15 Must-Play Titles Boasting Astounding Physics for Every Gamer

For many gamers, game physics is a fascinating, often debated element—something everyone talks about, yet struggles to pinpoint at first glance. But why is it so important? Simply put: it enhances the game's believability, creating a more immersive and realistic world (at least partially).

In game development, physics primarily involves an object's mass and speed. For living creatures, it extends to detailed skeletal structures and soft tissue behavior, a feature particularly appealing to fans of specific character designs. 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 standout in game collections, Red Dead Redemption 2 excels in many areas, including its physics engine. Arthur Morgan's journey through a nascent America captivates players with its stunning atmosphere, compelling narrative, and impressive graphics—all enhanced by remarkable realism. The "ragdoll" physics technology ensures realistic behavior for characters and animals. A clumsy stumble results in a believable tumble, while a leg shot causes limping or a fall. This realism extends to horses and other creatures.

War Thunder

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

Realistic physics aren't limited to single-player games. This online military vehicle action game delivers a compelling sense of scale and weight, particularly noticeable when controlling tanks. The sheer mass of these vehicles is palpable, while wheeled and tracked vehicles handle differently due to nuanced physics, affecting both the vehicles and the terrain. This realism influences gameplay significantly. Navigating snowy terrain with a less-than-ideal vehicle becomes a significant challenge, and the same applies to aerial and naval combat, incorporating realistic air resistance and water dynamics.

Hellish Quart

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

This game's standout feature is its realistic character physics. A simplified fencing simulator focusing on online duels, Hellish Quart avoids the over-the-top action of games like Mortal Kombat. Characters possess mass and inertia, moving with realistic skeletal structures rather than blocky animations. Every swing, step, and hit impacts the character's movement, reflecting the game's physics engine.

SnowRunner

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

SnowRunner, while not a highly sophisticated driving simulator, boasts excellent physics that extend beyond the vehicles themselves. The game's focus on heavy trucks navigating off-road conditions creates a compelling blend of mechanics. Trucks have realistic weight and centers of mass, while the terrain features diverse materials with unique properties. The mud isn't just a texture; it has its own physics, creating ruts and varying in consistency. This realism extends to snow and water, where strong currents can significantly impact vehicle control.

GTA IV

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

GTA IV is a landmark title in game physics. Rockstar's use of Euphoria technology, originally developed by the BBC for documentaries, resulted in remarkably realistic character and vehicle physics. Characters react realistically to pushes and impacts, while shootouts become spectacular displays of physics-based action. Vehicle damage is also highly realistic, with crumpling, bent fenders, and ejected passengers adding to the immersive experience.

Euro Truck Simulator 2

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

Euro Truck Simulator 2 provides a realistic trucking experience, emphasizing the mass and inertia of trucks and cargo. High speeds create significant momentum, making braking challenging. The center of mass also plays a crucial role, leading to potential rollovers, especially on wet roads. The game's physics engine adds a layer of realism and challenge to the gameplay.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020

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

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 sets a high standard for flight simulation physics. The game accurately models air resistance, mass, and speed, with lighter aircraft handling differently from heavier ones. Airflow simulation is crucial for realistic landings, and higher difficulty settings incorporate temperature effects. The game offers a highly detailed and challenging flight simulation experience.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

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

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II continues the realistic approach of its predecessor, enhancing the combat system, expanding the world, and deepening the storyline. The game's physics engine contributes to its immersive medieval setting, adding realism to interactions and environmental elements.

Universe Sandbox

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

Universe Sandbox is a physics-based space simulator that allows players to experiment with celestial bodies and observe the effects of gravitational forces. The game accurately models physical laws, enabling players to simulate various scenarios, from altering planetary masses to adding black holes to the solar system.

Space Engineers

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

Space Engineers is a space-based construction and survival simulator where players build structures and vehicles, constrained only by physics and engineering principles. The game accurately simulates zero gravity, requiring players to consider thrusters and power sources for effective movement and control.

WRC 10

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

WRC 10 is a realistic rally racing simulator featuring authentic tracks and teams. The game's physics engine accurately models vehicle behavior, tire grip, and surface interactions, requiring players to adjust their driving techniques based on track conditions.

Assetto Corsa

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

Assetto Corsa is a highly realistic racing simulator that emphasizes precise car handling and physics. Factors such as friction, air resistance, and downforce significantly impact vehicle performance, demanding careful tuning and adjustments from players.

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, while vehicles handle differently based on their chassis and weight. The game's ballistics system also simulates projectile behavior, incorporating gravity and penetration.

Death Stranding

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

Death Stranding's physics engine contributes significantly to its gameplay, particularly during cargo delivery. The weight and size of cargo impact character balance and movement, creating a challenging and immersive experience.

BeamNG.drive

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

BeamNG.drive is renowned for its highly realistic vehicle physics, simulating car damage and material behavior with impressive accuracy. The game provides a detailed and immersive driving and crash testing experience.

This collection showcases 15 games across diverse genres, all featuring exceptional physics. Many other titles deserve recognition for their realistic mechanics and simulations. We encourage you to share your favorites in the comments!