For many gamers, physics in games is like an elusive entity—often discussed but hard to pinpoint at first glance. Yet, it's crucial because it enhances the believability of the game world, drawing players deeper into the experience.
In game development, physics primarily focuses on an object's mass and velocity. For living characters, detailed skeletons and soft tissue dynamics are included, 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 mainstream 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 robust physics. Arthur Morgan's journey through a burgeoning America is not only captivating due to its immersive story and stunning visuals but also its realistic physics. The "ragdoll" technology ensures that human and animal bodies react realistically to forces. A misstep could lead Arthur to tumble down realistically, and a shot to a bandit's leg results in a limp or a fall, adding a layer of authenticity to the gameplay.
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 physics mechanics. Unlike its competitors, it captures the essence of controlling heavy machinery. Tanks feel massive, and wheeled vehicles handle differently from tracked ones, thanks to the detailed physics of both the vehicles and the terrain. This impacts gameplay, particularly in challenging conditions like snow, where weaker vehicles struggle, and in aviation, where air resistance affects flight dynamics.
Hellish Quart
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Developer: Kubold
Release Date: February 16, 2021
Download: Steam
The standout feature of Hellish Quart is its realistic physics applied to character movements. This fencing simulator focuses on online duels, emphasizing skill over spectacle. The characters adhere to the game's physics, with mass, inertia, and a realistic skeletal structure. Every sword swing and step has weight, and injuries impact movement, making for a deeply engaging experience.
SnowRunner
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Developer: Saber Interactive
Release Date: April 28, 2020
Download: Steam
Car simulators often incorporate advanced physics, and SnowRunner is no exception. While not the most sophisticated driving simulator, its physics are exceptional, particularly in how they interact with the environment. The game challenges players to navigate heavy trucks through off-road conditions, where vehicle weight, center of mass, and terrain properties play crucial roles. Mud, snow, and water each have their own physics, affecting vehicle performance and adding to the game's realism.
GTA IV
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Developer: Rockstar North
Release Date: April 29, 2008
Download: Rockstargames
When discussing game physics, GTA IV often comes to mind. This Rockstar title revolutionized realism in gaming through the Euphoria technology, originally used in documentary filmmaking. In GTA IV, characters and vehicles respond to forces in a lifelike manner. A simple push can lead to a realistic fall or a retaliatory punch, while shootouts become cinematic. Vehicles deform upon impact, and occupants can be thrown from cars, adding to the game's immersive experience.
Also read: Top 25 GTA San Andreas Mods to Revamp Your Gameplay
Euro Truck Simulator 2
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Developer: SCS Software
Release Date: October 18, 2012
Download: Steam
Euro Truck Simulator 2 is another truck driving game that excels in physics. While it doesn't involve mud, it offers a realistic driving experience, especially with mod enhancements. Trucks and cargo have mass and speed, leading to inertia that affects braking and cornering. Wet roads add another layer of challenge, making for a true-to-life simulation.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
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Developer: Asobo Studio
Release Date: August 18, 2020
Download: Steam
Moving from ground to air, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 is renowned for its advanced physics. While players can simplify the experience, the full physics simulation offers a challenging yet rewarding experience. Air resistance, mass, and speed are fundamental, but the game also models air flow, affecting takeoffs and landings. Different aircraft types handle uniquely, and high difficulty settings introduce temperature effects, making for a comprehensive flight simulation.
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. Players must navigate a world of conflict, chivalry, and intrigue, using strength, strategy, and diplomacy. The sequel introduces an improved combat system, an expanded world, and a more detailed storyline, all while maintaining a realistic narrative. New mechanics deepen the gameplay, making it more engaging.
Also read: Top 15 games about the Middle Ages
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 players explore this through simulation. From planetary orbits to the creation of stars and black holes, the game models real physical laws. Players can experiment with cosmic phenomena, like turning Jupiter into a star or adding a black hole to our solar system, all governed by accurate physics.
Space Engineers
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Developer: Keen Software House
Release Date: February 28, 2019
Download: Steam
Space Engineers is another sandbox game with advanced physics, focusing on space and planetary construction with survival elements. Players can build everything from bases to spaceships, limited only by physics and engineering principles. In zero gravity, objects drift without resistance, and planets have their own gravity and atmospheric conditions, requiring different engines for various environments.
WRC 10
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Developer: KT Racing
Release Date: September 2, 2021
Download: Steam
Returning to driving simulators, WRC 10 stands out for its realistic rally racing. Beyond basic mass and speed, the game accounts for vehicle tuning and tire grip, crucial for navigating varied road surfaces. Each track requires specific adjustments, adding depth to the racing experience.
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. Players must fine-tune their vehicles to handle various racing conditions, from friction to aerodynamics. Even minor collisions can affect speed and control, and tire wear is simulated, adding to the game's authenticity.
Arma 3
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Developer: Bohemia Interactive
Release Date: September 12, 2013
Download: Steam
Arma 3, a military simulator, excels in realistic physics without relying on "ragdoll" technology. Characters move with mass and inertia, and weapons affect aiming. Vehicles handle realistically, with different chassis affecting performance, and ballistics are accurately modeled, adding depth to combat.
Death Stranding
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Developer: Kojima Productions
Release Date: November 8, 2019
Download: Steam
Death Stranding's unique gameplay involves extensive walking, made engaging through its physics. The protagonist's physical attributes and the weight of cargo affect balance and movement, challenging players to navigate diverse terrains. The game's physics and graphics contribute to an immersive walking simulation.
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 precision. Each vehicle has detailed parameters, and the body deforms realistically upon impact. Despite its focus on realism, the game is accessible, serving as a playground for enthusiasts who host online races and add custom vehicles.
In this collection, we've highlighted 15 games across various genres that excel in physics. While there are many other titles with impressive mechanics, we're eager to hear about your favorites in the comments!
