15 Must-Play Titles Boasting Astounding Physics for Every Gamer

For many gamers, game physics is a fascinating, often debated aspect—a crucial element that subtly enhances the sense of realism, even if it’s not immediately apparent. Its purpose is simple: to foster a believable game world. In game development, physics primarily involves an object's mass and velocity. For living 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 Content ---

• 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 favorite, Red Dead Redemption 2 excels in many areas, including its physics engine. Arthur Morgan's journey across a nascent America captivates players not only through its stunning atmosphere, compelling narrative, and breathtaking graphics, but also its remarkable realism. "Ragdoll" physics provide lifelike character and animal movement. A misstep results in a believable tumble, while a leg shot leads to limping or a fall, accurately mirroring real-world reactions. This realism extends to horses and other animals.

War Thunder

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

Realistic physics aren't limited to single-player experiences. War Thunder, an online military vehicle combat game, delivers a powerful sense of scale and weight, particularly noticeable when controlling tanks. The game accurately differentiates between tracked and wheeled vehicles, considering both vehicle and terrain physics. This impacts gameplay; navigating snowy terrain with a less powerful vehicle becomes a significant challenge. Similarly, aviation features realistic air resistance, affecting maneuverability at different altitudes. Naval combat also benefits from realistic physics, with water affecting ship stability and maneuverability.

Hellish Quart

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

Hellish Quart's defining feature is its realistic character physics. This simplified fencing simulator focuses on online duels, emphasizing skill-based combat rather than over-the-top action. Character models adhere to realistic physics, possessing mass, inertia, and a natural skeletal structure. Every swing, step, hit, and wound impacts character movement, adding a layer of strategic depth.

SnowRunner

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

SnowRunner, while not a hyper-realistic driving simulator, boasts impressive physics that extend beyond the vehicles themselves. The game's focus on heavy trucks in off-road environments creates a unique blend of mechanics. Trucks possess realistic weight and center of mass, while the terrain features diverse materials with distinct properties. Mud, snow, and water aren't mere textures; they interact realistically with vehicles, influencing their behavior and creating challenging driving scenarios.

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 employed in BBC documentaries, resulted in remarkably realistic character and vehicle behavior. Characters react realistically to impacts, while vehicles deform and respond to collisions in a believable manner. The driver and passengers are ejected from vehicles in collisions, adding a layer of realism, although the demanding nature of the Euphoria engine affected the game's optimization.

Euro Truck Simulator 2

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

Euro Truck Simulator 2 provides a realistic driving experience, particularly when adjusting settings or using modifications. Trucks and cargo possess mass and velocity, influencing inertia and braking distances. The center of mass affects vehicle stability, making rollovers a possibility, especially in challenging conditions like wet roads.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020

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

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 offers advanced flight physics, allowing for realistic simulations of air resistance, mass, and speed. The differences between lighter aircraft like Cessnas and heavier aircraft like Airbuses are clearly felt in takeoff, landing, and overall maneuverability. Airflow simulation is crucial for successful landings, and higher difficulty settings introduce temperature as a factor.

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, offering an improved combat system, expanded world, and enhanced storyline. The game features realistic physics impacting character movement and interactions within the game's medieval setting.

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 and other physical laws. Players can manipulate planetary masses, introduce black holes, and simulate asteroid impacts, all within a realistic physics engine.

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 account for momentum and utilize thrusters for maneuvering. Planetary gravity and atmospheric effects also play significant roles.

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 mass, speed, and tire grip, requiring players to adjust car settings based on the specific properties of each track surface.

Assetto Corsa

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

Assetto Corsa is a highly realistic racing simulator emphasizing precise vehicle handling. The game meticulously models various physical factors, including friction, air resistance, and downforce, requiring players to carefully adjust car settings to optimize performance. Even tire wear is simulated, adding a layer of strategic depth.

Arma 3

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

Arma 3, a military simulator, features realistic character and vehicle physics. Characters move with mass and inertia, affecting aiming and movement transitions. Vehicles handle realistically based on their chassis and weight, while ballistics accurately simulate projectile behavior, including gravity and penetration.

Death Stranding

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

Death Stranding features detailed character physics and cargo weight and size, creating a challenging walking simulator experience. The player must manage balance while carrying cargo, adding a unique layer of gameplay based on realistic physics and terrain interaction.

BeamNG.drive

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

BeamNG.drive is renowned for its exceptionally realistic physics engine. The game allows for extensive vehicle customization and realistic damage modeling, making it a popular choice for testing vehicle durability and conducting virtual crash tests. The game offers a balance between realism and accessibility.

This collection highlights 15 games across various genres that showcase exceptional physics. Many other titles feature impressive physics engines; we encourage you to share your favorites in the comments!