Best Controller for Fortnite

Staff’s Choice

Introduction

It used to be almost unthinkable, but these days there are a ton of serious competitive players who use a controller to play shooter games such as Fortnite and Apex Legends, even on PC. There are a number of advantages to using a controller (familiarity, but also things such as aim assist) but as is the case with mice there are a lot of options out there, so if you’re looking for the best controller for Fortnite is pays off to know the ins and outs of every option.

Finding a decent controller can take time and effort, and we’ve done the hard work for you. This guide will look at some of the best controllers for Fortnite tryhards, but we’ll also cover some good standard options for more casual players. 

What Makes a Good Controller For Fortnite

Fortnite is a game that requires a lot of different inputs during a fight. You are going to be building, editing, and shooting simultaneously. This is quickly done on a PC because you have a keyboard (see: Best Keyboard for Fortnite) and mouse (see: Best Mouse for Fortnite) for these tasks. Managing all these inputs on a controller can be difficult.

An ideal controller needs extra buttons for your build, edit, and weapon binds and a comfortable and ergonomic shape for better grip. Most shooters require instant weapon firing, so trigger locks also help. 

Stick drift is an issue that most controller players will be familiar with. It can be annoying to fix, and you most likely end up having to replace the controller. Fortnite requires a lot of sudden movements, from spamming 90s to flicking shotgun shots on enemy heads. All of this flicking damages the stick and causes it to miss inputs and replacing controllers all the time can be a costly affair for serious players who put in a lot of hours. Therefore, you need to look for a controller that allows you to replace sticks easily. If you encounter stick drift, you won’t have to buy a new controller. Just replace the stick, and your controller is as good as new.

Apart from this, a lot comes down to personal preference. Things like stick height and shape, wired or wireless, feel and layout of the buttons can all be personal. For example, some people prefer the Xbox layout while others may like the Playstation’s.

There are a lot of controllers on the market that sell gimmicks or features that are impractical and useless. The main things you need in a good controller are: extra buttons, trigger locks, and modularity.

Xbox Elite Series 2 Wireless Controller

The Xbox Elite Series 2 is the premium and more esports-focused version of the classic Xbox controller, made by Microsoft. With premium features, solid build quality, and a modular design, the Xbox Elite Series 2 is our pick for the best controller for Fortnite.

The Xbox Elite Series 2 closely resembles the standard Xbox controller in shape. It gives you the same ergonomic and comfortable feel that we all know and love. Apart from the shape, the controller also features rubberized grips to reduce hand slips. Plus, the triggers and sticks have the same textured rubber to give you a better hold.

To be considered a suitable controller for Fortnite, the Xbox Elite Series 2 must have a lot of customizability. Thankfully, this controller does not disappoint in that regard. You can easily change both thumbsticks. The box also includes different heights and shapes for the sticks. Replacing them is also a breeze since they are magnetized.

The stiffness of the stick can also be adjusted. For shooters like Fortnite, a stiffer and taller stick helps aim more precisely. The shape of the stick more or less comes down to personal preference.

The Xbox Elite Series 2 also features four paddles on the bottom. You can bind your builds, edit, or inventory for quick access during fights. To keep up with a fast-paced game like Fortnite, the Elite series 2 features three-way trigger locks. There is the instant trigger replicating the latency of a mouse click, the full trigger, and the middle ground between the two.

There are three onboard profiles on which you can save your settings. Whether you are playing Fortnite or Apex, you can easily switch your profile through the button on the back.

The battery performance on the Elite Series is also quite impressive. It features a Lithium-ion battery which can last up to 40 hours. For most people, that’s enough for a week of grinding Fortnite.

Overall, the Elite Series 2 is our top pick for the best controller for Fortnite. The amount of customizability and modularity options make this a very attractive choice. Sure, it is expensive for a controller, but given the features, the price is justifiable.

Xbox Elite Series 2 Wireless

The Xbox Elite Series 2 Wireless controller is a premium gaming controller made by Microsoft.

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Pros

• Interchangeable components
• Three-way trigger lock
• Ergonomic design
• Adjustable tension on the thumbsticks

Cons

• Costly

Razer Wolverine V2 Pro – PC/PS4/PS5

Razer has been on a roll the past couple of years, delivering fantastic products in all aspects of the competitive gaming scene.

The Razer Wolverine V2 Pro is a great example of this. The controller is packed with features like programmable buttons and modular components. While the Xbox Elite Series is our top pick, it is incompatible with PS4 or PS5. For you Sony gamers, the Wolverine V2 Pro is a solid alternative and, in some aspects, even better. 

Generally, when it comes to Fortnite, extra input options are essential. This controller features six programmable buttons. Two shoulder buttons are beside L1 and R1, and four can be found on the bottom. All of them can be easily remapped to any button you want. 

