For many gamers, physics in games is like a mysterious element that everyone discusses—either praising or criticizing—but often can't quite pinpoint at first glance. So, why is it needed at all? It's simple: physics enhances the believability of the game world, making it feel more real, even if only partially.
In game development, physics primarily deals with an object's mass and speed. For living characters, the simulation extends to their skeleton and the behavior of soft tissues, which is particularly appealing to fans of realistic character models. In this list, we’ll explore the best PC games known for their impressive 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 frequent guest in gaming collections, Red Dead Redemption 2 stands out for many reasons, one of which is its physics. Arthur Morgan’s adventures across an emerging America captivate not only due to the stunning atmosphere, story, and graphics but also their realism. Thanks to "ragdoll" technology, the bodies of people and animals react realistically to impacts. If you misstep awkwardly, Arthur won't just slip off a texture—he'll tumble head over heels. If you shoot a bandit in the leg, he won’t just lose health; he’ll start limping or fall over, and the same applies to animals like horses.
War Thunder
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Developer: Gaijin Entertainment
Release Date: August 15, 2013
Download: Steam
Not just single-player games can boast realistic physics. War Thunder, an online military vehicle action game, also impresses with its mechanics. Unlike its main competitor, War Thunder conveys the sensation of controlling multi-ton machines. When you see a tank on your screen, you truly feel its massiveness. Wheeled vehicles handle differently from tracked ones due to the physics of both the vehicles and the materials under them.
This affects the game’s pace. Navigating snowy terrain with a weak vehicle can be frustrating, making you wish you could just walk away. Similarly, in aviation, the game simulates air resistance; a sharp maneuver could leave you without wings. At lower altitudes, speed increases, while at higher altitudes, maneuverability improves. For ships, if a "saltwater pool" opens on the lower decks, the vessel will start listing and taking on more water. A tight turn can cause a multi-ton ship to tip to one side.
Hellish Quart
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Developer: Kubold
Release Date: February 16, 2021
Download: Steam
The key feature of Hellish Quart is the realistic behavior of virtual bodies. This simplified fencing simulator focuses on online duels where two characters face off, allowing you to showcase your skills. Unlike the over-the-top action of games like Mortal Kombat, the human models in Hellish Quart adhere to the laws of in-game physics. They have mass, inertia, and a realistic skeleton, making every sword swing or step feel weighted, and every hit or wound realistically affects the character’s movement.
SnowRunner
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Developer: Saber Interactive
Release Date: April 28, 2020
Download: Steam
Developers love adding advanced physics to car simulators, and although SnowRunner isn’t a highly sophisticated driving simulator, its physics are exceptional. This game is about controlling heavy trucks in off-road conditions, featuring a fascinating combination of mechanics. Vehicles have realistic weight and a center of mass, while the terrain has different materials with unique properties.
A heavy truck can literally sink into the mud, which isn’t just a texture but has its own physics. Tire ruts remain, and the ground varies in softness and viscosity. The same goes for snow and water; a strong river current can flip your vehicle over or carry it away. Due to the centers of mass in trucks and trailers, their height and width play a crucial role. A truck with a large crane might tip over on every bump, while low, wide vehicles remain stable.
GTA IV
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Developer: Rockstar North
Release Date: April 29, 2008
Download: Rockstargames
When discussing game physics, GTA IV often comes to mind. This Rockstar project caused a sensation and set a new standard for realism in games, thanks to the unique Euphoria technology, which was also used by the BBC for documentaries.
In GTA IV, the physics were groundbreaking. People moved and reacted to forces naturally. A simple shove could make a passerby fall or regain balance and retaliate. Shootouts turned into spectacular action scenes. These features extended to vehicles as well; cars crumpled realistically, a bent fender could block a wheel, and in a collision, occupants were thrown from the car and rolled along the asphalt. The only downside was the demanding hardware requirements, leaving the game still not fully optimized.
Also read: Top 25 GTA San Andreas Mods to Revamp Your Gameplay
Euro Truck Simulator 2
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Developer: SCS Software
Release Date: October 18, 2012
Download: Steam
Returning to truck driving, Euro Truck Simulator 2 can't be ignored. While you won't be navigating through mud, driving can still be thrilling, especially with tweaked settings or mods. Trucks and cargo have mass and speed, meaning inertia plays a significant role. At high speeds, stopping quickly is challenging due to this inertia. Models also have centers of mass, making rollovers a possibility. Add wet roads in the rain, and you have a very realistic truck simulator.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
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Developer: Asobo Studio
Release Date: August 18, 2020
Download: Steam
Moving from ground to sky, flight simulators also boast advanced physics, with Microsoft Flight Simulator leading the way. While you can disable these complex features, the game's full potential is realized with them enabled. Basics like air resistance, mass, and speed are standard, but the simulation of air flow adds complexity. A light Cessna takes off and lands smoothly, while a heavy Airbus requires more skill. Landing can be challenging; without enough speed, you might experience a "stall," causing the plane to drop and spin into a nose dive. On high difficulty, even temperature affects gameplay.
