For many gamers, physics in games is like a mysterious entity that everyone talks about—either praising or critiquing—but often goes unnoticed at first glance. So, why is it important? It's simple: physics helps create a believable game world, enhancing immersion and making the experience feel more real.
In game development, physics primarily involves an object's mass and speed. For living creatures, detailed skeletons and soft tissue behavior are modeled, which is particularly appealing to fans of character realism. In this list, we'll explore the best PC games known for their physics, covering not just simulators but also popular titles.
Table of Contents
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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 is not only captivating due to its atmosphere, story, and graphics but also its realism. Thanks to "ragdoll" technology, the bodies of people and animals react realistically. If Arthur missteps, he'll tumble realistically. Shooting a bandit in the leg results in them limping or falling, and the same applies to animals like horses.
Image: store.steampowered.com
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 captures the sensation of controlling heavy machinery, with tanks feeling massive and wheeled vehicles behaving differently from tracked ones due to the physics of both the vehicles and the terrain. This impacts gameplay, especially in challenging environments like snow, where weaker vehicles struggle. Aviation and naval physics are equally detailed, with air resistance affecting maneuvers and ships listing when flooded.
Image: store.steampowered.com
Developer: Kubold
Release Date: February 16, 2021
Download: Steam
Hellish Quart's key feature is its realistic body physics. This fencing simulator focuses on online duels, where characters follow in-game physics laws, including mass, inertia, and a detailed skeleton. Every sword swing and step has inertia, and hits or wounds affect movement, making for a more authentic combat experience.
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Developer: Saber Interactive
Release Date: April 28, 2020
Download: Steam
SnowRunner excels in its physics, particularly in off-road conditions. Heavy trucks have realistic weight and center of mass, and the terrain's materials have unique properties. Mud isn't just a texture; it has its own physics, with tire ruts and varying softness and viscosity. Snow and water also affect gameplay, with strong currents capable of flipping vehicles.
Image: imdb.com
Developer: Rockstar North
Release Date: April 29, 2008
Download: Rockstargames
GTA IV set a new standard for realism in gaming with its Euphoria technology. Pedestrians react realistically to forces, falling or regaining balance when pushed. Shootouts are dynamic, and vehicles crumple realistically in collisions, with passengers being thrown from cars. The only downside was the demanding hardware requirements, which affected optimization.
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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 have mass and speed, leading to inertia that affects handling, especially at high speeds. Wet roads and mods can make the game even more challenging, simulating real-world driving conditions.
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Developer: Asobo Studio
Release Date: August 18, 2020
Download: Steam
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 boasts advanced physics, with air resistance, mass, and speed affecting flight. Different aircraft, from light Cessnas to heavy Airbuses, require different handling. Airflow simulation is crucial, with stalls and nose dives possible if not managed correctly.
Image: store.steampowered.com
Developer: Warhorse Studios
Release Date: February 4, 2025
Download: Steam
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II continues the epic open-world RPG set in medieval times. The game's physics enhance the combat system, world exploration, and overall immersion, making for a more engaging experience.
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Developer: Giant Army
Release Date: August 24, 2015
Download: Steam
Universe Sandbox models the laws of physics on a cosmic scale. Players can experiment with planetary masses, turning gas giants into stars or adding black holes to solar systems, all based on real physical laws.
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Developer: Keen Software House
Release Date: February 28, 2019
Download: Steam
Space Engineers is a sandbox game with advanced physics in space and on planets. Zero gravity affects object movement, and planets have their own gravitational pull, requiring different engines for atmospheric entry and escape.
Image: store.steampowered.com
Developer: KT Racing
Release Date: September 2, 2021
Download: Steam
WRC 10 features realistic rally physics, with mass, speed, and road surface properties affecting driving. Players can tweak car settings to adapt to different tracks, enhancing the simulation experience.
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Developer: Kunos Simulazioni
Release Date: December 19, 2014
Download: Steam
Assetto Corsa is a racing simulator focused on realism. Physics like friction, air resistance, and downforce play a crucial role, with even tire wear affecting performance.
Image: store.steampowered.com
Developer: Bohemia Interactive
Release Date: September 12, 2013
Download: Steam
Arma 3's physics are detailed, with realistic character movement and vehicle dynamics. Ballistics are a key feature, with bullets affected by gravity and having penetrating power.
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Developer: Kojima Productions
Release Date: November 8, 2019
Download: Steam
Death Stranding's physics enhance the walking and cargo delivery experience. The main character's physical attributes and the terrain's diverse materials make for a challenging yet engaging gameplay.
Image: store.steampowered.com
Developer: BeamNG
Release Date: May 29, 2015
Download: Steam
BeamNG.drive is renowned for its realistic car physics. Vehicles have hundreds of parameters, with realistic material settings and crash dynamics, making it a playground for car enthusiasts.
In this collection, we've highlighted 15 games across various genres known for their exceptional physics. There are certainly other notable titles with realistic mechanics, character behavior, and vehicle dynamics. We'd love to hear about your favorite games in the comments!
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