For many gamers, physics in games is like an elusive yet fascinating element that enhances the believability of the virtual world. It's crucial because it helps create a more immersive experience, making the game world feel real, even if just for a moment.
In game development, physics primarily involves an object's mass and speed. For living characters, detailed skeletons and soft tissue behavior are modeled, which particularly captivates fans of character animations. In this list, we'll explore the best PC games known for their physics, covering not only simulators but also popular titles.
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
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Developer: Rockstar Studios
Release Date: October 26, 2018
Download: Rockstargames
Red Dead Redemption 2 frequently finds its way into top game lists, and for good reason. Arthur Morgan's journey through a burgeoning America is captivating not only for its rich atmosphere, story, and stunning visuals but also for its realistic physics. The "ragdoll" technology ensures that bodies of people and animals react realistically. If Arthur stumbles, he doesn't just slide off a texture; he tumbles realistically. Shooting a bandit in the leg results in limping or falling, mirroring real-life reactions.
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Developer: Gaijin Entertainment
Release Date: August 15, 2013
Download: Steam
Realistic physics aren't exclusive to single-player games. War Thunder, an online military vehicle action game, excels in this area. Unlike its competitors, it provides a tangible sense of controlling heavy machinery. Tanks feel massive, and the difference between wheeled and tracked vehicles is evident due to the physics of both the vehicles and the terrain they navigate. The game's pace is affected by these mechanics; a weak vehicle in snowy terrain can become a frustrating experience. Similarly, aviation and naval physics are meticulously modeled, with air resistance and water dynamics playing crucial roles.
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Developer: Kubold
Release Date: February 16, 2021
Download: Steam
Hellish Quart stands out with its realistic character physics in a fencing simulator focused on online duels. The human models adhere to in-game physics laws, possessing mass, inertia, and a realistic skeletal structure. This results in every sword swing and step carrying the weight of reality, and every hit or wound impacting movement authentically.
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Developer: Saber Interactive
Release Date: April 28, 2020
Download: Steam
SnowRunner showcases advanced physics in its off-road truck simulation. While not the most sophisticated driving simulator, its physics are impressive, affecting not just the vehicles but the terrain as well. Heavy trucks sink into mud with realistic soil physics, leaving tire ruts and varying in softness and viscosity. Snow and water also play significant roles, with strong currents capable of flipping vehicles or carrying them away. The center of mass and vehicle stability are crucial, leading to frequent rollovers, especially with high, narrow trucks.
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Developer: Rockstar North
Release Date: April 29, 2008
Download: Rockstargames
GTA IV is synonymous with groundbreaking game physics, thanks to the Euphoria technology. Pedestrians react realistically to physical interactions, whether they're pushed or shot, leading to dynamic and believable action scenes. Vehicle physics are equally impressive, with cars deforming realistically and occupants being thrown from vehicles upon collision. While the physics were revolutionary, the game's demanding nature on hardware remains a notable challenge.
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Developer: SCS Software
Release Date: October 18, 2012
Download: Steam
Euro Truck Simulator 2 offers a realistic truck driving experience. Trucks and cargo possess mass and speed, leading to significant inertia at high speeds. The center of mass affects stability, and wet roads add to the challenge, making it a compelling simulation of truck driving.
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Developer: Asobo Studio
Release Date: August 18, 2020
Download: Steam
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 is renowned for its advanced flight physics. From air resistance and mass to speed and airflow simulation, the game offers a detailed flying experience. Light aircraft like the Cessna handle differently from heavier planes like the Airbus, with factors like stall conditions and temperature affecting performance.
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Developer: Warhorse Studios
Release Date: February 4, 2025
Download: Steam
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II continues the epic RPG saga set in a harsh medieval world. Players must navigate through ruthless battles, knightly valor, and intrigue, using strategy, diplomacy, and loyalty. The sequel introduces an improved combat system, an expanded world, and a detailed storyline with numerous side quests. Realistic storytelling and new mechanics enhance the depth and engagement of the game.
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Developer: Giant Army
Release Date: August 24, 2015
Download: Steam
Universe Sandbox delves into the core physics of the cosmos. Players can experiment with planetary masses, turning gas giants like Jupiter into dwarf stars or adding black holes to the solar system. All experiments adhere to real physical laws, allowing for fascinating simulations of celestial dynamics.
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Developer: Keen Software House
Release Date: February 28, 2019
Download: Steam
Space Engineers is a sandbox game focused on construction in space and on planets, with survival elements. Players can build anything from bases to spaceships, limited only by physics and engineering principles. Zero gravity and planetary atmospheres add complexity, requiring different engines and power sources for various environments.
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Developer: KT Racing
Release Date: September 2, 2021
Download: Steam
WRC 10 brings the thrill of rally racing with meticulously modeled physics. Mass, speed, and tire grip are perfectly simulated, with each road surface offering unique challenges. Players must adjust their car settings for different types of dirt and other track conditions to excel.
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Developer: Kunos Simulazioni
Release Date: December 19, 2014
Download: Steam
Assetto Corsa is renowned for its serious approach to racing simulation. The game's physics model everything from friction and air resistance to downforce, requiring players to fine-tune their vehicles. Tire wear and realistic collisions add to the challenge, making it a true test of driving skill.
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Developer: Bohemia Interactive
Release Date: September 12, 2013
Download: Steam
Arma 3 is a military simulator with a robust physics system. Characters move with realistic mass and inertia, and vehicles have detailed physics models, including suspension and ballistics. Bullets are affected by gravity and have penetrating power, adding depth to the shooting mechanics.
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Developer: Kojima Productions
Release Date: November 8, 2019
Download: Steam
Death Stranding offers a unique walking simulation with advanced physics. The protagonist's physical attributes and the weight and size of cargo affect balance and movement. Diverse landscapes and material properties make traversing the post-apocalyptic world a challenging yet engaging experience.
Image: store.steampowered.com
Developer: BeamNG
Release Date: May 29, 2015
Download: Steam
BeamNG.drive is celebrated for its realistic car physics, simulating crash tests with precision. Each vehicle has hundreds of parameters, resulting in realistic crumpling and deformation. It's not just a simulator; it's a playground where enthusiasts can race and experiment with new vehicles.
In this collection, we've highlighted 15 games across various genres, all known for their outstanding physics. There are many other games with remarkable mechanics, character behavior, and vehicle dynamics. We'd love to hear about your favorites in the comments!
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