Best Keyboard-Only PC Games

Highlights

  • Keyboard-only games offer a hassle-free PC gaming experience and add challenge and excitement.
  • Limbo, Dragon Ball FighterZ, and Dead Cells are among the best keyboard-only games to try.
  • These games provide unique gameplay experiences, from eerie puzzles to intense fighting and survival challenges.


While there is a huge variety of video games available on PC, many PC gaming enthusiasts prefer keyboard-only games to avoid the hassles of toiling around with a mouse and hitting keys simultaneously.

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Keyboard-only games do not require players to use any other equipment, instead they focus on the premiere way of playing games on a PC. They add another layer of challenge and excitement to PC gaming and are easily accessible to everyone. This list comprises 7 of the best keyboard-only games available for players to try out.


7 Limbo

Something Creepy Lurks Around The Corner

the boy assessing whether to progress or not in Limbo

Limbo

Released
July 21, 2010

Developer(s)
Playdead

Genre(s)
Platformer

Limbo is a puzzle-platform game that features several horror elements and follows the story of a little boy who is searching for his sister. Through a dark forest and many obstacles, he must reach his destination. Players will find this 2D game very entertaining as they fight off several deadly creatures throughout their journey.

Limbo unfolds as a challenging experience where players must unravel physics-based puzzles to navigate the haunting landscapes. When talking about an eerie and dark game, Limbo for sure becomes a part of the conversation.

6 Dragon Ball FighterZ

Want to Fight a Super Saiyan?

dragon ball fighterz

Dragon Ball FighterZ

Released
January 26, 2018

How Long To Beat
12 Hours

In case players are in the mood to smash their keyboard keys, Dragon Ball FighterZ is the perfect game. This is a 2.5D fighter that includes all the fan-favorite characters from the DBZ universe. It offers a great story mode and 1v1 options against opponents.

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Even though Dragon Ball Z has over 70 game titles in the franchise, all of which are fun to play, there is something very different about this one. The graphics are immaculate, and the finishing moves are just awesome. This game is surely one to try out.

5 Risk Of Rain

Crashed but Didn’t Burn

risk of rain

Risk of Rain Returns

Released
November 8, 2023

Developer(s)
Hopoo Games

Genre(s)
Roguelike , Platformer

In Risk of Rain, players step into the shoes of a character who crash-landed on a mysterious planet. They must do everything they can to survive. Various monsters will pop up during this journey, so players must be prepared for them and keep their eyes peeled for any precious items that might just save the day.

The difficulty of the game increases as the player progresses. Players can either spend their time learning more about the game world and facing scary monsters, or progress through the stages. Just to spice things up, there’s the delightful addition of a permadeath feature, making every move a high-stakes gamble.

4 The Blinding Of Issac

The Struggle to Survive

the blinding of issac

The Binding of Isaac

Released
September 28, 2011

Developer(s)
Edmund McMillen , Florian Himsl

Genre(s)
Roguelike

The Blinding of Issac is an interesting yet troubling video game. It is somewhat based on the story of Issac in the Bible. Players explore various dungeons by playing as Issac or other unlockable characters and fight off different enemies as they progress.

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Players will unlock new abilities as they progress through the game. Every character has different attributes, such as the amount of damage they deal, their speed, and their health. The game is amazing to play solo, but does get very emotional once players start to look for its deeper meaning.

3 Cuphead

Don’t Deal With The Devil

cuphead

Cuphead

Released
September 29, 2017

Developer(s)
Studio MDHR Entertainment Inc.

Genre(s)
Platformer

Cuphead is a sidescroller that takes players on an amazing journey. Going from one level to another while defeating enemies in the process. Surprisingly, the game rarely calls for players to touch their mouse.

The game follows the story of Cuphead, who has lost a game at the Devil’s Casino, putting him in debt to the Devil himself. The players must repossess the runaway souls of debtors as punishment. Players can play alone as Cuphead or have another friend join in as Mugman.

2 Mortal Kombat 1

BRUTALITY!

mortal kombat 11

Mortal Kombat 1

Released
September 19, 2023

Genre(s)
Fighting

Why use a mouse when the keyboard can do all the work? Mortal Kombat is undoubtedly one of the best fighting game franchises in the gaming industry. The game competes with other titles such as Street Fighter and Tekken like no other. Mortal Kombat 1 offers players an amazing set of moves that they can use to take down their opponent.

The game is fun to play, and even includes a multiplayer feature. It features all the characters from the previous titles, reimagined in a new reality. For players seeking a keyboard-only gaming experience, this title is definitely worth a try!

1 Dead Cells

Survival Of The Fittest

Dead Cells - melee combat

Dead Cells

Released
August 7, 2018

Developer(s)
Motion Twin

Genre(s)
Roguelike

In case players are looking for a roguelike Metroidvania game, Dead Cells won’t let them down. The game allows players to play as a character called the Prisoner. The ultimate goal is to escape the infected island and overcome the challenges that lie ahead.

Players will obtain various weapons and items throughout the game, but face the risk of losing everything upon death due to the game’s permadeath feature. This adds an extra layer of challenge and intensifies the survival experience.

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