Now that God of War is available on PC, some players may wonder if the game is better suited to a controller or mouse and keyboard. While mouse and keyboard are largely considered superior in popular genres like first-person shooters, God of War’s fighting mechanics provides more fluidity with controls. Though battles can be significantly difficult for unprepared (or new) players, each piece of hardware offers its own usefulness during gameplay.
God of War began as a PlayStation exclusive, continuing Kratos’ story within a new pantheon. However, unlike previous God of War games, God of War 4 explores Norse mythology after Kratos has created a new life for himself. Following the death of his wife, Faye, Kratos guides his son Atreus to the highest peak in the realms to spread her ashes. Hunted by the Norse god Baldur, Kratos and Atreus struggle to overcome their differences and mature into a changing world. As the game progresses, both Atreus and Kratos level up their weapons and mythical abilities to defeat the challenges that rise against them.
Jetpack Interactive, the Canadian publisher responsible for the God of War PC port, also assisted in developing the Dark Souls PC port. Given the considerable praise both projects received from reviewers, it’s clear that mouse and keyboard are viable gameplay options despite not being the intended hardware. Players can use PlayStation controllers through Bluetooth connection and USB, but each influences gameplay in unique ways. Some players may wonder whether playing God of War is better with a controller or a mouse and keyboard. Unfortunately, there isn’t a clear winner during gameplay, as both provide unique experiences to players.
Playing God of War On PC With A Controller
God of War originally released as a PS4 exclusive, meaning many game systems are designed with a matching controller in mind. While it’s unlikely for non-PlayStation owners to have controllers like this laying around, Bluetooth controllers for the Nintendo Switch, Xbox, or other consoles are likely to connect with any PC, and wired controllers are always an option. Additionally, those with God of War 4 on PlayStation have no choice but to select the controller option. PlayStation players can experience the original version of the game but may regret being restricted to a single controller instead of having access to more sensitive options on the mouse and keyboard.
Players directly control Kratos during God of War and command Atreus to carry out specific attacks. As the game continues and Kratos collects the Leviathan Axe and Chaos Blades, more attacks become available, and players receive more controls to remember. Thankfully, the button combinations on standard console controllers are relatively easy to master and swift to execute. Muscle memory often takes over during combat and results in efficient, brutal combos dealt against enemies. Battling in tandem with Kratos and Atreus is vital to God of War's progression, especially since some enemies can only be defeated by one member of the father-son duo.
One of the difficulties that come with playing on a controller is the challenge of navigating the world and its many puzzles. Though players often find themselves battling the undead or monsters out of Norse mythology, it’s common for God of War to utilize side quests, puzzles, and other forms of exploration to fill game time. Given the limitations of analog sticks, some players may find it annoying to constantly adjust their sensitivity to solve puzzles and locate hidden items, especially since many puzzles lead to combat directly after. Frustration with puzzles often comes from understanding the puzzle’s solution and being unable to get the timing right or failing to aim quickly enough while solving it. These are issues that aren’t as prevalent when using a mouse and keyboard.
Playing God of War On PC With Mouse & Keyboard
With the God of War’s PC version out, players now have an option to experience the Norse adventure on mouse and keyboard. Jetpack Interactive succeeded in developing a satisfying God of War PC version with many options and (relatively) understandable default keybindings. In first-person shooters, the mouse and keyboard are largely regarded as more accurate, a feature that carries over into God of War. The unfortunate side effect comes with combat, which restricts the convenience of certain moves depending on the type of mouse and keyboard players have access to.
For the first few hours of gameplay, God of War’s boss fights and encounters provide little challenge and serve as tutorials to fighting Midgard’s many foes. However, as Kratos and Atreus unlock more abilities and enemies obtain more resistances, players are forced to evolve their strategies and utilize new attacks. Players with a standard mouse might have difficulties using their keyboards exclusively, as memorizing dozens of attack patterns with different keys can quickly become overwhelming. Thankfully, those with gaming mice are more likely to have an easier time conquering God of War’s many boss fights and quests, as the extra buttons can be assigned to ranged, melee, and dodging attacks or be used to command Atreus.
Perhaps the greatest appeal for using a mouse and keyboard during God of War is the higher sensitivity and the ability to make smaller, more calculated movements. This greatly assists in navigating through some of the game’s more particular puzzles and ensures players are less likely to miss hidden chests, items, and collectibles strewn throughout the realms. While combat may seem shakier given the increased number of controls and the default settings on God of War PC, exploration and puzzle-solving are much simpler with a mouse. Additionally, the smaller screens that often accompany PC setups can make it simpler for players to locate hidden loot and treasures.
Ultimately, choosing to play God of War with a controller or a mouse and keyboard is a personal decision made by the player. Though God of War was initially created for the PlayStation, Jetpack Interactive worked diligently to port the project to PC with responsive controls and smooth, beautiful graphics. No matter which controller is used to play through God of War, the story, gameplay, and graphics are reason enough to secure this purchase on either PlayStation or PC. God of War is available now for PlayStation systems and releases for PC on January 14th.