Gaming With One Hand: A Helpful Guide + Tips (List of Games!)
Many people believe that they cannot play video games with one hand.
This is just not true!
There are many different ways to play, and it does not matter which hand you use.
With the right controller, a little creativity, and a dash of ingenuity, you can game like never before! In this blog post, we’ll cover some great tips for gaming with only one hand.
We hope that you will have a newfound appreciation for playing video games with one hand by the end of this article!
Can You Play Video Games With One Hand?
Yes! You can play video games with one hand, but you might need to make some adjustments.
For example, if your controller is set up so that the thumbsticks are on either side of the D-pad and face buttons, then you can move one joystick with your left hand while using both thumbs to press direction keys (e.g., arrows) or other buttons with two fingers each.
How To Play Video Games With One Hand?
Video Tutorial
There are a number of ways you can play video games with one hand, but some work better than others for different types.
Here is the complete guide to playing video games with just your left hand(if your right one is broken or disabled):
Use both thumbs and two fingers on each thumb to press face buttons or direction keys (e.g., arrows) — best for Platformers
Use one thumb to press buttons while using two fingers on the same hand to move a joystick or control an analog stick — best for action games and fighters.
Analog sticks are better because they offer finer controls, but you can get similar results with just a D-pad if that’s all your controller has.
Use two fingers on the left hand to move a joystick or control an analog stick while using both thumbs to press direction keys (e.g., arrows)
Use one thumb and two fingers on the same hand to tap buttons with your right index finger, middle finger, then ring finger in turn — best for fighters.
Hold down a button with one thumb and use the other hand to press buttons — best for racing games.
The best way to play video games with one hand is really a matter of your preference and what type of game you want to play.
No matter how you like to play games, there are some things that will help make the experience easier.
Method For Console
First, if you’re playing on a console, then consider getting an adapter for your controller, which is designed for one-handed use.
This allows you to get rid of buttons and other hardware, so it’s more streamlined.
Method For PC
If you’re playing on a PC, you can also consider getting mouse and keyboard adapters which are designed for one-handed use.
These allow you to keep your hand in the same place while manipulating both of these devices at once.
These options will work well if you’re ambidextrous (aka left-handed or right-handed).
If you want to play a game that’s designed for right-handed use, but you’re left-handed, then you might need to get creative.
It may take some time and practice before playing video games with one hand feels natural, but keep at it!
Practice makes perfect!
One of the biggest challenges for people who only have one arm is that many controllers are designed to be used by two hands.
When using just your left hand, it may be difficult to press two buttons at the same time.
You should set up your controller so that one finger presses each button instead of two fingers for each button.
It will take some practice before this feels natural but keep practicing!
Check Out This Amazing One Handed Gamer Girl!!
Tips For Disabled Gamers
We all have our own way of gaming.
Whether it is using a controller, mouse, and keyboard, or just the most basic computer setup, we are always looking for ways to make playing easier (or more fun).
One size does not fit all gamers when it comes to controllers and gameplay mechanics.
We want our games to be accessible so that everyone can enjoy them.
If you’re disabled and have to use only one hand, use these tips make it easier!
Here are some tips for one armed gaming:
- Don’t let your disability stop you from playing video games.
- Adjust your controls to one side of the controller. This is especially helpful for FPS (first-person shooter) games, but it can also be helpful in other games as well.
- If you’re using an analog controller, try adjusting the sensitivities to a lower setting and see if that helps.
- Use an Xbox controller’s D-pad instead of the left analog stick if both sticks cause problems or discomfort in your hand.
- Use the X button to jump instead of pressing A and B together.
- Put your controller on a table or desk so that you have more room for movement.
- If you are using one hand, make sure to get some extra wrist support because this will help prevent strains and cramping in your arm from holding up the weight of the controller.
- Use a gaming chair with back support for comfort while playing or sitting in place for extended periods of time.
- Get an ambidextrous mouse so it can be used in either hand (this is especially helpful if your dominant arm is disabled)
- Use the arrow keys on your keyboard to control movement.
- Get an ambidextrous keyboard (this is not as helpful if your dominant arm is disabled)
- Assign a button to the “Use Item” key in-game.
- Use voice chat when playing with other gamers online.
