For many gamers, physics in games is like some elusive creature that everyone talks about—praising or criticizing—but can't quite pinpoint at first glance. Yet, it's essential: physics enhances the believability of the game world, immersing players in a more realistic experience.
In game development, physics primarily involves an object's mass and speed. For living entities, detailed skeletons and soft tissue behaviors are incorporated, which is particularly appreciated by fans of realistic character movements. In this list, we'll explore the best PC games renowned for their physics, covering not just simulators but also popular titles.
Table of Contents
- Red Dead Redemption 2
- War Thunder
- Hellish Quart
- SnowRunner
- GTA IV
- Euro Truck Simulator 2
- Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
- Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
- Universe Sandbox
- Space Engineers
- WRC 10
- Assetto Corsa
- Arma 3
- Death Stranding
- BeamNG.drive
Red Dead Redemption 2
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Developer: Rockstar Studios
Release Date: October 26, 2018
Download: Rockstargames
Red Dead Redemption 2 frequently tops game collections due to its multifaceted strengths, including its exceptional physics. Arthur Morgan's journey through an evolving America captivates not only with its compelling narrative and stunning visuals but also with its realism. Thanks to "ragdoll" technology, the bodies of both humans and animals react in ways that mirror real life. A misstep can send Arthur tumbling realistically, and shooting a bandit in the leg can cause them to limp or collapse. The same realistic physics apply to animals like horses, enhancing the immersion of the game.
War Thunder
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Developer: Gaijin Entertainment
Release Date: August 15, 2013
Download: Steam
Realistic physics aren't exclusive to single-player games; War Thunder, an online military vehicle action game, showcases impressive physics mechanics. Unlike its competitors, War Thunder effectively conveys the sensation of controlling heavy machinery. The physics distinguish between wheeled and tracked vehicles and account for the materials beneath them, impacting gameplay dynamics. In snowy conditions with a weak vehicle, you'll feel the struggle, and in aviation, air resistance plays a critical role, affecting maneuverability and speed at different altitudes. Even ships respond realistically to damage, with water ingress causing them to list.
Hellish Quart
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Developer: Kubold
Release Date: February 16, 2021
Download: Steam
The defining feature of Hellish Quart is its realistic physics governing virtual body movements. This simplified fencing simulator focuses on online duels, where characters engage in combat governed by in-game physics. The models have mass, inertia, and realistic skeletons, making every sword swing and step feel authentic. Each hit or injury impacts the character's movement, adding depth to the combat experience.
SnowRunner
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Developer: Saber Interactive
Release Date: April 28, 2020
Download: Steam
While SnowRunner may not be the most sophisticated driving simulator, its physics are noteworthy, extending beyond just the vehicles. Focused on navigating heavy trucks through off-road conditions, the game features realistic weight distribution and terrain interaction. Vehicles can sink into mud, which behaves with its own physics, leaving tire ruts and varying in softness and viscosity. Snow and water also pose realistic challenges, such as strong currents that can flip or carry vehicles away.
GTA IV
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Developer: Rockstar North
Release Date: April 29, 2008
Download: Rockstargames
GTA IV is synonymous with advanced game physics, setting new standards for realism. The Euphoria technology used in the game, also employed by the BBC for documentary films, resulted in astonishing physics. Pedestrians react realistically to forces, with shoves potentially leading to falls or counterattacks. Shootouts become cinematic due to the realistic physics of character movements and vehicle interactions, where cars deform and occupants can be ejected during collisions. The only downside was the demanding hardware requirements, which made full optimization challenging.
Euro Truck Simulator 2
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Developer: SCS Software
Release Date: October 18, 2012
Download: Steam
Euro Truck Simulator 2 offers a realistic truck driving experience, where trucks and cargo have mass and speed, influencing their inertia. High speeds make stopping these behemoths challenging, and the center of mass affects the likelihood of rollovers. Wet roads add another layer of realism, making this a comprehensive truck simulator.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
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Developer: Asobo Studio
Release Date: August 18, 2020
Download: Steam
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 is renowned for its advanced flight physics. Players can experience the nuances of flying different aircraft, from light Cessnas to heavy Airbus models. Air resistance, mass, and speed are meticulously simulated, with airflow dynamics playing a critical role in takeoffs and landings. High difficulty settings even account for temperature variations, adding to the realism.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
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Developer: Warhorse Studios
Release Date: February 4, 2025
Download: Steam
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II continues the saga of the medieval RPG, immersing players in a world of knightly valor and intrigue. Players assume the role of a hero navigating large-scale battles and historically accurate Europe, making critical decisions along the way. The sequel introduces enhancements to the combat system, an expanded world, and a deeper storyline, all while maintaining a focus on realistic physics and mechanics.
Universe Sandbox
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Developer: Giant Army
Release Date: August 24, 2015
Download: Steam
Universe Sandbox delves into the physics of the cosmos, allowing players to experiment with planetary and stellar dynamics. From transforming Jupiter into a dwarf star by adding mass to introducing black holes into our solar system, the game adheres to real physical laws, offering an engaging and educational experience.
Space Engineers
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Developer: Keen Software House
Release Date: February 28, 2019
Download: Steam
Space Engineers is a sandbox game where players can construct anything from bases to spaceships, governed by realistic physics. In space, objects float without air resistance, necessitating proper thruster placement. On planets, gravity and atmospheric conditions require different engines and thrusters, adding complexity to the building and survival experience.
WRC 10
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Developer: KT Racing
Release Date: September 2, 2021
Download: Steam
WRC 10 is a rally driving simulator that boasts excellent physics, with mass and speed accurately modeled. The game allows for detailed car adjustments, considering different road surfaces and their unique properties, making each track a unique challenge.
Assetto Corsa
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Developer: Kunos Simulazioni
Release Date: December 19, 2014
Download: Steam
Assetto Corsa is a racing simulator focused on realism, where players must fine-tune their vehicles to compete effectively. The game's physics account for friction, air resistance, and downforce, making every race a test of skill and strategy. Even minor collisions can impact performance, and tire wear is a crucial element of the gameplay.
Arma 3
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Developer: Bohemia Interactive
Release Date: September 12, 2013
Download: Steam
Arma 3 is a military simulator where realistic physics govern character movements and vehicle dynamics. Detailed skeletons ensure realistic movement, while vehicles respond differently based on their chassis and terrain. Ballistics play a significant role, with bullets subject to gravity and having penetrating power, adding depth to the shooting mechanics.
Death Stranding
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Developer: Kojima Productions
Release Date: November 8, 2019
Download: Steam
Death Stranding offers a unique walking experience where the protagonist's physical attributes and the weight of cargo play a central role. The game's diverse landscapes and varied material properties challenge players to balance and navigate realistically, making even short walks an engaging experience.
BeamNG.drive
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Developer: BeamNG
Release Date: May 29, 2015
Download: Steam
BeamNG.drive is renowned for its realistic vehicle physics, simulating crash tests with hundreds of parameters. The game's realism extends to material properties and collision dynamics, making it a playground for car enthusiasts and crash test simulations.
In this collection, we've highlighted 15 games across various genres known for their superior physics. While there are many other games with remarkable mechanics, we invite you to share your favorites in the comments!
