For many gamers, physics in games is like a mysterious element that's often discussed but not always noticed at first glance. So, why is it important? It's simple: physics enhances the believability of the game world, drawing players deeper into the experience.
In game development, physics primarily revolves around an object's mass and speed. For living creatures, detailed skeletons and the behavior of soft tissues add to the realism, which is particularly appealing to fans of detailed character models. In this list, we'll explore the best PC games known for their physics, covering not just simulators but also popular titles across various genres.
Table of Content
- 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 gaming collections, Red Dead Redemption 2 stands out for its physics. Arthur Morgan's journey through a burgeoning America is not only captivating due to its atmosphere, story, and graphics but also its realism. The "ragdoll" technology ensures that the bodies of people and animals react realistically. If Arthur takes a misstep, he'll tumble realistically. A bandit shot in the leg will limp or fall, and the same applies to animals like horses.
War Thunder
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Developer: Gaijin Entertainment
Release Date: August 15, 2013
Download: Steam
War Thunder demonstrates that realistic physics aren't limited to single-player games. This online military vehicle action game captures the essence of controlling massive machines. Tanks feel hefty, while wheeled vehicles handle differently from tracked ones due to the physics of both the vehicles and the terrain. The game's pace is affected by these mechanics; navigating snowy terrain with a weak vehicle can be frustrating, and sharp maneuvers in the air can lead to loss of wings. Ships, too, respond realistically to damage and maneuvers, with flooding causing them to list.
Hellish Quart
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Developer: Kubold
Release Date: February 16, 2021
Download: Steam
Hellish Quart focuses on realistic body mechanics in a fencing simulator centered on online duels. The human models adhere to the laws of physics, featuring mass, inertia, and a natural skeleton. Every sword swing and step has inertia, and each hit or wound impacts the character's movement, setting it apart from more fantastical combat games.
SnowRunner
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Developer: Saber Interactive
Release Date: April 28, 2020
Download: Steam
SnowRunner isn't just another driving simulator; it excels in its physics, which extend beyond just the vehicles. The game focuses on heavy truck navigation in off-road conditions, with realistic weight, center of mass, and terrain physics. Heavy trucks can sink into mud, which behaves dynamically with tire ruts and varying softness. Snow and water also pose realistic challenges, with strong currents capable of flipping or carrying vehicles away.
GTA IV
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Developer: Rockstar North
Release Date: April 29, 2008
Download: Rockstargames
GTA IV set a new standard for realism in game physics, thanks to the Euphoria technology. Characters react realistically to forces, whether it's a shove causing a fall or a gunshot leading to a spectacular action scene. Vehicles crumple and deform authentically, with collisions causing realistic outcomes, though the demanding nature of the technology impacted the game's optimization.
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 inertia. High speeds make stopping challenging, and wet roads add to the realism, potentially leading to rollovers due to the center of mass.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
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Developer: Asobo Studio
Release Date: August 18, 2020
Download: Steam
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 showcases advanced physics in flight simulation. Air resistance, mass, and speed are fundamental, with light aircraft like the Cessna handling differently from heavier planes like the Airbus. Airflow simulation affects landing and takeoff, with the risk of stalling if speed isn't maintained, adding depth to the flying experience.
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 in a medieval setting, demanding strategy, diplomacy, and loyalty. Players navigate a harsh world, participating in battles, exploring historically accurate Europe, and making crucial decisions. The sequel introduces an improved combat system, expanded world, and detailed storyline, maintaining a realistic approach to storytelling.
Universe Sandbox
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Developer: Giant Army
Release Date: August 24, 2015
Download: Steam
Universe Sandbox models the laws of physics at a cosmic scale, allowing players to conduct experiments with celestial bodies. From turning Jupiter into a dwarf star by increasing its mass to adding a black hole to our solar system, the game adheres to real physical laws, offering a playground for cosmic exploration.
Space Engineers
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Developer: Keen Software House
Release Date: February 28, 2019
Download: Steam
Space Engineers is a sandbox with advanced physics, focusing on construction in space and on planets. Players can build everything from bases to spaceships, with zero gravity affecting object movement. Planets have their own gravitational pull, requiring different engines for atmospheric entry and powerful thrusters for leaving the surface.
WRC 10
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Developer: KT Racing
Release Date: September 2, 2021
Download: Steam
WRC 10 offers realistic rally racing with accurate physics. Beyond mass and speed, the game allows for detailed car tuning and tire adjustments, crucial for navigating varied road surfaces. Each type of dirt has unique properties, requiring players to adapt their vehicle settings for each track.
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 serious realism. Players must fine-tune their vehicles to account for friction, air resistance, and downforce. Even tire wear affects performance, making races a challenge against both opponents and the car itself.
Arma 3
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Developer: Bohemia Interactive
Release Date: September 12, 2013
Download: Steam
Arma 3, a military simulator, features realistic character movement with detailed skeletons, mass, and inertia. Vehicles have their own physics models, with ground and air vehicles responding differently to terrain and damage. Ballistics are a key feature, with bullets affected by gravity and penetrating power.
Death Stranding
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Developer: Kojima Productions
Release Date: November 8, 2019
Download: Steam
Death Stranding features advanced physics in its walking and cargo delivery mechanics. The protagonist's physical attributes and skeleton, combined with the weight and size of cargo, make balancing a challenge. Diverse landscapes and material properties add to the realism, making it a true walking simulator.
BeamNG.drive
Image: store.steampowered.com
Developer: BeamNG
Release Date: May 29, 2015
Download: Steam
BeamNG.drive is renowned for its realistic car physics, simulating crash tests with hundreds of parameters. The car body deforms realistically based on collision speed and part strength. While offering a high level of realism, the game remains accessible, serving as a playground for car enthusiasts.
In this collection, we've highlighted 15 games across various genres that excel in physics. There are certainly other titles with impressive mechanics, character behavior, and vehicle dynamics. We'd love to hear about your favorite games in the comments!