- Turn off controller vibrations or adjust them so that they’re not too strong for your grip, and make sure there’s no noise when you move the controller around (such as bumping it against furniture).
- Replace an ergonomic controller with a third-party gaming device that is comfortable and easier to use.
When you’re playing games, it’s important to take breaks.
Your body can only do so much, and gaming with one hand might be more tiring than you expect.
Remember that the world won’t end if you don’t beat that boss on your first try.
Get up and walk around, take a nap or drink some water to help yourself stay awake.
The world won’t end if you have to come back later!
THE BOTTOM LINE: There are so many ways to enjoy video games, even when you don’t have two hands available!
Some gamers might prefer one-handed play if they’re missing the other arm or hand, while others might use one hand to play games while they do other tasks with the other.
What Video Games Can I Play With One Arm?
Console Games For One Arm:
The Nintendo Switch, The Xbox One, and the PlayStation have a variety of single-player video game options to play with one arm.
These consoles are limited in multiplayer gameplay, but they do offer some great solo experiences for gamers who only have use of one hand.
Games like Skyrim, Dark Souls III, and Destiny, all support controllers which allow you to play with one hand.
Pc Games For One Arm:
For PC gamers, there are a lot of options as well.
Many popular single-player titles can be played without the use of both hands, such as Civilization VI, Fallout Shelter, and Stardew Valley, just to name a few.
Multiplayer gaming is more difficult, but it’s possible to enjoy games like Overwatch using a controller with only one hand.
Mobile Games For One Arm:
There are also many mobile video game options for gamers who can’t use both hands, such as Pokemon Go and Stardew Valley Mobile.
These games all support touch controls which make it possible to play them with just one arm while you’re out socializing or going about your day.
List Of Video Games You Can Try With One Arm:
- Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Owlboy
- Super Mario Odyssey (switch)
- Stardew Valley (mobile and PC/Mac)
- Overwatch (controller, Xbox One X, or PSN account required to play)
- Destiny (controller)
- Skyrim (PC or Xbox One X with Kinect required to play)
- Dota II (controller, the game requires mouse on PC for menus and chat functionality)
- Civilization VI (the game supports controller-only mode in the single-player campaign and multiplayer modes.
Game does not support joysticks)
- Fallout Shelter (game only supports controller-only mode on mobile devices. Xbox One X with Kinect required to play game modes requiring mouse and keyboard inputs.)
- Dark Souls III (Xbox 360 or Xbox One controllers are supported, Steam account is needed for online multiplayer functionality.)
- Stardew Valley Mobile (game supports both touch-screen and controller inputs)
- Pokemon Go (mobile game, requires an internet connection for gameplay)
- Super Mario Run (requires an online connection to play the full version of the app.
Single-player mode is playable without a persistent data connection, but some features won’t be available.)
- Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy+ (joystick, requires an Xbox One controller to play on PC)
- Dark Souls: Remastered (Xbox 360 or Xbox One controllers are supported.
a Steam account is needed for online multiplayer functionality.)
- Don’t Starve Together (requires a mouse and keyboard input devices to control gameplay at all times)
- NBA Playgrounds 2018 (requires a controller to play the game)
- Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus (Xbox 360 or Xbox One controllers are supported.
Steam account is needed for online multiplayer functionality.
Game does not support joysticks.)
- Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn (the game supports controller-only mode in the single-player campaign and multiplayer modes.
the Game does not support joysticks.)
- Dying Light: The Following Enhanced Edition (requires a mouse, keyboard, or gamepad to control gameplay at all times)
- Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition (controllers only)
- Hard Reset Redux (controller only, the game does not support joysticks)
- Hollow Knight: Voidheart Edition (game supports both touch-screen and controller inputs.)
- Lost Horizon II (requires a mouse or keyboard to control gameplay at all times.
Xbox One X with Kinect required to play on PC.)
Conclusion:
So there are many options for gamers who want to continue playing video games with one hand.
As you can see, there are quite a few single-player and multiplayer game titles that support controllers or touch controls, making them accessible for anyone in this situation.
So if you’re a gamer with one hand, don’t worry because there are many games that support an input scheme for this specific situation.
Happy gaming!
Sources:
Tips On How To Game With Only One Hand
