Using a controller in first-person shooter (FPS) games is often seen as a disadvantage at the competitive level, but for casual players of Rainbow Six Siege, the comfort and familiarity of a gamepad can enhance the experience. However, not all controllers are equal—some are designed to significantly boost gameplay. High-end models like the DualSense Edge, for example, feature adjustable triggers for faster weapon firing and mappable back buttons for smoother actions like crouching or switching weapons, offering a real advantage.
You don’t need to spend a fortune to improve your Siege setup, though. Budget-friendly options like the PowerA Advantage provide similar features at a lower price point. What's more, it is important to consider your platform, as not all controllers work across every system. Fortunately, this guide is here to help as we’ve listed some of the best controllers for various platforms to help you find the perfect upgrade for your Siege sessions.
Best controllers for Siege - Quick list
- PlayStation DualSense Edge - best pick for PlayStation players
- Xbox Elite Series 2 - best alternative for Xbox
- Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra - top pick for PC gameplay
- NACON Revolution 5 Pro - an excellent option for the PS4
- PowerA Advantage with Lumectra - the best budget-friendly choice
Credit: Sony
PlayStation DualSense Edge
Best PS5 controller for Siege
- Amazon - $199.00 / £199.00
- PlayStation Direct - $199.99 / £209.99
- Walmart - $199.00
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the DualSense Edge
As touched on in the introduction, the DualSense Edge has all the necessary features and attributes to take almost anybody's shooter gameplay to the next level. With mappable and swappable back buttons creating easy access to crucial controls, and trigger stops reducing the time it takes to get a shot off, the controller really does have the potential to make an immediate impact.
The DualSense Edge is highly customizable too, with stick modules and caps that can be changed to preference based on what provides the most precision. Also, any changes to settings can be saved as a profile, and each configured profile can be swapped on the fly. This saves a ton of time when it is time to load up Siege and dive into a game.
Ultimately, the DualSense Edge is a well-review bit of kit that has all the tools to take, not just Rainbow Six Siege gameplay, but FPS gameplay in general to the next level. It even has a headphone jack, so plug in your best Siege headset, dive into a game, and secure some wins with ease!
Credit: Microsoft
Xbox Elite Series 2
Best Xbox controller for Siege
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the Xbox Elite Series 2
The Elite Series 2 is the equivalent to the DualSense Edge for Xbox, boasting many of the same features that help Sony's flagship device stand out for shooters such as Siege. Swappable stick caps, trigger stops, and mappable back buttons are all features of this excellent gamepad that can bring precision and quicker reactions to the forefront of gameplay.
Adding to its appeal, the Elite Series 2 features rubberized grips to help with control of the gamepad in intense gunfights. Additionally, it comes with a tool to adjust the tension of the thumbsticks depending on personal preference. Plus, it has a 40-hour battery life that helps to make it a reliable wireless choice for gaming sessions.
Even with rumors of an Elite Series 3 in the works, the Series 2 still manages to hold its own as a class above the rest for Xbox FPS gameplay.
Credit: Turtle Beach
Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra
Best PC controller for Siege
- Amazon - $199.99 / £179.00
- Turtle Beach - $199.99 / €199.99
- Best Buy - $199.99
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra
Although most controllers will work with a PC, the Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra offers just that little bit more for an enhanced user experience when PC gaming. Its Command Display, for instance, can showcase crucial dashboard information, or it can keep gamers notified as it can be linked to almost any of the top social media platforms.
Now, none of this is necessarily designed to improve FPS gameplay; however, the Stealth Ultra is not short in shooter-improving features either. It boasts Hall Effect thumbsticks that are designed to provide long-lasting smooth control; adjustable trigger stops for faster firing; and tactile microswitches for faster and more precise action, providing you've got a top-tier monitor for Siege that can keep up. It even has a Pro-Aim Focus Mode built-in, which is designed to adjust the thumbstick sensitivity for enhanced long-range accuracy automatically.
All of this does come at a bit of a steep price, but that price might just be worth paying to see serious improvements to your FPS skills.
Credit: NACON
NACON Revolution 5 Pro
Best PS4 controller for Siege
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the NACON Revolution 5 Pro
Although also compatible with the PS5 and PCs, the NACON Revolution 5 Pro is also a top-tier choice for Siege when playing on an old-gen PS4. For instance, thanks to Hall Effect technology, it should last even if an upgrade to a PS5 is in the works, all while eliminating stick drift in the meantime for better accuracy.
Trigger stops, mappable back paddles, and multiple profiles are present once again, although NACON has taken things to the next level by integrating further customizable elements. These include interchangeable weights and different thumbstick lengths to help make finding what is most comfortable for you even easier.
It is worth mentioning that the controller has been highly praised by our friends at Stealth Optional in the past, with a particular highlight made to its uncommon-for-PlayStation asymmetrical layout. For some, this is a real game-changer as it is often seen as the more comfortable gaming position, which might just benefit your gameplay in the long run.
Credit: PowerA
PowerA Advantage with Lumectra
Best budget controller for Siege
* prices are accurate at the time of the last update
Why we chose the PowerA Advantage Controller
The controllers mentioned so far have all been on the pricier side, so it is time to reign it back to something a little cheaper in the PowerA Advantage with Lumectra. This is actually a controller I reviewed and rated relatively highly myself, so I can personally attest to how it can improve FPS skills such as those needed for Siege.
Even though it is cheaper than most controllers, PowerA has still managed to squeeze in blank back buttons that are ready to be mapped to commonly used controls. It also features hair-trigger stops which can be adjusted independently from one another if, say, you wanted the aim to take a little longer to action than firing.
The real star of the show is the Lumectra RGB lighting, which is present on both the controller and an accompanying strip accessory. The lighting can also be controlled independently and can really help any setup stand out. It may not help with gameplay, but cool RGB lighting is always a bonus in my books, especially when paired with the excellent Xbox or a powerful PC for Siege.
That's it! Make sure to explore some of the best controller deals over at our friends at Gfinity to see if any of these great gamepads are on sale.