15 Must-Play Titles Boasting Astounding Physics for Every Gamer

Game Physics: A Deep Dive into 15 Titles That Nail It

For many gamers, a game's physics engine is a bit like a mysterious creature – everyone talks about it, praising or criticizing, but few can pinpoint it at first glance. Why is it even necessary? Simply put: it enhances the game's sense of realism (at least partially).

In game development, physics primarily involves an object's mass and velocity. For living creatures, it extends to detailed skeletal structures and soft tissue behavior, a feature particularly appreciated by fans of female characters. 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

Image: ebay.com

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

A frequent contender in best-of lists, Red Dead Redemption 2 excels in its physics implementation. Arthur Morgan's journey across a nascent America captivates not just through its stunning visuals, compelling narrative, and immersive atmosphere, but also its remarkable realism. "Ragdoll" physics make characters and animals behave naturally. A misstep results in a believable tumble, while a leg shot leads to realistic limping or collapse. This applies equally to horses and other creatures.

War Thunder

Image: store.steampowered.com

• 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 delivers a convincing sense of scale and weight. Tanks feel massive, while wheeled and tracked vehicles handle distinctly differently, influenced by both vehicle physics and terrain interaction. This affects gameplay significantly; navigating snowy terrain with a less powerful vehicle becomes a challenging endeavor. Aviation physics include air resistance, impacting maneuverability at different altitudes. Naval combat similarly incorporates realistic water displacement and ship behavior.

Hellish Quart

Image: store.steampowered.com

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

This online fencing duel simulator prioritizes realistic body mechanics. Human models adhere to in-game physics, possessing mass, inertia, and a realistic skeletal structure. Every swing, step, and impact influences movement, creating a nuanced and responsive combat experience.

SnowRunner

Image: store.steampowered.com

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

SnowRunner, while not a hyper-realistic driving simulator, boasts impressive physics, extending beyond the vehicles themselves. The game's focus on heavy trucks in off-road conditions creates a compelling interplay of mechanics. Realistic weight distribution, center of mass, and varied terrain materials (mud, snow, water) all contribute to a challenging and engaging experience. The mud isn't just a texture; it has its own physics, creating ruts and impacting vehicle traction.

GTA IV

Image: imdb.com

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

GTA IV's physics were groundbreaking upon release, setting a new standard for realism. The Euphoria engine, borrowed from the BBC, enabled realistic character movement and interaction. Pedestrians react naturally to pushes and collisions, while shootouts become dynamic and chaotic events. Vehicle physics were equally impressive, with realistic crumpling, damage modeling, and passenger ejection. However, the engine's demanding nature resulted in optimization challenges.

Euro Truck Simulator 2

Image: store.steampowered.com

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

Euro Truck Simulator 2 provides a realistic trucking experience with its physics engine. Trucks and cargo possess mass and inertia, making high-speed maneuvers challenging. Center of mass calculations influence vehicle stability, leading to potential rollovers, especially in adverse conditions.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020

Image: store.steampowered.com

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

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 offers highly detailed flight physics. Air resistance, mass, and velocity are fundamental, with heavier aircraft presenting greater challenges during takeoff and landing. Airflow simulation impacts stability, and higher difficulty settings incorporate temperature effects.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

Image: store.steampowered.com

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

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II continues the series' commitment to realistic medieval settings and gameplay. The game features refined combat mechanics and an expanded world, while maintaining its focus on realistic physics and character interactions.

Universe Sandbox

Image: store.steampowered.com

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

Universe Sandbox simulates celestial physics, allowing players to experiment with planetary interactions and cosmic events. Adding mass to Jupiter can trigger thermonuclear reactions, transforming it into a dwarf star. Introducing a black hole to the solar system or bombarding Earth with asteroids are all possible, governed by realistic physical laws.

Space Engineers

Image: store.steampowered.com

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

Space Engineers is a space-based construction and survival simulator with detailed physics. Zero gravity affects object movement, requiring thrusters for maneuvering. Planetary gravity and atmospheric conditions impact spacecraft design and operation.

WRC 10

Image: store.steampowered.com

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

WRC 10 is a rally racing simulator with highly realistic vehicle physics. Mass, velocity, and tire grip are meticulously modeled, with varying road surfaces and terrain impacting vehicle handling.

Assetto Corsa

Image: store.steampowered.com

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

Assetto Corsa is a racing simulator emphasizing realism. Friction, air resistance, and downforce significantly impact vehicle performance, requiring careful car setup and driving techniques. Collisions result in realistic damage and performance degradation.

Arma 3

Image: store.steampowered.com

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

Arma 3 features realistic character and vehicle physics. Characters have detailed skeletal structures, influencing movement and weapon handling. Vehicles behave realistically, with mass and suspension affecting handling. Ballistics are also modeled accurately, with projectiles subject to gravity and air resistance.

Death Stranding

Image: steamcommunity.com

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

Death Stranding's physics play a crucial role in its gameplay. Carrying cargo impacts character balance and movement, requiring careful navigation of varied terrain.

BeamNG.drive

Image: store.steampowered.com

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

BeamNG.drive is a car simulator renowned for its exceptionally realistic physics. Vehicles feature detailed damage modeling and material properties, resulting in highly realistic collision behavior. The game's open-ended nature allows for experimentation and community-created content.

This collection highlights 15 games across diverse genres that excel in their physics implementation. Many other titles deserve recognition for their realistic mechanics and character/vehicle behavior. We encourage you to share your favorites in the comments!