15 Must-Play Titles Boasting Astounding Physics for Every Gamer

For many gamers, game physics is a fascinating, often debated element—a crucial ingredient that subtly enhances the sense of realism, even if it's not immediately apparent. Its purpose is simple: to create a believable game world. In game development, physics primarily involves an object's mass and speed. For characters, this extends to detailed skeletal structures and soft-tissue simulation, a feature particularly appreciated by fans of detailed character models. This list explores the best PC games showcasing exceptional physics, encompassing both dedicated simulators and 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

Developer: Rockstar Studios
Release Date: October 26, 2018
Download: Rockstargames

A frequent highlight in game collections, Red Dead Redemption 2 excels in its realistic physics. Arthur Morgan's journey through a nascent America captivates with its atmosphere, story, and graphics, but the realistic physics add another layer of immersion. "Ragdoll" technology simulates realistic body movement for both characters and animals. A stumble isn't just a slip; Arthur will realistically tumble. A leg shot results in a limp or a fall, mirroring real-world reactions. This extends to animals, such as horses, adding a heightened sense of believability.

War Thunder

Developer: Gaijin Entertainment
Release Date: August 15, 2013
Download: Steam

Realistic physics aren't limited to single-player experiences. This online military vehicle combat game impressively simulates the weight and handling of massive machines. Tanks feel truly massive, while wheeled and tracked vehicles handle distinctly differently due to the nuanced physics engine affecting both vehicles and terrain. This impacts gameplay significantly; navigating snowy terrain with a weaker vehicle becomes a challenging test of skill and patience. Similar realism extends to aviation and naval combat, with air resistance affecting maneuvers and water physics realistically impacting ship stability.

Hellish Quart

Developer: Kubold
Release Date: February 16, 2021
Download: Steam

This game's standout feature is its realistic body mechanics. A simplified fencing simulator focused on online duels, Hellish Quart prioritizes realistic physics in its human models. Characters possess mass and inertia, and their skeletal structures accurately reflect the impact of each sword swing and step. Every hit affects movement, creating a believable and responsive combat experience.

SnowRunner

Developer: Saber Interactive
Release Date: April 28, 2020
Download: Steam

SnowRunner, while not a hyper-realistic driving simulator, boasts impressive physics, extending beyond just the vehicles. The game’s focus on heavy trucks in off-road conditions creates a unique blend of mechanics. Trucks have realistic weight and center of mass, and the terrain features distinct materials with unique properties. Mud isn't just a texture; it has its own physics, creating ruts and varying in consistency. This realism extends to snow and water, with strong currents capable of flipping or carrying away vehicles. The truck's center of mass significantly impacts stability, leading to frequent rollovers, especially with taller vehicles.

GTA IV

Developer: Rockstar North
Release Date: April 29, 2008
Download: Rockstargames

GTA IV is synonymous with groundbreaking game physics. Rockstar's use of Euphoria technology, previously used in documentary filmmaking, created a new standard for realism. Pedestrians react realistically to interactions, falling or regaining balance depending on the force applied. Shootouts become dynamic and unpredictable, and vehicle damage and collisions are incredibly detailed, with crumpling and realistic ejection of passengers. While the technology was demanding on hardware at the time, its impact on realism was undeniable.

Euro Truck Simulator 2

Developer: SCS Software
Release Date: October 18, 2012
Download: Steam

Euro Truck Simulator 2 offers a compelling driving experience enhanced by realistic physics. Trucks and cargo have mass and inertia, making high-speed braking challenging. The center of mass plays a crucial role in stability, leading to potential rollovers, especially on wet roads. The simulation of inertia and the impact of weight on handling create a more immersive and challenging driving experience.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020

Developer: Asobo Studio
Release Date: August 18, 2020
Download: Steam

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 showcases advanced flight physics. Air resistance, mass, and speed are fundamental, with lighter aircraft handling differently than heavier ones. Airflow simulation is crucial for realistic flight and landing, with stalls and nosedives possible at lower speeds. Higher difficulty settings incorporate temperature variations, adding another layer of complexity.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

Developer: Warhorse Studios
Release Date: February 4, 2025
Download: Steam

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 continues the realistic approach of its predecessor, enhancing the combat system, expanding the world, and adding depth to the storyline. The game's physics contribute to the immersive medieval experience.

Universe Sandbox

Developer: Giant Army
Release Date: August 24, 2015
Download: Steam

Universe Sandbox is a physics-based space simulator that allows users to experiment with celestial bodies and observe the effects of gravitational forces. The game accurately simulates the laws of physics, allowing users to manipulate planets, stars, and black holes and observe the consequences of their actions.

Space Engineers

Developer: Keen Software House
Release Date: February 28, 2019
Download: Steam

Space Engineers is a space-based construction and survival game with realistic physics. Players can build structures and vehicles, but must consider factors such as gravity, thrust, and power sources. The game's physics engine accurately simulates the behavior of objects in space and on planets.

WRC 10

Developer: KT Racing
Release Date: September 2, 2021
Download: Steam

WRC 10 is a realistic rally racing simulator with detailed car physics. The game accurately simulates the handling and performance of rally cars, with factors such as tire grip and road surface affecting gameplay. Players must adjust their driving techniques to account for the varying conditions of each track.

Assetto Corsa

Developer: Kunos Simulazioni
Release Date: December 19, 2014
Download: Steam

Assetto Corsa is a highly realistic racing simulator with advanced physics. The game simulates a wide range of factors affecting vehicle performance, including friction, air resistance, and downforce. Even tire wear is realistically modeled, adding to the game's depth and challenge.

Arma 3

Developer: Bohemia Interactive
Release Date: September 12, 2013
Download: Steam

Arma 3 features realistic character and vehicle physics. Characters move with mass and inertia, and weapon weight affects aiming. Vehicles handle realistically, and the game's ballistics system simulates bullet trajectory and penetration accurately.

Death Stranding

Developer: Kojima Productions
Release Date: November 8, 2019
Download: Steam

Death Stranding's physics engine contributes significantly to its unique gameplay. The weight and size of cargo impact the player's balance and movement, creating a challenging and immersive experience. The diverse terrain and material properties further enhance the realism of the game's physics.

BeamNG.drive

Developer: BeamNG
Release Date: May 29, 2015
Download: Steam

BeamNG.drive is a highly realistic driving simulator known for its advanced physics engine. The game simulates vehicle damage and deformation with remarkable accuracy, making it a popular choice for testing vehicle durability and exploring realistic crash scenarios.

This collection showcases 15 games across various genres that excel in their implementation of physics. Many other games feature realistic mechanics, but these stand out for their exceptional attention to detail and impact on gameplay. We encourage you to share your favorite physics-focused games in the comments!