Playing RTS with a controller? Total War: Warhammer 40,000 dev says it 'really does work' in their game: 'I think we've landed in a really solid spot'

Real-time strategy games have long favored mouse and keyboard, with only a few console-specific titles like Herzog Zwei or Halo Wars proving otherwise. Creative Assembly’s battle product owner Dave Petry told TechRadar at Gamescom that the studio rejects the idea controllers cannot work for RTS play. He described the input method as an accessibility tool rather than an obstacle, emphasizing player choice in how they engage with the game.

Petry pointed to Halo Wars 2, co-developed with 343 Industries, as a strong example of controller-friendly RTS design, though he noted its simpler mechanics aided the approach. He contrasted this with Age of Empires II on Xbox, which required automated villagers due to the impracticality of twin-stick micromanagement. Total War’s turn-based campaign separates building and tech trees from real-time battles, reducing the complexity gap between input methods.

The developer acknowledged that precise maneuvers like cycle-charging or drawing missile fire may feel less intuitive with a controller. However, Petry expressed confidence in their progress, stating the team has achieved a "really solid spot" and remains committed to refining the experience. He highlighted technical pride in the current implementation as a foundation for future improvements.

Petry emphasized that the studio’s goal is to deliver the Total War experience to players who prefer controllers, framing it as an inclusive design choice rather than a compromise. He suggested the approach is still evolving but has reached a point where it meets their standards for functionality and player satisfaction.