For many gamers, physics in games is like a mysterious element that everyone talks about—praising or critiquing—yet often goes unnoticed at first glance. But why is it essential? It's simple: physics enhances the believability of the game world, making it feel more real, even if just partially.
In game development, physics is primarily represented by an object's mass and speed. For living characters, detailed skeletons and soft tissue behavior are included, which is particularly appealing to fans of character models. In this list, we'll explore the best PC games with advanced 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 game collections, Red Dead Redemption 2 stands out for its exceptional physics. Arthur Morgan’s journey through an evolving America is not only captivating due to its atmosphere, narrative, and visuals but also its realism. The "ragdoll" technology ensures that human and animal bodies react realistically. If Arthur missteps, he doesn't just slip off a texture—he tumbles realistically. Shooting a bandit in the leg results in realistic limping or falling, and the same applies to animals like horses.
War Thunder
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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, also excels in this area. Unlike its main competitor, War Thunder delivers the sensation of controlling heavy machinery. The physics differentiate wheeled vehicles from tracked ones, affecting not just the vehicles but also the terrain. This impacts gameplay, making it challenging to navigate snowy terrain with weaker vehicles. Similarly, air resistance affects aircraft, and ships can list and take on water if damaged.
Hellish Quart
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Developer: Kubold
Release Date: February 16, 2021
Download: Steam
The standout feature of Hellish Quart is the realistic behavior of its virtual bodies. This simplified fencing simulator focuses on online duels, where characters engage in combat with realistic mass and inertia. Unlike the exaggerated action of games like Mortal Kombat, every sword swing and step in Hellish Quart has realistic consequences, affecting the characters' movements.
SnowRunner
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Developer: Saber Interactive
Release Date: April 28, 2020
Download: Steam
Developers often enhance car simulators with advanced physics, and SnowRunner is no exception. While not a highly sophisticated driving simulator, its physics are impressive. The game focuses on controlling heavy trucks in off-road conditions, with realistic vehicle weight and terrain interactions. Heavy trucks sink into mud, which behaves with its own physics, leaving tire ruts and varying in softness and viscosity. Snow and water also have unique properties, adding to the realism.
GTA IV
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Developer: Rockstar North
Release Date: April 29, 2008
Download: Rockstargames
GTA IV is synonymous with game physics, setting a new standard for realism. The Euphoria technology, also used in BBC documentary films, made the game's physics astonishing. Pedestrians react realistically to being pushed or shot, and vehicles crumple authentically upon impact. While the physics were groundbreaking, the game's optimization was challenging due to the demanding Euphoria technology.
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, especially with tweaked settings or mods. The game accounts for truck and cargo mass and speed, resulting in realistic inertia. High speeds make stopping difficult, and the models' centers of mass can lead to rollovers. Wet roads in the rain add to the realism, making it a comprehensive truck simulator.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
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Developer: Asobo Studio
Release Date: August 18, 2020
Download: Steam
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 showcases advanced flight physics. While players can disable these features for simpler gameplay, the full experience includes air resistance, mass, and speed. A light Cessna flies differently than a heavy Airbus, and landing is challenging due to air flow simulation. High difficulty settings also account for temperature, adding to the game's realism.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
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Developer: Warhorse Studios
Release Date: February 4, 2025
Download: Steam
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II continues the epic open-world RPG set in a harsh medieval era. Players must navigate ruthless clashes, knightly valor, and intrigue, requiring strength, agility, strategic thinking, and diplomacy. The game features an improved combat system, an expanded world, and a detailed storyline, all enhanced by realistic physics and new mechanics.
Universe Sandbox
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Developer: Giant Army
Release Date: August 24, 2015
Download: Steam
Physics is fundamental to the universe, and Universe Sandbox allows players to experiment with cosmic laws. Planets orbit the Sun due to its mass, and black holes are dangerous due to their gravity. In the simulator, players can add mass to Jupiter to turn it into a dwarf star or introduce a black hole into our solar system. All experiments adhere to real physical laws.
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, allowing construction in space and on planets with survival elements. In zero gravity, objects drift without air resistance, requiring maneuvering thrusters. Planets have gravity, necessitating different engines for atmospheric entry and powerful thrusters for leaving the surface. All equipment needs power sources, adding to the game's realism.
WRC 10
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Developer: KT Racing
Release Date: September 2, 2021
Download: Steam
WRC 10, featuring real rally championships, boasts excellent physics. Beyond mass and speed, the game accounts for car internals and tire grip, tailored to different road surfaces. Each type of dirt has unique properties, requiring vehicle adjustments 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 focused on realism. Players must fine-tune their vehicles to account for friction, air resistance, and downforce. Even on paved tracks, minor collisions can affect speed or cause spins, and tire wear is realistically implemented.
Arma 3
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Developer: Bohemia Interactive
Release Date: September 12, 2013
Download: Steam
Arma 3, a military simulator, features realistic physics without "ragdoll" technology. Characters move with mass and inertia, with detailed skeletons. Vehicles have unique physics models, and ballistics are realistic, 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 make the act of walking and delivering cargo in a post-apocalyptic world engaging. The main character has physical attributes and an advanced skeleton, with cargo affecting balance. The diverse landscape and material properties add to the game's realism.
BeamNG.drive
Image: store.steampowered.com
Developer: BeamNG
Release Date: May 29, 2015
Download: Steam
BeamNG.drive is renowned for its realistic physics in car simulations. Vehicles have hundreds of parameters, with realistic material settings, allowing for authentic crash tests. The game is both a simulator and a playground, with enthusiasts hosting online races and adding new vehicles.
In this collection, we've highlighted 15 games across various genres with the best physics. While there are other notable titles with realistic mechanics, character behavior, and vehicle dynamics, we'd love to hear about your favorite games in the comments!
