For many gamers, physics in games is like some elusive creature—often discussed and critiqued, yet hard to pinpoint at first glance. Why is it essential? It's simple: physics enhances the believability of the game world, making your experience more immersive and realistic.
In game development, physics primarily revolves around an object's mass and speed. For living entities, detailed skeletons and the behavior of soft tissues are modeled, which is particularly appealing to 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 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 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. Thanks to "ragdoll" technology, the bodies of people and animals move realistically. A misstep can lead to Arthur tumbling head over heels, while shooting a bandit in the leg might cause them to limp or fall, reflecting real-life dynamics.
War Thunder
Developer: Gaijin Entertainment
Release Date: August 15, 2013
Download: Steam
Not just single-player games can boast realistic physics; War Thunder's online military vehicle action game does so impressively. It captures the feel of controlling multi-ton machines, where tanks feel massive and wheeled vehicles differ significantly from tracked ones due to unique physics for both the vehicles and the terrain. This affects gameplay, especially in challenging terrains like snow, where weaker vehicles can struggle. Aviation and naval mechanics also incorporate realistic air resistance and water dynamics, impacting maneuverability and ship stability.
Hellish Quart
Developer: Kubold
Release Date: February 16, 2021
Download: Steam
Hellish Quart's key feature is its realistic character physics. This fencing simulator focuses on online duels with characters that adhere to in-game physics laws. They possess mass, inertia, and a realistic skeleton, making every sword swing and step impactful. Each hit or wound influences movement, adding depth to combat.
SnowRunner
Developer: Saber Interactive
Release Date: April 28, 2020
Download: Steam
SnowRunner excels in its physics, particularly for off-road truck simulations. The game's vehicles have realistic weight and center of mass, interacting with varied terrain materials. Heavy trucks can sink into mud, which has its own physics, affecting tire ruts and ground softness. Snow and water dynamics add to the challenge, with strong river currents capable of flipping vehicles.
GTA IV
Developer: Rockstar North
Release Date: April 29, 2008
Download: Rockstargames
When discussing game physics, GTA IV is often mentioned due to its groundbreaking Euphoria technology, which simulates realistic human and vehicle dynamics. A simple shove can cause realistic reactions, from falling to regaining balance. Shootouts become cinematic with characters reacting to forces. Vehicles crumple realistically, and collisions result in passengers being thrown from cars, though the game's optimization remains a challenge.
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 mass, speed, and inertia playing crucial roles. High speeds can make stopping difficult, and the center of mass can lead to rollovers. Wet roads and mods add to the realism, making it a heart-pounding simulator.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
Developer: Asobo Studio
Release Date: August 18, 2020
Download: Steam
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 is renowned for its advanced flight physics. Air resistance, mass, and speed are fundamental, with different aircraft handling uniquely. Landing can be challenging due to air flow simulation, and high difficulty settings introduce temperature effects, enhancing the realism.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
Developer: Warhorse Studios
Release Date: February 4, 2025
Download: Steam
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II continues the epic open-world RPG saga in a harsh medieval setting. Players must navigate a world of ruthless battles, knightly valor, and intrigue, requiring strategic thinking and diplomacy. The sequel enhances the combat system, expands the world, and deepens the storyline, all while maintaining a realistic storytelling approach.
Universe Sandbox
Developer: Giant Army
Release Date: August 24, 2015
Download: Steam
Universe Sandbox simulates the physics of the universe, allowing players to experiment with celestial bodies. Adding mass to Jupiter can ignite thermonuclear reactions, turning it into a dwarf star, while introducing a black hole can drastically alter a solar system. All experiments follow real physical laws, offering a deep understanding of cosmic dynamics.
Space Engineers
Developer: Keen Software House
Release Date: February 28, 2019
Download: Steam
Space Engineers is a sandbox with advanced physics for space and planetary construction. Zero gravity affects object movement, requiring maneuvering thrusters for control. Planets have their own gravity, necessitating different engines for atmospheric entry and powerful thrusters to escape. The game balances creativity with engineering principles.
WRC 10
Developer: KT Racing
Release Date: September 2, 2021
Download: Steam
WRC 10 offers a realistic rally experience with precise physics. Mass, speed, and car internals, including tire grip, are accurately modeled. Different road surfaces, even types of dirt, require specific adjustments, making each track a unique challenge.
Assetto Corsa
Developer: Kunos Simulazioni
Release Date: December 19, 2014
Download: Steam
Assetto Corsa is a racing simulator focused on realism. Everything from friction to air resistance and downforce impacts vehicle performance. Collisions can lead to speed loss or spins, and tire wear is meticulously implemented, making it a demanding yet rewarding experience.
Arma 3
Developer: Bohemia Interactive
Release Date: September 12, 2013
Download: Steam
Arma 3's military simulation includes detailed character and vehicle physics. Characters move realistically with mass and inertia, and vehicles have unique dynamics based on their chassis. Ballistics are a key feature, with bullets affected by gravity and possessing penetrating power.
Death Stranding
Developer: Kojima Productions
Release Date: November 8, 2019
Download: Steam
Death Stranding's physics enhance its walking simulation. The main character's physical attributes and skeleton interact with cargo's weight and size, requiring balance to avoid falling. Diverse terrain and material properties make each journey a unique challenge.
BeamNG.drive
Developer: BeamNG
Release Date: May 29, 2015
Download: Steam
BeamNG.drive is renowned for its realistic car physics. Each vehicle has hundreds of parameters, simulating real-life crash dynamics. While not a hardcore simulator, it offers a playground for enthusiasts to host races and test vehicle durability.
In this curated list, we've highlighted 15 games across various genres that excel in their physics implementations. There are undoubtedly other titles with remarkable mechanics, character behaviors, and vehicle dynamics. We invite you to share your favorite games with impressive physics in the comments!
