For many gamers, physics in games is like a mysterious creature that everyone talks about—praising or criticizing—but can’t quite pinpoint at first glance. So, why is it necessary? It’s simple: physics enhances the believability of the game world, immersing players in a more realistic experience.
In game development, physics is primarily represented by an object’s mass and speed. For living creatures, detailed skeletons and soft tissue behavior are crucial, which is particularly appreciated by fans of realistic character animations. In this list, we'll explore the best PC games known for their impressive physics, covering not only 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
Developer: Rockstar Studios
Release Date: October 26, 2018
Download: Rockstargames
A staple in many gaming collections, Red Dead Redemption 2 excels in its physics. Arthur Morgan's journey through a burgeoning America is not only captivating due to its immersive atmosphere, compelling story, and stunning graphics but also its realistic physics. The "ragdoll" technology ensures that the bodies of people and animals react realistically. If Arthur stumbles, he doesn't just slide off a texture; he tumbles realistically. A bandit shot in the leg will limp or collapse, and the same applies to animals like horses.
War Thunder
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 gives players a genuine sense of controlling massive machines. Tanks feel heavy and imposing, while the physics for wheeled and tracked vehicles differ significantly, influenced by the terrain's material properties. This affects gameplay, especially in challenging environments like snow, where weak vehicles may struggle. Aviation in the game accounts for air resistance, and sharp maneuvers can result in losing wings. Ships, too, respond realistically to damage and maneuvers, adding depth to the gameplay.
Hellish Quart
Developer: Kubold
Release Date: February 16, 2021
Download: Steam
Hellish Quart's key feature is its realistic body physics. This simplified fencing simulator focuses on online duels, where every sword swing and step carries inertia, and every hit or wound impacts the character's movement. The human models adhere to in-game physics laws, with mass, inertia, and a realistic skeleton, creating an engaging and authentic combat experience.
SnowRunner
Developer: Saber Interactive
Release Date: April 28, 2020
Download: Steam
SnowRunner stands out with its advanced physics, particularly in its vehicle and terrain interactions. The game's focus on controlling heavy trucks in off-road conditions showcases a compelling combination of mechanics. Vehicles have realistic weight and centers of mass, while the terrain features different materials with unique properties. Heavy trucks can sink into mud, which behaves with its own physics, affecting tire ruts and ground softness. Snow and water also have realistic properties, with strong river currents capable of flipping vehicles.
GTA IV
Developer: Rockstar North
Release Date: April 29, 2008
Download: Rockstargames
GTA IV revolutionized game physics with its Euphoria technology, setting a new standard for realism. People in the game move and react to forces realistically, turning even simple interactions into dynamic scenes. If you push a passerby, they might fall or regain balance and retaliate. Shootouts become spectacular due to the realistic physics. Vehicles crumple and react to collisions, with drivers and passengers being thrown from cars realistically. However, the game's high demands on hardware resulted in optimization challenges.
Euro Truck Simulator 2
Developer: SCS Software
Release Date: October 18, 2012
Download: Steam
Euro Truck Simulator 2 offers a realistic truck driving experience, with trucks and cargo having mass and speed, resulting in significant inertia. High speeds make quick stops nearly impossible, and the game's physics account for centers of mass, leading to potential rollovers. Wet roads in the rain add another layer of realism, making this a compelling truck simulator.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
Developer: Asobo Studio
Release Date: August 18, 2020
Download: Steam
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 is renowned for its advanced physics, particularly in flight dynamics. Air resistance, mass, and speed are fundamental, but the game goes further with air flow simulation. A light Cessna flies differently from a heavy Airbus, and landing can be challenging due to the risk of stalling. High difficulty settings even account for temperature effects on flight performance.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
Developer: Warhorse Studios
Release Date: February 4, 2025
Download: Steam
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II continues the epic open-world RPG experience, set in a harsh medieval world. Players embody a brave hero navigating through large-scale battles, exploring historically accurate Europe, and making pivotal decisions. The sequel introduces an improved combat system, expanded world, and detailed storyline, all enhanced by realistic physics and mechanics.
Universe Sandbox
Developer: Giant Army
Release Date: August 24, 2015
Download: Steam
Universe Sandbox models the laws of physics, allowing players to conduct wild experiments. Planets are held in orbit by the Sun's mass, and black holes are simulated with their immense gravity. Players can alter Jupiter's mass to initiate thermonuclear reactions, add a black hole to our solar system, or bombard Earth with asteroids, all governed by real physical laws.
Space Engineers
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. In zero gravity, objects drift without air resistance, requiring maneuvering thrusters for control. Planets have their own gravitational pull, affecting entry and exit with different engine requirements. Players can build anything from bases to spaceships, limited only by physics and engineering principles.
WRC 10
Developer: KT Racing
Release Date: September 2, 2021
Download: Steam
WRC 10 offers a realistic rally driving experience with excellent physics. Mass and speed are accurately modeled, but the game also accounts for road surface properties and tire grip. Different types of dirt have unique characteristics, requiring players to adjust their car settings for each track, enhancing the realism and challenge of the game.
Assetto Corsa
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 cars, accounting for friction, air resistance, and downforce. Even minor collisions at high speeds can lead to significant losses in speed or spinouts. Tire wear is also realistically implemented, adding another layer of depth to the racing experience.
Arma 3
Developer: Bohemia Interactive
Release Date: September 12, 2013
Download: Steam
Arma 3 is a military simulator with realistic physics. Characters move with mass and inertia, with detailed skeletons affecting their movements. Switching from running to walking isn't instant, and weapon weight impacts aiming. Vehicles have distinct physics models, with ground vehicles varying in off-road capability and air vehicles responding realistically to flight dynamics. Ballistics are a key feature, with bullets affected by gravity and penetration power.
Death Stranding
Developer: Kojima Productions
Release Date: November 8, 2019
Download: Steam
Death Stranding's physics contribute to its unique gameplay. Players engage in extensive walking, carrying cargo that affects balance and movement. The terrain's diverse materials add complexity, making each journey a realistic challenge. The main character's physical attributes and advanced skeleton enhance the walking simulator experience, making it both enjoyable and immersive.
BeamNG.drive
Developer: BeamNG
Release Date: May 29, 2015
Download: Steam
BeamNG.drive is renowned for its realistic vehicle physics. Each car has hundreds of parameters, including material settings, resulting in realistic crumpling during collisions. It's not just a hardcore simulator; it's a playground for enthusiasts who enjoy online races and adding new vehicles, making it a versatile and engaging experience.
In this collection, we've highlighted 15 games across various genres known for their exceptional physics. There are certainly other noteworthy projects with realistic mechanics, character behavior, and vehicle dynamics. We'd love to hear about your favorite games in the comments!