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, transporting players to a harsh medieval era. This time of ruthless clashes, knightly valor, and intrigue requires not just strength and agility but also strategic thinking, diplomacy, and loyalty. As a brave hero, your fate is intertwined with great events. You'll fight for your place, participate in large-scale battles, explore historically accurate Europe, and make pivotal decisions.
The sequel brings many innovations: an improved combat system, an expanded world, a more detailed storyline campaign, and numerous side quests. The developers have preserved the realistic storytelling approach, adding new mechanics that make the game even deeper and more engaging.
Also read: Top 15 games about the Middle Ages
Universe Sandbox
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Developer: Giant Army
Release Date: August 24, 2015
Download: Steam
Physics is at the core of the universe. Why don't planets just fly away from the Sun? They're held by the star's mass. Why are black holes so dangerous and emit no light? Because they're so massive that even light can't escape their gravity. Universe Sandbox models these laws, allowing you to run wild experiments.
For example, if you give Jupiter more mass, thermonuclear reactions could start, turning it into a dwarf star. Or you could add a black hole to our solar system or bombard Earth with asteroids to see what happens. All of this is simulated according to real physical laws.
Space Engineers
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Developer: Keen Software House
Release Date: February 28, 2019
Download: Steam
Before leaving outer space, let's mention another sandbox with advanced physics. Space Engineers is a simulator of construction in space and on planets with survival elements. You can build anything from bases and mining factories to spaceships and ground vehicles, with complete creative freedom. The only limits are physics and basic engineering principles.
In space, zero gravity means objects won't encounter air resistance and will drift away. Without maneuvering and braking thrusters, your ship can only fly forward without stopping. All equipment needs power sources. Planets have their own gravitational pull, requiring different engines to enter the atmosphere and powerful thrusters to leave the surface; otherwise, gravity won't let you reach orbit.
WRC 10
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Developer: KT Racing
Release Date: September 2, 2021
Download: Steam
Returning to driving simulators, WRC 10 offers a real-world rally experience with recreated tracks and teams. Alongside beautiful graphics, it boasts excellent physics. Mass and speed are spot-on, but other factors also affect your driving. You can tweak all the car's internals and tire grip, which matters because each road surface has its own properties. Even different types of dirt have unique features, requiring you to adjust your car for each track individually.
Assetto Corsa
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Developer: Kunos Simulazioni
Release Date: December 19, 2014
Download: Steam
This racing simulator focuses on serious realism. Unlike casual driving games like NFS, Assetto Corsa requires you to master car settings. The game's physics are influenced by everything from friction to air resistance and downforce, necessitating constant adjustments.
Races mainly occur on paved tracks, but you constantly battle not only your opponents but also your own car. A minor collision at high speed can cause you to lose speed or spin out and get thrown off the track. Even tire wear is simulated, a serious indicator of the game's realism.
Arma 3
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Developer: Bohemia Interactive
Release Date: September 12, 2013
Download: Steam
Arma 3, a military simulator, may not use "ragdoll" technology, but its physics are well-implemented. Detailed skeletons make character movements realistic, with mass and inertia. You can't instantly switch from running to walking, and the weight of your weapon affects aiming. Characters have numerous stances relative to the ground, reflecting real-life movements.
Vehicles also have their own physics model. Depending on the chassis, ground vehicles differ in off-road capability and speed, and they have mass and suspension sway. Air vehicles are well-handled, and a key feature for shooters is ballistics. Every projectile has penetrating power and mass, subject to gravity, ensuring they don't fly straight forever.
Death Stranding
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Developer: Kojima Productions
Release Date: November 8, 2019
Download: Steam
Not everyone understood the genius of Death Stranding, but its physics are undeniable. You'll be doing a lot of walking, easily hitting your daily step goal. Despite the plot's complexity, the graphics and physics are stunning.
The main character has physical attributes and an advanced skeleton, making cargo delivery in a post-apocalyptic world genuinely enjoyable. Cargo has weight and size, requiring you to balance to avoid falling. Even a short walk with containers can be challenging, depending on the terrain. The landscape's diversity and material properties make it a true walking simulator.
BeamNG.drive
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Developer: BeamNG
Release Date: May 29, 2015
Download: Steam
BeamNG.drive can be called the king among car simulators for its physics. If you've ever wanted to test a car's durability, this is the place. Each vehicle has hundreds of parameters, including realistic material settings. The car body will crumple just like in real life, depending on the strength of the parts and collision speed.
Yet, BeamNG.drive isn't just a hardcore simulator. Anyone can jump in and drive around. It's not just a game—it's a playground where enthusiasts host online races on specialized tracks and add new vehicles.
In this collection, we’ve listed 15 games of various genres with the best physics. Certainly, there are other worthy projects with realistic mechanics, character behavior, and vehicle dynamics. We’d love to hear about your favorite games in the comments!
