cut the cycle count by roughly a fifth. The takeaway still holds: the DualSense Edge, despite its paddles, needs charging every couple of evenings, roughly six times as often as the rated Xbox pads, which is why it is not on the main list. If you prefer Sony’s pad, play it wired and the battery question disappears.

Setting up gyro for ARC Raiders through Steam Input

Because gyro has to come from Steam Input, this route suits the Steam version of the game. These steps apply to the Steam Controller, the DualSense and the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 in DInput mode.

• Enable Steam Input for ARC Raiders in the game’s Steam properties under the controller settings. The game sees a standard pad unless you add gyro.
• Set the gyro output to mouse. Mouse-style gyro feels more direct than gyro mapped onto the right stick, and the game accepts both inputs together.
• Gate the gyro with touch. On the Steam Controller, use the capacitive stick or grip sensing so the gyro is live only while your thumb rests on the right stick. On other pads, hold a back button or the right bumper to enable it.
• Fix the input-switching hitch. Players report a brief pause whenever the game flips between mouse mode (gyro) and gamepad mode (for example, when you pull the trigger). The community fix is to map the left trigger to right mouse button and the right trigger to left mouse button, or to map every control to keyboard and mouse so the game never switches modes.
• Accept the aim assist trade. Once aiming arrives as mouse movement, the game treats it like a mouse, so do not expect controller aim assist on those inputs. Keep the right stick for big turns and let gyro handle the last few degrees.
• Re-check bindings after major patches. Frozen Trail changed the defaults, and a later update could do the same.

DualSense on PC: wired or not at all

Sony’s pad is the most immersive option because ARC Raiders uses its haptics and adaptive triggers, but those only work over USB with a data-capable cable. Many players also turn Steam Input off for the game so it talks to the DualSense directly. The DualSense Edge is harder to recommend: players report that with Steam Input off, its back paddles cannot be mapped in-game, and with Steam Input on, some see doubled button presses. Combined with its short battery life, the Edge is a weaker fit here than the standard DualSense.

More Controllers Worth Considering for ARC Raiders

The five-way shortlist above covers the main routes. These additional controllers fit specific needs, from a wired esports-style pad to a pad with a built-in display. Spec lines come from the listings, so check the current page for your exact color or bundle.

GameSir G7 Pro Wired Controller – Best Wired Pad with Hall Effect Triggers

For players who want a licensed Xbox-style layout with modern sensors and do not mind a cable. The G7 Pro pairs TMR sticks and Hall effect analog triggers with a 1000 Hz polling rate, and it has a 3.5 mm audio jack for a wired headset.

• TMR sticks and Hall effect analog triggers
• 1000 Hz polling rate
• 3.5 mm audio jack
• Licensed for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, works on PC

Pros: no battery to manage; precise sticks and triggers. Cons: wired only; no gyro listed, so it does nothing for the main gap in ARC Raiders. Skip it if you want wireless or gyro aiming.

8BitDo Pro 3 Bluetooth Controller – Best Gyro Pad with Back Buttons

For players who want gyro and paddles in a more classic shape than the Steam Controller. Community Steam guides for ARC Raiders list the 8BitDo Pro 3 among the pads that work with Steam Input gyro setups.

• TMR joysticks and Hall effect triggers
• Pro back buttons and swappable ABXY buttons
• Charging dock included in this listing
• Bluetooth connection for PC, with SteamOS support listed

Pros: premium sensors, back buttons and a dock for easy charging. Cons: costs more than the Ultimate 2; you must set up gyro through Steam Input yourself. Skip it if you want a low-price pad for the same job.

8BitDo Ultimate 2C Wireless Controller – Best Budget Wireless Pad

8Bitdo Ultimate 2C Wireless Controller for Windows PC and Android, with 1000 Hz Polling Rate, Hall Effect Joysticks and Triggers, and Remappable L4/R4 Bumpers (Purple)

Chosen because it specifies with 1000 Hz Polling Rate and Hall Effect Joysticks and Triggers.

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For the lowest-cost wireless pad that still has modern sticks and remappable buttons. It connects through a 2.4G receiver for Windows PC and Android.

• 1000 Hz polling rate
• Hall effect joysticks and triggers
• Remappable L4/R4 bumpers
• No gyro listed for this PC version

Pros: very affordable; wireless dongle for low latency. Cons: fewer extras than the full Ultimate 2; gyro is not part of the listing. Skip it if you want gyro aiming.

GameSir Cyclone 2 Wireless PC Controller – Best Wireless Pad with Charging Dock

GameSir Cyclone 2 Wireless PC Controller,1000Hz,TMR Joysticks | Hall Effect & Micro 2-in-1 Triggers, PC Gaming Controller for PC/Android/Switch/Switch 2 with Charging Dock

Chosen because it specifies 1000Hz and TMR Joysticks.

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For players who want a modern wireless pad that sits on a dock between raids. The Cyclone 2 listing includes TMR joysticks and a combined Hall effect and micro-switch trigger design.

• TMR joysticks, 1000 Hz polling
• Hall effect and micro 2-in-1 triggers
• Charging dock included
• Works with PC, Android and Switch

Pros: dock keeps the pad charged; switchable trigger style suits both shooters and racing. Cons: check the current listing for gyro support before relying on it in ARC Raiders. Skip it if gyro is your main goal.

Razer Wolverine V3 Pro Wireless Controller – Best for Remappable Buttons

Razer Wolverine V3 Pro Wireless Gaming Controller: Licensed for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC - 6 Remappable Buttons - Fast Triggers - Customizable Thumbsticks - Wired Tournament Mode - Black

Chosen because it specifies Xbox One and Windows PC.

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For esports-minded players who want six remappable buttons and a wired tournament mode. It is Xbox-licensed and built for PC and Xbox.

