"We recommend playing Dead Cells with a controller!"

[Awipka]

After 70 hours in this game using keyboard+mouse I got my hands on Dualshock 4 and played a single run with it.
Apart from me confusing binds during the run I didn't notice much of a difference in the gameplay.
In fact, I believe using a controller is a bit worse since all 4 main actions using default bindings (roll, jump, W1 and W2 attacks) are used with a single thumb, while on keyboard+mouse I have designated finger for each of those actions which ensures lower response time.

So, I'd like to know if there are some hidden advantages playing this game with a controller because they are not visible right away. Otherwise it might not be worth it to switch to controller after playing some time with a keyboard+mouse.

[bobhome2]

For a long time, one of the bigger differences was the lack of "look" controls. What could be done using the right stick was... just not there on keyboard. They've added it to, I believe, i, j, k, l keys.

With those controls added, I don't see any reason why controller is "recommended" over KB. But I still use one anyway - it's just how I got used to playing it. Maybe someone else could shed some light on this. Haha.

[Sigma]

If you've played this game using a keyboard, it's natural that after playing the game for more than 70 hours that you'd prefer the keyboard over a controller. Regardless of method, choose the one that suits you the most, you don't have to follow the instructions. Most players do recommend a controller if you have been using one your whole life, like me.

[Awipka]

So, currently it's mostly the matter of preference, I see. Thank you both for the answer!

[nightshift]

Hi. earlier player here, long back from the EA stage of the game with now 1422 hrs of playtime (never got bored of this one yet).
I don't have the experience with the controller to make a fair comparison as I always played with keyboard and mouse, or just plain keyboard on my laptop. I find it wery comfortable.
Still, I understand the convenience of a controller as this game is a side scroller, so that might give you the console-feel as most platformers should.

[Gem of Temporarity]

Originally posted by bobhome2:

With those controls added, I don't see any reason why controller is "recommended" over KB. But I still use one anyway - it's just how I got used to playing it. Maybe someone else could shed some light on this. Haha.

My guess is they catered the controls for controllers first and keyboard controls were an "afterthought" or something.

[bobhome2]

Originally posted by Gem of Temporarity:

Originally posted by bobhome2:

With those controls added, I don't see any reason why controller is "recommended" over KB. But I still use one anyway - it's just how I got used to playing it. Maybe someone else could shed some light on this. Haha.

My guess is they catered the controls for controllers first and keyboard controls were an "afterthought" or something.

Sure seems that way, since it took them so long to add the look controls. But I've seen a number of streamers doing quite well with keyboard and mouse, so it truly seems more a matter of preference nowadays.

[SilkySmooth]

I for one think that playing with a controller is better. The binds were confusing, sure, so I just bond them to desired actions.

D-pad for movement but I mainly use the L-stick
Square for first attack. Triangle for second attack.
X for Jump O for roll
L2 and R2 for special attacks
Options for pause
Share for map

and I don't remember what I bound the left and right touchpad to.