PC gaming and the Diablo franchise are 2 things that you just can’t separate from one another. Now that interest and player count for Diablo 4 have received a new resurgence with the latest release of Vessel of Hatred, players might be wondering what is the best way to play—mouse and keyboard or controller?
We already had this conversation back when the base game released. But I figured it’d be great to see how my experience and preference with Diablo 4 on mouse and keyboard and controller have changed since then.
As someone who grew up mostly playing on consoles, I do have a natural affinity when it comes to controllers. But since predominantly gaming on a PC for the past few years, I do see why some mouse and keyboard users swear by it. Nothing can ever beat its accuracy and input customization, especially when it comes to action games. However, Diablo 4 is a special case. It comes from an IP that has been so intrinsically tied to PC gaming that it’s hard to imagine it being played on anything else.
But ever since the franchise first made its way to consoles with the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of Diablo 3, the world found out that this type of game works really well with a controller. But let’s first look at the pros and cons of each input.
Diablo 4 on mouse and keyboard needs no introduction. If I were to guess, this is already what most of you are using the play the game right now. The franchise has been kicking since 1997 on the platform, so Blizzard has been spending decades refining PC controls and it shows.
Diablo 4 has you fighting off literal armies of demons in cramped dungeon spaces. The average gameplay experience, especially in high-level content, will have you seeing just a mixture of damage numbers, special effects, and enemy models. Input accuracy is critical. You have to know where to go, which enemies to prioritize, and quickly react to whatever hazards are coming. It’s an extremely chaotic experience where one misinput can mean the difference between getting that sick loot or starting over from a checkpoint.
This is where Diablo 4 on mouse and keyboard really shines. Skills are tied to 1-4 keys, dodge button on spacebar, healing potions on Q, inventory on I, etc. You get the point. There’s a set key for every possible action you can think of. And the simple fact that you can click on whatever enemy you want to focus on or where you want your character to go is a huge life saver. And majority of the inputs can also be customized in the settings.
However, I did find that my hand would hurt on long play hours (and trust me, with this game, there will be a lot) because of the excessive clicking you do with traversal and combat. Thankfully, WASD movement was finally placed in the game in one of the post-launch updates. It’s a hit or miss for some players but I personally find it great. Especially coming off of getting hands-on time with the upcoming Path of Exile 2 back in TGS 2024, WASD movement controls feels great with this type of game.
You want pinpoint accuracy? Mouse and keyboard is the way. Plus, it’s a Diablo game. If you’re playing on PC, you have to try out the traditional controls at least once.
On controller? Diablo 4 controls like an absolute dream. It’s extremely smooth, responsive, and infinitely less taxing on the hands during longer play hours. It controls exactly like how a third-person action game would on a controller. Movement is on the left stick, skills are on the triggers and right buttons, healing on the left bumper, dodge on B or circle, and the D-pad is where you can find your town portal, mount, and action wheels. The only real gripe about it is that while the right stick is a dedicated target lock button, it never comes close to how precise a mouse can be.
This is especially problematic in higher enemy crowds or if I want to immediately focus on an enemy in the distance. But, when my back and hands start to hurt, the sensible thing is to take a break from playing right? No, hell’s armies still need slaying, so I just plug in the controller and sit back and play like I’m on the couch on the PC.
My take? I use both. I usually do mouse and keyboard at the start of my session and when I’m feeling like I just want to wind down and not try hard as much, switching to a controller is instant and convenient. Both are damn near perfect input options for Diablo 4, and I can’t definitively say which one is better because it’s very situational as well. Either way, you’re going to plow through legions of enemies, all for Sanctuary. Looking real good at it and picking up immeasurable amounts of loot along the way.