For many gamers, physics in games is like a mysterious entity that everyone talks about—either praising or critiquing—yet it often goes unnoticed at first glance. But why is it essential? The answer is straightforward: physics helps create a believable game world, enhancing the immersion and realism of the gameplay experience.
In game development, physics primarily involves an object's mass and speed. For living creatures, detailed skeletons and the behavior of soft tissues are modeled, which adds to the appeal, particularly for fans of character design. In this list, we'll explore the best PC games renowned for their physics, covering not just simulators but also popular titles across various genres.
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
A staple in many gamers' collections, Red Dead Redemption 2 stands out for its robust physics. Arthur Morgan's journey through a burgeoning America is not only captivating due to its rich story, stunning atmosphere, and graphics but also its realism. The "ragdoll" technology ensures that the bodies of both people and animals react realistically to actions. A misstep might send Arthur tumbling, and a shot to a bandit's leg could cause them to limp or collapse. The same lifelike reactions apply to animals, like horses, enhancing the game's immersive experience.
War Thunder
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Developer: Gaijin Entertainment
Release Date: August 15, 2013
Download: Steam
Realistic physics isn't limited to single-player games; War Thunder, an online military vehicle action game, showcases impressive mechanics. It effectively simulates the control of heavy machinery, making you feel the weight of a tank or the distinct handling of wheeled versus tracked vehicles. The physics of the terrain and materials under the vehicles also affect gameplay, influencing the pace and strategy. In snowy conditions, a weak vehicle can become a frustrating burden, while sharp maneuvers in the air can result in wing loss due to air resistance.
Hellish Quart
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Developer: Kubold
Release Date: February 16, 2021
Download: Steam
Hellish Quart's key feature is the realistic behavior of its virtual characters. As a fencing simulator focused on online duels, it offers a grounded experience without the exaggerated flair of games like Mortal Kombat. The human models adhere to in-game physics, with mass, inertia, and a detailed skeleton, ensuring that every sword swing and step feels authentic and impactful.
SnowRunner
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Developer: Saber Interactive
Release Date: April 28, 2020
Download: Steam
Developers often enhance car simulators with advanced physics, and SnowRunner is a prime example. While not the most sophisticated driving simulator, its physics are exceptional, applying to both vehicles and terrain. Heavy trucks can sink into mud, which has its own physics, with tire ruts and varying softness and viscosity. The same realistic approach applies to snow and water, where strong currents can flip or carry away vehicles. The center of mass in trucks and trailers adds another layer of realism, affecting stability and handling.
GTA IV
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Developer: Rockstar North
Release Date: April 29, 2008
Download: Rockstargames
GTA IV is synonymous with advanced game physics, thanks to the Euphoria technology. This technology, also used in documentary filmmaking, allows for highly realistic interactions. Pedestrians react naturally to being pushed or shot, with movements influenced by the forces acting upon them. Vehicle collisions result in realistic crumpling and occupants being thrown from cars, showcasing the game's commitment to realism, albeit at the cost of demanding hardware.
Euro Truck Simulator 2
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Developer: SCS Software
Release Date: October 18, 2012
Download: Steam
Euro Truck Simulator 2 is another testament to realistic truck physics. The game's trucks and cargo have mass and speed, resulting in significant inertia at high speeds. The center of mass affects vehicle stability, making rollovers a genuine risk, especially on wet roads. Mods can further enhance the realism, making for an engaging and challenging driving experience.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
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Developer: Asobo Studio
Release Date: August 18, 2020
Download: Steam
Switching from roads to skies, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 excels in its physics. The game's detailed simulation includes air resistance, mass, and speed, making flying a light Cessna or a heavy Airbus a distinct experience. Air flow simulation is critical for landing, where insufficient speed can lead to a stall and a dangerous descent. On higher difficulty settings, even temperature affects gameplay, 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 an open-world RPG set in medieval times. The game's physics enhance the realism of combat and movement, contributing to a deeper and more engaging experience. The improved combat system, expanded world, and detailed storyline are all underpinned by realistic mechanics, making every action feel significant.
Universe Sandbox
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Developer: Giant Army
Release Date: August 24, 2015
Download: Steam
Physics is fundamental to the universe, and Universe Sandbox lets you experiment with these laws. From turning Jupiter into a dwarf star by adding mass to simulating the effects of a black hole in our solar system, the game adheres to real physical principles, offering a unique and educational experience.
Space Engineers
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Developer: Keen Software House
Release Date: February 28, 2019
Download: Steam
Space Engineers combines space construction with survival elements, all governed by advanced physics. In zero gravity, objects drift without air resistance, requiring careful design of ships with maneuvering thrusters. Planets have their own gravitational pull, necessitating different engines for atmospheric entry and powerful thrusters to escape the surface, making the game a challenging yet rewarding experience.
WRC 10
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Developer: KT Racing
Release Date: September 2, 2021
Download: Steam
WRC 10 offers a realistic rally experience with detailed physics. Beyond mass and speed, the game allows for intricate adjustments to car internals and tire grip, tailored to the unique properties of each road surface. This attention to detail ensures that each track presents a unique challenge, enhancing the realism and excitement of the races.
Assetto Corsa
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Developer: Kunos Simulazioni
Release Date: December 19, 2014
Download: Steam
Assetto Corsa is renowned for its serious approach to racing simulation, with physics that account for friction, air resistance, and downforce. Players must master vehicle settings to succeed, facing realistic challenges like tire wear and the impact of collisions, making every race a test of skill and strategy.
Arma 3
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Developer: Bohemia Interactive
Release Date: September 12, 2013
Download: Steam
Arma 3's military simulation includes detailed physics for both characters and vehicles. Characters move with realistic mass and inertia, while vehicles have unique handling based on their chassis and suspension. The game's ballistics system accounts for gravity and projectile mass, adding depth to the shooting mechanics.
Death Stranding
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Developer: Kojima Productions
Release Date: November 8, 2019
Download: Steam
Death Stranding's physics contribute significantly to its unique gameplay. The main character's physical attributes and the weight and size of cargo affect movement, making balance a crucial aspect of the game. The diverse terrain and materials further challenge players, turning every delivery into a test of skill and endurance.
BeamNG.drive
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Developer: BeamNG
Release Date: May 29, 2015
Download: Steam
BeamNG.drive is the pinnacle of car physics simulation, offering an incredibly realistic experience. Each vehicle has detailed parameters, including material strength, resulting in lifelike crumpling during collisions. Despite its realism, the game is accessible and fun, serving as a playground for car enthusiasts and racers alike.
In this collection, we've highlighted 15 games across various genres, all celebrated for their exceptional physics. While there are many other games with impressive mechanics, we encourage you to share your favorites in the comments below!
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