For many gamers, physics in games is like some mysterious entity that everyone talks about—praising or critiquing—yet often remains elusive at first glance. So, why is it essential? It's straightforward: physics helps create a believable game world, enhancing the immersion and making the gameplay feel more real.
In game development, physics primarily revolves around an object's mass and speed. For living beings, it extends to detailed skeletons and the behavior of soft tissues, which is particularly captivating for fans of character dynamics. In this list, we'll explore the best PC games known 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
A staple in many gamers' collections, Red Dead Redemption 2 stands out for its physics. Arthur Morgan's journey through a burgeoning America captivates not just with its stunning atmosphere, story, and graphics, but also with its realism. The "ragdoll" technology ensures that the bodies of people and animals react realistically to forces. If Arthur missteps, he'll tumble realistically. Shoot a bandit in the leg, and he'll limp or fall, just as horses and other animals would in real life.
War Thunder
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Developer: Gaijin Entertainment
Release Date: August 15, 2013
Download: Steam
Realistic physics aren't limited to single-player games. War Thunder, an online military vehicle action game, impresses with its mechanics. It captures the sensation of controlling heavy machinery, distinguishing between wheeled and tracked vehicles through distinct physics and terrain interactions. This impacts gameplay, especially in challenging environments like snow, where weaker vehicles struggle. In aviation, air resistance affects maneuvers, and ships can list and take on water, adding to the game's realism.
Hellish Quart
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Developer: Kubold
Release Date: February 16, 2021
Download: Steam
Hellish Quart's key feature is its realistic body physics. This fencing simulator focuses on online duels, where every sword swing and step has inertia, and every hit or wound impacts movement. The characters adhere to the game's physics, featuring mass, inertia, and a detailed skeleton, making combat feel authentic and engaging.
SnowRunner
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Developer: Saber Interactive
Release Date: April 28, 2020
Download: Steam
SnowRunner showcases excellent physics in its off-road truck simulation. Vehicles have realistic weight and center of mass, while terrain materials like mud, snow, and water have unique properties. Heavy trucks can sink into mud, leaving tire ruts, and strong river currents can flip or carry vehicles away. The game's physics enhance the challenge and realism of navigating rough terrains.
GTA IV
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Developer: Rockstar North
Release Date: April 29, 2008
Download: Rockstargames
GTA IV revolutionized game physics with its Euphoria technology. Pedestrians react realistically to physical interactions, such as falling over or regaining balance after being shoved. Shootouts become dynamic action scenes, and vehicles crumple and react to collisions in lifelike ways. Despite its high hardware demands, the game set a new standard for realism in gaming.
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 with physics that account for mass, speed, and inertia. At high speeds, stopping a heavy truck becomes challenging, and rollovers can occur due to the center of mass. Wet roads and mods can further enhance the realism, making for a thrilling driving experience.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
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Developer: Asobo Studio
Release Date: August 18, 2020
Download: Steam
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 boasts advanced physics, with air resistance, mass, and speed playing crucial roles. Different aircraft handle uniquely, with light planes like the Cessna feeling nimble, while heavy aircraft like the Airbus require more skill to manage. Airflow simulation affects landings, and temperature can impact gameplay on higher difficulty settings.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
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Developer: Warhorse Studios
Release Date: February 4, 2025
Download: Steam
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II continues the epic open-world RPG, immersing players in a harsh medieval setting. The game's physics contribute to its realism, with an improved combat system, expanded world, and detailed storyline. Players must navigate a historically accurate Europe, engage in battles, and make crucial decisions, all enhanced by realistic physics.
Universe Sandbox
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Developer: Giant Army
Release Date: August 24, 2015
Download: Steam
Universe Sandbox models the laws of physics on a cosmic scale. Players can experiment with planetary masses, turning Jupiter into a dwarf star or adding a black hole to our solar system. The simulator adheres to real physical laws, allowing for fascinating and educational experiments in space.
Space Engineers
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Developer: Keen Software House
Release Date: February 28, 2019
Download: Steam
Space Engineers is a sandbox game with advanced physics, focusing on construction in space and on planets. Zero gravity affects object movement, requiring players to manage thrusters for maneuvering. Planets have their own gravity, necessitating different engines for atmospheric entry and escape, adding depth to the game's physics.
WRC 10
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Developer: KT Racing
Release Date: September 2, 2021
Download: Steam
WRC 10 offers a realistic rally driving experience with excellent physics. The game accounts for mass and speed, as well as tire grip and road surface properties. Players must adjust their vehicles for different tracks, enhancing the challenge and realism of the rally experience.
Assetto Corsa
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Developer: Kunos Simulazioni
Release Date: December 19, 2014
Download: Steam
Assetto Corsa is a racing simulator known for its realism. The game's physics include friction, air resistance, and downforce, requiring players to fine-tune their vehicles. Even minor collisions at high speeds can lead to significant consequences, and tire wear adds another layer of realism to the racing experience.
Arma 3
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Developer: Bohemia Interactive
Release Date: September 12, 2013
Download: Steam
Arma 3, a military simulator, features realistic physics without "ragdoll" technology. Characters move with mass and inertia, and vehicles have distinct physics models based on their chassis. Ballistics play a crucial role, with bullets affected by gravity and having penetrating power, adding to the game's realism.
Death Stranding
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Developer: Kojima Productions
Release Date: November 8, 2019
Download: Steam
Death Stranding's physics enhance its unique gameplay. The main character's physical attributes and advanced skeleton, combined with cargo weight and size, make balancing and walking challenging. The diverse terrain and material properties contribute to a realistic walking simulation, making cargo delivery engaging and immersive.
BeamNG.drive
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Developer: BeamNG
Release Date: May 29, 2015
Download: Steam
BeamNG.drive is renowned for its realistic vehicle physics. Each car has hundreds of parameters, allowing for realistic crash tests and vehicle dynamics. While not a hardcore simulator, it offers a playground for enthusiasts to experiment with and enjoy the physics of driving.
In this collection, we've highlighted 15 games across various genres known for their exceptional physics. There are undoubtedly other games with impressive mechanics, character behavior, and vehicle dynamics. We'd love to hear about your favorite games with great physics in the comments!
