For a free, hands-on introduction to the DualSense, start with Astro’s Playroom. For more targeted effects, Returnal links trigger travel to aiming and alternate fire, while Gran Turismo 7 uses resistance and vibration to convey braking and road texture. These ten PS5 games stand out for documented ways they make the controller part of play—not because they have been measured against one another in a formal ranking.
What makes a game a good fit for DualSense?
The DualSense can make play feel different through two features: haptic feedback, which produces sensations such as surface texture or impacts, and adaptive triggers, which can change resistance during an action. How those features are used depends on the game. Support does not mean every action has a special effect, and the examples below vary in how specifically PlayStation or the developers describe them.
This is an editorial shortlist based on documented controller features, not an official PlayStation ranking or a controlled comparison. The games are grouped by the kind of feedback they offer, so you can choose the experience you want.
10 games to try with the DualSense
1. Astro’s Playroom — the best first stop
Astro’s Playroom was built to demonstrate the DualSense, with examples of haptics that distinguish surfaces and trigger resistance tied to power-ups. Team Asobi studio director Nicolas Doucet said it was created from the ground up as a showcase for the controller’s haptics, adaptive triggers, motion sensor, speaker, microphone and touchpad. PlayStation describes a four-world adventure; Team Asobi’s 2020 account says its main adventure has 16 stages. PlayStation says the game is pre-loaded on PS5 and free for PS5 console users. Team Asobi’s development account and the PlayStation game page detail the experience. PlayStation says vibration and haptics can be disabled in the game’s settings.
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- Haptic feedback - Feel physically responsive feedback to your in-game actions with dual actuators which replace traditional rumble motors. In your hands, these dynamic vibrations can simulate the feeling of everything from environments to the recoil of different weapons. .Operating temperature : 41 °F to 95 °F (5 °C to 35 °C)
- Adaptive triggers - Experience varying levels of force and tension as you interact with your in-game gear and environments. From pulling back an increasingly tight bowstring to hitting the brakes on a speeding car, feel physically connected to your on-screen actions.
- Built-in microphone and headset jack - Chat with friends online using the built-in microphone or by connecting a headset to the 3.5mm jack. Easily switch voice capture on and off at a moment’s notice with the dedicated mute button. Internet and account for PlayStation Network required.
- DualSense Controller PS5 and PC compatible. Not compatible with PS4.
- PS Remote Play requires Remote Play App connected to Wi-Fi, PS4 or PS5 console with the latest system software and compatible game. A PS4 or PS5 console with a wired connection via a LAN cable is recommended. Version 4.0 of the Remote Play App on iOS and iPadOS or version 4.1 on macOS is required for games to be playable with the controller over Bluetooth.
2. Returnal — environmental sensations and a two-stage trigger
Returnal is a strong pick if you want feedback tied to both atmosphere and combat. PlayStation describes using one trigger for aiming and alternate fire: a partial pull aims, and a deeper pull activates the alternate mode. Housemarque also explains that rain is represented by subtle haptic pulses. The game’s options include playing without vibration or adaptive-trigger effects. Its official page lists PS5 and PC, but the described controller features are in the PS5 feature section; do not assume the PC version offers identical support. See PlayStation’s Returnal page and Housemarque’s explanation of its controller effects.
3. Gran Turismo 7 — road and braking feedback
Gran Turismo 7 uses adaptive-trigger resistance to represent braking and wheel spin, while haptics convey differences such as tarmac and kerbs. That makes it the clearest racing choice on this list if you want the controller to communicate road feel and car response. PlayStation describes these features on the Gran Turismo 7 game page.
Rank #2
- Ultra Customizable Controls
- Mappable Back Buttons
- DualSense Wireless Controller Features Built In
- Replaceable Stick Modules and Caps
4. Kena: Bridge of Spirits — feel the bow being drawn
In Kena: Bridge of Spirits, drawing Kena’s bow uses adaptive-trigger resistance paired with haptics to convey the action of pulling the bowstring. Ember Lab describes the trigger resistance as representing the wood bending and straining under pressure. That direct link between a hand motion and resistance makes this a particularly clear example of triggers adding to an action. The developer’s explanation appears in PlayStation.Blog’s developer feature.
