For many gamers, physics in games is like a mysterious entity that everyone talks about—either praising or critiquing—yet it's often hard to pinpoint at first glance. So, why is it essential? It's straightforward: physics enhances the believability of the game world, making it feel more real, even if just partially.
In game development, physics primarily revolves around an object's mass and speed. For living creatures, detailed skeletons and soft tissue behavior are modeled, which is particularly appealing to fans of character realism. In this list, we'll explore the best PC games known for their physics, covering not only 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 gaming collections, Red Dead Redemption 2 stands out for its physics. Arthur Morgan's journey through a burgeoning America is captivating not just for its atmosphere, story, and graphics, but also for its realism. Thanks to "ragdoll" technology, the bodies of people and animals react realistically. If Arthur missteps, he'll tumble realistically. Shooting a bandit in the leg results in them limping or falling, and the same applies to animals like horses.
War Thunder
Image: store.steampowered.com
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, showcases impressive mechanics. It captures the sensation of controlling heavy machinery, with tanks feeling massive and wheeled vehicles behaving differently from tracked ones due to the physics of both the vehicles and the terrain. This impacts gameplay, especially in challenging environments like snow, where weaker vehicles struggle. Aviation and naval physics are equally detailed, with air resistance affecting maneuvers and ships listing when flooded.
Hellish Quart
Image: store.steampowered.com
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 characters adhere to in-game physics, including mass, inertia, and a realistic skeleton. Every sword swing and step has inertia, and hits or wounds affect movement, making for a more immersive experience.
SnowRunner
Image: store.steampowered.com
Developer: Saber Interactive
Release Date: April 28, 2020
Download: Steam
SnowRunner excels in its physics, particularly in off-road conditions. Heavy trucks have realistic weight and center of mass, and the terrain's materials have unique properties. Trucks can sink into mud, which has its own physics, with tire ruts and varying softness. Snow and water also affect gameplay, with strong currents capable of flipping vehicles.
GTA IV
Image: imdb.com
Developer: Rockstar North
Release Date: April 29, 2008
Download: Rockstargames
GTA IV set a new standard for realism in gaming with its Euphoria technology. Pedestrians react realistically to forces, falling or regaining balance when pushed. Shootouts are dynamic, and vehicles crumple realistically in collisions, with passengers being thrown out. The only downside was the demanding hardware requirements.
Euro Truck Simulator 2
Image: store.steampowered.com
Developer: SCS Software
Release Date: October 18, 2012
Download: Steam
Euro Truck Simulator 2 offers a realistic truck driving experience. Trucks and cargo have mass and speed, leading to inertia that affects handling, especially at high speeds. Wet roads add to the challenge, making it a true-to-life simulator.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
Image: store.steampowered.com
Developer: Asobo Studio
Release Date: August 18, 2020
Download: Steam
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 boasts advanced physics, with air resistance, mass, and speed affecting flight. Different aircraft handle uniquely, and air flow simulation is crucial for realistic takeoffs and landings. High difficulty settings even account for temperature changes.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
Image: store.steampowered.com
Developer: Warhorse Studios
Release Date: February 4, 2025
Download: Steam
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II continues the epic open-world RPG set in medieval times. Players must navigate a world of conflict and intrigue, with improved combat, an expanded world, and a detailed storyline. The game's realistic storytelling and new mechanics enhance immersion.
Universe Sandbox
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Developer: Giant Army
Release Date: August 24, 2015
Download: Steam
Universe Sandbox models the laws of physics, allowing players to conduct experiments with celestial bodies. From turning Jupiter into a star to adding black holes to our solar system, the game adheres to real physical laws, making it an educational and entertaining experience.
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, and planets have their own gravitational pull, requiring different engines for atmospheric entry and escape.
WRC 10
Image: store.steampowered.com
Developer: KT Racing
Release Date: September 2, 2021
Download: Steam
WRC 10 offers realistic rally racing with detailed physics. Mass, speed, and tire grip are crucial, with different road surfaces requiring specific car adjustments. The game's graphics and physics make for an immersive experience.
Assetto Corsa
Image: store.steampowered.com
Developer: Kunos Simulazioni
Release Date: December 19, 2014
Download: Steam
Assetto Corsa is a racing simulator focused on realism. Players must adjust for friction, air resistance, and downforce, with even minor collisions affecting performance. Tire wear is also simulated, adding to the game's authenticity.
Arma 3
Image: store.steampowered.com
Developer: Bohemia Interactive
Release Date: September 12, 2013
Download: Steam
Arma 3's military simulation includes realistic physics for character movement and vehicle handling. Detailed skeletons ensure realistic movement, and ballistics are accurately modeled, with bullets affected by gravity and penetration.
Death Stranding
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Developer: Kojima Productions
Release Date: November 8, 2019
Download: Steam
Death Stranding's physics enhance its walking simulator gameplay. The protagonist's physical attributes and the weight and size of cargo affect balance and movement, making for a challenging yet engaging experience across diverse terrains.
BeamNG.drive
Image: store.steampowered.com
Developer: BeamNG
Release Date: May 29, 2015
Download: Steam
BeamNG.drive is renowned for its realistic car physics. Vehicles have hundreds of parameters, with realistic material settings leading to accurate crash simulations. It's both a playground for enthusiasts and a detailed simulator.
In this collection, we've highlighted 15 games across various genres known for their exceptional physics. There are certainly other notable titles with realistic mechanics, character behavior, and vehicle dynamics. We'd love to hear about your favorite games in the comments!
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