Designed as a third-party PS5 controller, the Wolverine V2 pro surprisingly comes with the Xbox Layout. For older PlayStation players, this layout might take some getting used to. It is also bigger than the DualSense when it comes to shape.

The Razer Wolverine V2 Pro also features an RGB strip across the grips for added aesthetics.

In terms of battery performance, the Wolverine V2 pro can last 28 hours after a full charge. For most people, this should be enough. However, compared to the Xbox Elite Series 2, the battery life takes a bit of a hit.

Overall, the Wolverine V2 Pro is a solid option for Fortnite, especially if you are a PlayStation player. It has a lot of customizability, features, and robust build quality at a mid-range price. 

Razer Wolverine V2 Pro

The Razer Wolverine V2 Pro is a premium gaming controller made by Razer.

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Pros

• Satisfying button clicks
• 8-way microswitch D-pad
• 2.5GHz wireless connectivity

Cons

• Xbox layout might be a problem for some people
• No haptics or vibration

Turtle Beach Recon Controller – Xbox/PC

The Turtle Beach Recon Controller sets itself apart from other off-brand Xbox controllers thanks to its impressive audio features and excellent performance. For those unfamiliar, Turtle Beach is brand renowned for its gaming headsets. A controller from them might seem dubious, but they have packed this controller with many features at a very affordable price.

It resembles the stock Xbox Series X and Xbox One controllers in design and shape, but there are some changes, with the biggest one being the control center on top of the Xbox button.

It features two programmable buttons at the back, and it also has trigger locks. It also has an ergonomic shape with the grips rubberized for a more comfortable feel, but it is heavier than the Xbox controllers, with the Turtle Beach weighing in at 300g. 

You can expect great audio features as it is a Turtle Beach product. It features a 3.5 mm jack and a built-in mic, which is impressive in this price range. The mic quality is pretty good, too. Though it’s not perfect, it’s clear and loud enough for regular game chats.  

Let’s talk about the main feature of this controller – the control center on top. With this, you can easily control the audio and chat volume. You also have four customizable modes with Turtle Beach’s Superhuman Hearing on hand. This feature makes it easier to pinpoint a sound’s origin. It also gives a slight hit to the audio quality, but you get accuracy. 

The major downside of this controller is that it’s not wireless. However, It does feature a 10 ft long detachable cable to compensate for that. 

The price difference between this and the Xbox stock controller is insignificant. However, there are some features that you won’t find in the Xbox controller: the customizable buttons, trigger locks, and control center. These features make Turtle Beach a better option for Fortnite.

Turtle Beach Recon

The Turtle Beach Recon is a budget-oriented controller that packs some impressive features for its price point.

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Pros

• Impressive audio features
• A full-control menu
• Good built-in mic
• Responsive buttons

Cons

• Wired connection only
• Feels a bit cheap

SCUF Instinct Pro Performance Series – PC/Xbox/Mobile

If you have ever searched for pro or premium controllers, you might have come across SCUF – a brand renowned for its impressive line of esports-focused controllers. 

Though expensive, the Instinct Pro comes with many customizable aspects and features. 

At first glance, it looks similar to the Xbox controller. It would easily get confused without the branding and the mic mute button. For those who love the Xbox controller design, the Instinct is a great choice. 

In terms of design, the overall feel and look are minimal. It’s the same Xbox design but with SCUF branding on the right grip and a mic mute button at the bottom. You’ll find four customizable paddle buttons at the back, and there’s also a profile switch button and trigger locks. 

Compared to all the controllers we have mentioned, the Instinct Pro has the best paddle buttons. They are placed perfectly and easily accessible by your fingers. The buttons have a resistance to prevent accidental clicks. 

Customizability is where this controller shines the most. All the parts, including the sticks, D-Pad, and the front plate, can be switched out. The box includes a pair of extra sticks. Switching them is also very easy since all of them are magnetized. They pop out easily just by applying some force. The front plate can easily be replaced to give your controller a new look. All of these parts are sold separately on Scuf’s website.

The controller also features three onboard profiles, which you can set up with the button on the back. There is no software; everything is programmed on the controller. 

All in all, it is a great controller if you want to take competitive Fortnite seriously. The only downside is the price. It is expensive for casual Fortnite, but if you’re a more serious gamer you’ll find that this one is more than worth the price.

SCUF Instinct Pro Performance Series

The SCUF Instinct Pro Performance Series is a line of controllers aimed at competitive controller players with a lot of extra features.

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Pros

• Minimal and ergonomic design
• Modular features
• Magnetic parts
• Perfect paddle placement

Cons

• Costly

PDP Victrix Pro BFG Wireless – PS4/PS5/PC

The PDP Victix Pro BFG controller is designed for PS4, PS5, and PC. Just saying it’s modular won’t do this controller justice. It’s an entirely customizable controller: there’s an alternate D-pad option, sticks with different heights and shapes, thumbstick gates, and much more.

