Introduction
Most PS5 games support the DualSense. Very few make it feel like a different controller.
The DualSense has six major features: adaptive triggers, haptic feedback, the built-in speaker, motion controls, the touchpad, and the microphone. Plenty of games use one or two of them. These ten make them part of the gameplay itself.
If you want the closest thing to a “full DualSense experience,” start with Astro’s Playroom, Astro Bot, and Returnal.
1. Astro’s Playroom
![Astro's Playroom [PS5 ANA KONU] - TÜRKÇE | DonanımHaber Forum](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/Agd45nN7MgydqDxxS-gK6U31gLqAne70rQl1NumAmRAekiXDdQNXg4yWoPIG33cZFEGA-DSoBbHqZBadCEK2rocbIM0O6cCx4qb4Hx18U0i_RuJ6tYTd9dDbcAu7dAltm-pnxUixpmGpblNcuRz4XsXM75kgK6c2TiQBfz0ZJRWFJQdHHQhA_pTmsjCyhO7C?purpose=fullsize)
The gold standard. Sony built this game to show everything the DualSense can do, and years later it’s still unmatched for feature coverage.
What it uses
- Adaptive triggers for bows, slingshots, and spring launches
- Haptics that change across metal, sand, grass, mud, and water
- Controller speaker for footsteps and impacts
- Motion controls for rolling and vehicle sections
- Touchpad interactions during set pieces
- Microphone blowing mechanics
Every part of the controller becomes a toy.
2. Astro Bot
Think of this as Astro’s Playroom stretched into a full-sized platformer.
The standout feature is how every power-up gets its own controller personality.
Best DualSense moments
- Jetpack vibration inside the trigger
- Spring-loaded frog gloves with elastic resistance
- Surface-specific footsteps everywhere
- Gyro-controlled flying sections
- Microphone-powered environmental interactions
3. Returnal
Returnal doesn’t just add controller effects—it builds combat around them.
The adaptive triggers have two stages.
- Half press aims.
- Full press activates alternate fire.
Each weapon has its own trigger feel, while rain, recoil, enemy attacks, and low-ammo warnings all communicate through haptics.
This is one of the few shooters where playing without DualSense features genuinely removes useful feedback.
4. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Every weapon feels physically different.
Instead of simply vibrating, the controller changes how you fire.
Highlights
- Half-press and full-press firing modes
- Unique trigger resistance for different weapons
- Rift transitions that pulse through the controller
- Distinct recoil patterns across the arsenal
5. Gran Turismo 7
This is probably the best DualSense implementation in a racing game.
The triggers become pedals.
- Brake pressure changes naturally.
- ABS pulses through the trigger.
- Tire slip becomes tactile.
- Different cars genuinely feel different under braking.
Road texture, curbs, weather, and engine vibration add another layer that makes driving easier to read.
6. Ghost of Yōtei
Instead of focusing only on combat, Ghost of Yōtei uses nearly every extra feature for world interactions.
Standout features
- Touchpad shamisen playing
- Cloth-writing mechanics
- Flint fire-starting
- Gyro cooking and forging
- Microphone campfire blowing
- Bow draw tension
- Detailed sword-clash haptics
It’s one of the rare games where the touchpad feels useful instead of forgotten.
7. Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
The controller becomes Sam’s body.
Heavy cargo changes trigger resistance, uneven loads feel different in your hands, and terrain constantly talks back.
You’ll notice:
- Mud
- Rocks
- Sand
- Metal flooring
- Timefall rain
- BT encounters
Walking becomes surprisingly physical.
8. Horizon Forbidden West
Horizon nails two things: bows and environmental feedback.
Every bow has its own draw weight.
Meanwhile:
- Grass brushes against your hands while sneaking.
- Swimming strokes feel different.
- Machine hits have directional impact.
- Heavy weapons resist the trigger.
Optional gyro aiming is also one of the better implementations on PS5.
9. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Swinging already feels great. DualSense makes it feel faster.
Wind turbulence, web launches, Venom abilities, and massive boss fights all get their own controller language.
The adaptive triggers also shine during puzzle sections that require uneven pressure between both hands.
10. Deathloop
Deathloop is one of the best third-party examples of practical DualSense design.
The coolest trick is simple:
When a gun jams, the trigger physically locks.
Instead of watching an animation, your finger discovers the malfunction first.
Combined with snow footsteps, rain, fireworks, and Julianna’s controller-speaker taunts, it creates a surprisingly immersive experience.
Which game uses the most DualSense features?
Game DualSense Coverage Astro’s Playroom All six features Astro Bot Nearly everything Ghost of Yōtei Five-plus features Returnal Triggers, haptics, speaker Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart Triggers, haptics Gran Turismo 7 Triggers, haptics Death Stranding 2 Triggers, haptics Horizon Forbidden West Triggers, haptics, optional gyro Spider-Man 2 Triggers, haptics, speaker Deathloop Triggers, haptics, speaker
Which should you play first?
If your goal is to experience everything the controller can do in the shortest time:
- Astro’s Playroom — the complete DualSense showcase.
- Astro Bot — the fullest long-form implementation.
- Returnal — the best combat-focused DualSense experience.
If you want a longer campaign where the controller becomes part of the gameplay instead of a gimmick, Horizon Forbidden West, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, and Gran Turismo 7 are the strongest picks.