5. Helldivers 2 — weapon kickback and landings
PlayStation describes haptics for take-offs and landings in Helldivers 2, alongside adaptive-trigger effects for weapon kickback. It is a good fit if you want controller effects that support both movement and combat. PlayStation’s Helldivers 2 game page is the source for those examples.
Rank #3
- Feel you in-game actions and environement simulated through haptic feedback
- Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers
- Chat online through the built-in microphone
- Connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack
- Switch voice capture on and off using the dedicated mute button
6. Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora — feedback in flight
For a more movement-focused example, PlayStation says the DualSense haptics in Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora respond during flight. The official feature mention establishes that use, but does not specify a broader set of actions or effects. See PlayStation’s game page.
7. Tekken 8 — impacts and arena effects
Tekken 8 uses haptics for fighting impacts and arena effects, according to PlayStation. That makes it the fighting-game option here for players who want some of the action to register through the controller as well as on screen. PlayStation lists the feature on its Tekken 8 page.
Rank #4
- Bring gaming worlds to life - Feel your in-game actions and environment simulated through haptic feedback*. Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers*
- Find your voice, share your passion - Chat online through the built-in microphone. Connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack. Record and broadcast your epic gaming moments with the create button
- A gaming icon in your hands - Enjoy a comfortable, evolved design with an iconic layout and enhanced sticks. Hear higher-fidelity** sound effects through the built-in speaker in supported games
- Multi-device connectivity - Connect using a USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth technology and easily play on more devices including Windows PC and Mac computers.
- Elevate PC gaming with advanced features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers in a range of blockbuster PC titles.
8. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart — a featured DualSense game
PlayStation includes Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart among the games highlighted for DualSense effects. The available feature description does not establish a specific mechanic here, so treat it as a recommendation to explore rather than a promise about a particular weapon or action. See PlayStation’s DualSense game feature guide.
9. Horizon Forbidden West — check the version you play
PlayStation lists Horizon Forbidden West among games to explore for DualSense-related features. Because support can depend on platform and game version, consult the current game’s feature and settings information rather than assuming every edition uses the same effects. The cited PlayStation guide is its DualSense game feature guide.
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Best Value
- Enjoy precise, comfortable control over 10,000+ supported Steam games.
- Easily pair the controller directly to your Windows PC via Bluetooth or play as you charge with the included USB Type-C cable
- Stay paired with up to four different Bluetooth devices, making it easy to enjoy the controller across Windows PC, Mac, PS5 consoles and smartphones. Discover more connection tips and tricks at playstation.com/pair-dualsense
- Access the latest available controller firmware directly from your PC with the free-todownload PlayStation Accessories app
- Play games streamed from your PS5 or PS4 console to your PC via the PS Remote Play App
10. Sackboy: A Big Adventure — another option to explore
PlayStation also lists Sackboy: A Big Adventure among games to explore for DualSense effects, though the cited guide gives less implementation detail than it does for the first four games on this list. It is a sourced candidate, but the specific controller actions should be checked in the version you play. See the PlayStation guide.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to choose among them
- Want a guided introduction? Start with Astro’s Playroom, which was designed as a controller showcase.
- Want trigger resistance tied to an action? Try Returnal for aiming and alternate fire, Gran Turismo 7 for braking, or Kena: Bridge of Spirits for drawing a bow.
- Want environmental or movement feedback? Returnal has documented rain pulses, Gran Turismo 7 conveys road surfaces, and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora uses haptics during flight.
- Want combat-related feedback? PlayStation describes weapon kickback in Helldivers 2 and impacts in Tekken 8.
Check platform support and settings
Controller effects are game- and platform-specific. A feature described for a PS5 version is not proof of parity on PC: PlayStation maintains a separate page identifying Steam games with DualSense features. Check that list for PC support rather than assuming every PC game or every console feature is covered: PlayStation’s PC accessories and compatibility information.
Effects can also be optional. PlayStation documents settings to disable vibration and haptics in Astro’s Playroom and options to play Returnal without vibration or adaptive-trigger effects. For other games, look in the game’s settings and accessibility menus for control over vibration or trigger effects. None of these recommendations requires the effects to be enabled to play; the sources establish support, not that the controller features are mandatory.
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