• Six remappable buttons
• Fast triggers and customizable thumbsticks
• Wired tournament mode
• Premium pricing

Pros: strong customization; tournament mode for lowest latency. Cons: expensive for a pad without gyro; the extra buttons matter less in ARC Raiders than in competitive shooters. Skip it if you are on a budget.

FLYDIGI Apex 5 PC Controller – Best for Display and Grip Vibration

FLYDIGI Apex 5 PC Controller, Forceflex Joystick, 3ms Ultra-Low Latency | ForceAdapt Triggers, RGB Light Bar, Full-Color LCD Display,1500mAh Battery, Trigger+Grip Vibration, 6 Extra Bottons

Chosen because it specifies Forceflex Joystick and 3ms Ultra-Low Latency.

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For tinkerers who want a pad with a full-color LCD display and extra buttons. The listing highlights adjustable Forceflex joysticks and ForceAdapt triggers.

• Forceflex joystick and ForceAdapt triggers
• Full-color LCD display and RGB light bar
• 1500 mAh battery
• Trigger and grip vibration, six extra buttons

Pros: lots of adjustability; display shows settings. Cons: premium pricing and more setup than a plug-and-play Xbox pad. Skip it if you want simple.

PlayStation DualSense Edge Wireless Controller – Only for Paddle Fans

PlayStation DualSense Edge Wireless Controller - Midnight Black

Chosen because it specifies Midnight Black.

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For Sony fans who want paddles. It is on this list as a caution: battery life is short and Steam Input behavior is awkward, as described above.

• Back paddles and swappable stick modules
• Reviewed battery life of roughly 5 to 7 hours
• Back paddles may not map in-game with Steam Input off

Pros: paddles with DualSense feel. Cons: needs charging every couple of evenings; premium price. Skip it for ARC Raiders unless you already own one.

What to Look For in an ARC Raiders Controller

ARC Raiders rewards smooth, accurate aiming and fast reactions, so a few specs matter more than others.

Sticks: potentiometer, Hall effect or TMR

Standard pads like the Xbox Wireless Controller and the DualSense use potentiometer sticks that can develop drift over time. Hall effect and TMR sticks use magnets instead, which avoids physical wear and usually holds center better. TMR is the newer type and is used on the Steam Controller, 8BitDo Ultimate 2, 8BitDo Pro 3, GameSir Cyclone 2 and GameSir G7 Pro. For a game you may play for hundreds of raids, magnetic sticks are worth a small price premium.

Gyro and Steam Input

ARC Raiders has no built-in gyro, so gyro has to come from Steam Input. Choose a pad that Steam recognizes with motion data: the Steam Controller, DualSense, 8BitDo Ultimate 2 in DInput mode and 8BitDo Pro 3 are all listed in community guides. A pad without gyro is fine if you plan to rely on sticks and aim assist.

Back buttons and paddles

Back buttons let you jump, crouch or ping without lifting a thumb off the right stick. Look for at least two rear controls if you play at close range against the ARC, and make sure they are remappable in Steam Input rather than only on the pad.

Polling rate and wireless type

A 1000 Hz polling rate is a good target for competitive play. A 2.4 GHz dongle usually gives lower latency than Bluetooth, but a Bluetooth pad is easier to use across a PC and a phone. If you stream or play over a remote desktop, wired USB removes the guesswork.

Battery life and charging

Raids run about 30 minutes and a full loop about 36, so a pad that lasts 10 hours gives you more than 15 raid cycles. A dock like the one on the 8BitDo Pro 3 or GameSir Cyclone 2 listing makes it easy to start every session full.

ARC Raiders Controller Not Working on PC: Quick Fixes

• Check Steam Input: in Steam, open the game’s properties, then Controller, and set Steam Input to Enabled or Disabled. Try the other setting if the pad does nothing.
• Switch pad modes: for 8BitDo pads, use the mode switch to choose XInput or DInput. XInput is simplest, DInput exposes gyro to Steam Input.
• Close other apps that capture controllers, such as remapping tools, before launching the game.
• Wired DualSense haptics need a data-capable USB cable. A charge-only cable gives no input.
• After a game update, reopen the controls menu and check your bindings.

Which one to buy

Choose the Xbox Wireless Controller if you just want to play tonight on any store version. Choose the Steam Controller if you play the Steam version and want the best aiming a pad can offer, with battery for roughly a dozen evenings. Pick the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless for gyro and paddles at about half the price, accepting its mode-switching quirks. Use a wired DualSense if trigger feel matters most, and the Elite Series 2 only if paddles plus long battery life matter more to you than gyro.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does ARC Raiders support gyro aiming on PC?

Not natively. Gyro has to come from Steam Input, which turns a pad’s motion sensor into mouse movement, so the Steam version of the game is the practical route.

What is the best controller for ARC Raiders on PC?

The Xbox Wireless Controller is the easiest choice, and the Steam Controller or 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless are better if you want gyro aiming. A wired DualSense suits players who value haptics.

Can I use a PS5 controller for ARC Raiders on PC?

Yes. The DualSense works with PlayStation button prompts, and adaptive triggers and haptics work only over a wired USB connection.

Does ARC Raiders have aim assist on controller?

Yes, with a caveat: aim assist applies to controller stick input, not to gyro aim that arrives as mouse movement.

Can I play ARC Raiders with a keyboard and a controller at the same time?

Yes, the game accepts both at once, which is what makes gyro-as-mouse possible. Some players see a brief hitch when the game switches input mode, which the trigger-to-mouse-button remap above helps with.

Is a more expensive controller worth it for ARC Raiders?

Only if you use the extras. Gyro, back buttons and magnetic sticks matter for aiming, while a basic Xbox pad is enough if you mostly loot and avoid fights.