In terms of design, the Victrix Pro cannot be placed into one category. Because of its modularity, the controller is more like a blank canvas. Firstly, you can change the whole layout- maybe you prefer the PlayStation style with the sticks together or the Xbox’s offset stick layout. All you need to do is unscrew some screws, and you can switch it up.

You may prefer the traditional 4-way D-pad. You can switch that too. Moreover, if you dabble in many fighting games, you can pop in a five-pad module, giving you that arcade feel. 

Apart from this, the controller has every feature you will need. Four buttons on the rear for your build binds, a five-way trigger lock, and three onboard profiles. 

The BFG is quite big when compared to something like the DualSense, so it’s not a great choice if you’re looking for something compact, as the size is similar to an Xbox Controller. But, it does feel comfortable in hand and doesn’t cause strain after long gaming sessions. 

Sadly, this controller does not have everything. For instance, it doesn’t feature a touchpad. For some games, this could be an issue, but since we are talking about Fortnite you won’t face any problems. It also lacks a built-in mic so you will need a separate headset. There is also no vibration module, but for competitive Fortnite you will probably have your vibration turned off. 

If customizability is what you want, then going for the PDP Victrix Pro BFG is a no-brainer.

PDP Victrix Pro BFG Wireless

The PDP Victrix Pro BFG Wireless is a highly configurable and customizable aftermarket controller.

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Pros

• Interchangeable layout
• Five-way trigger locks
• Five-pad module
• Four rear buttons

Cons

• No touchpad
• No built-in mic

PlayStation DualSense

The Dualsense is one of the best controllers Sony has produced. It was a major improvement from the DualShock 4 and added a lot of nice features and performance improvements. 

The key features are the haptic feedback and the adaptive triggers. With the haptic feedback, the controller tries to simulate the game’s audio and visuals in terms of vibrations on the controller. You can feel everything from shooting bullets to a water droplet on a leaf. The adaptive triggers made things like shooting a bow or driving a car more immersive and realistic by adjusting the resistance of the triggers. 

In terms of its design, the Dualsense is slightly bigger than the Dualshock 4. It features better and more durable buttons, sticks, and triggers. The grips are texturized for a better hold.

Sadly, there are no rear buttons, as the Dualsense 5 was designed for more casual gaming. However, you can opt for the Dualsense Edge if you want those pro features. The controller is also backward compatible with PS4 but it’s good to note that you won’t get the haptic feedback and adaptive triggers if you use it on PS4.

All in all, if you don’t want to get a third-party controller for Fortnite, then the Dualsense is your best option. It is also cheaper than most pro controllers. 

Sony PS5 DualSense

Used by 2 players (Apr, 2024)

• RazorX
  
• Marco
  

The DualSense is the default controller for the PS5 console.

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Pros

• Haptic feedback
• Adaptive triggers
• Excellent performance

Cons

• No extra buttons or paddles
• Lack of customizability

Xbox Core Wireless Controller

The Xbox Core Wireless controller comes with the Xbox consoles. While it is not on the highest end of gaming controllers, it is still a great choice to play Fortnite. 

It’s a trimmed-down version of the Elite Series 2 with no rear buttons or trigger locks, making it suitable for a more casual Fortnite experience. However, if you wish to play competitive Fortnite, we recommend upgrading to the Elite Series 2. 

In general, though, the Core Wireless is a solid controller. The buttons and D-Pad are better than the previous generation. They feel more clicky and responsive. The sticks are also improved and are now textured to give a better grip. The grip area is covered in a dotted texture to reduce hand slippage. 

Compared to its competitor, the Sony DualSense, the Core Wireless is lacking in some areas. The Dualsense features adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, for example, which aren’t present on the Core Wireless.

Xbox Core Wireless Controller

The Xbox Core Wireless controller is the default controller for modern Xbox consoles.

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Pros

• Solid performance
• Detachable USB-C cable

Cons

• Basic features

Why You Should Upgrade to a Better Controller

For most people who prefer a more casual Fortnite experience, sticking to the default Xbox or Playstation controller is enough because they are solid controllers. 

However, consider upgrading to a better controller if you take competitive Fortnite seriously. The major issue that you will face on the default controllers is stick drift. While stick drift can happen on any controller, higher-end controllers allow you to switch out your sticks instead of replacing the controller entirely.

Since Fortnite is a cross-platform game, you will be fighting against PC players with much better equipment. You can’t keep up with good players on a default controller with limited buttons. This is where getting a better controller helps. Firstly, you get extra buttons to bind to your builds or weapons. Moreover, there are many customizability options. You can get sticks of different heights and shapes and you can set the tension and stiffness of these sticks. Plus, you also have trigger locks that replicate the speed of clicks of a mouse.

If you can afford to, getting a suitable controller will help in the long term. But if you don’t want to spend much money on controllers like these, sticking with the default console controller is also completely fine. 

Burair

Content Writer

Burair is a freelance writer for ProSettings.net