For many gamers, in-game physics is a fascinating, often debated element—a subtle yet crucial aspect that breathes life into the virtual world. Its importance lies in its ability to foster a sense of believable reality, however subtle. In game development, physics is primarily represented by an object's mass and velocity. For living creatures, this extends to detailed skeletal structures and soft tissue simulation, a feature particularly appreciated by fans of character design. This list explores some of the best PC games showcasing impressive 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 mainstay in many game collections, Red Dead Redemption 2 boasts exceptional physics. Arthur Morgan's journey through a nascent America captivates players not only with its stunning visuals, compelling narrative, and immersive atmosphere, but also its remarkable realism. The "ragdoll" physics engine provides lifelike character and animal movement. A misstep results in a believable stumble, while a gunshot wound realistically impacts movement, leading to limping or falls. This attention to detail extends to animal behavior, notably horses.
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 delivers a powerful sense of scale and weight, particularly noticeable when controlling tanks. Wheeled and tracked vehicles handle distinctly, reflecting not only vehicle-specific physics but also terrain interaction. This impacts gameplay significantly; navigating snowy terrain with a less capable vehicle can become a considerable challenge. Similar realism is present in aviation and naval combat, with air resistance influencing maneuvers and water displacement affecting ship stability.
Hellish Quart
Developer: Kubold
Release Date: February 16, 2021
Download: Steam
This game's defining feature is its realistic character physics. Focusing on online sword duels, Hellish Quart provides a simplified fencing simulator where character models adhere to the laws of physics, possessing mass, inertia, and a realistic skeletal structure. Each swing, step, and impact directly affects movement, adding depth and realism to the combat.
SnowRunner
Developer: Saber Interactive
Release Date: April 28, 2020
Download: Steam
SnowRunner, while not a hyper-realistic driving simulator, excels in its physics engine, extending beyond vehicle dynamics to encompass terrain interaction. The weight and center of mass of heavy trucks are accurately simulated, resulting in realistic mud-sinking and terrain deformation. Water and snow also exhibit realistic properties, influencing vehicle control and potentially leading to rollovers. Vehicle stability is heavily influenced by the center of mass, making vehicle choice and driving technique crucial.
GTA IV
Developer: Rockstar North
Release Date: April 29, 2008
Download: Rockstargames
GTA IV is synonymous with advanced game physics. Its use of Euphoria technology, previously employed in BBC documentaries, revolutionized character and vehicle interaction. Pedestrians react realistically to impacts, while vehicle collisions result in believable damage and occupant ejection. The realism, however, came at a cost; the demanding nature of Euphoria impacted optimization.
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 possess mass and inertia, affecting braking distances and stability, particularly at high speeds. The center of mass plays a significant role in rollovers, and weather conditions further influence vehicle handling.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
Developer: Asobo Studio
Release Date: August 18, 2020
Download: Steam
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 sets a high bar for flight simulation physics. Air resistance, mass, and speed are accurately modeled, influencing aircraft handling and performance. Advanced features simulate airflow, impacting takeoff and landing, and even incorporate temperature effects on higher difficulty settings.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
Developer: Warhorse Studios
Release Date: February 4, 2025
Download: Steam
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II builds upon its predecessor's foundation, offering an improved combat system, expanded world, and enhanced narrative. The game maintains its realistic approach to storytelling, incorporating new mechanics that deepen player immersion.
Universe Sandbox
Developer: Giant Army
Release Date: August 24, 2015
Download: Steam
Universe Sandbox is a physics-based space simulator allowing players to experiment with celestial bodies and observe the effects of gravitational forces. Players can alter planetary masses, introduce black holes, or simulate asteroid impacts, all governed by realistic physics.
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 in zero-gravity environments. Physics plays a central role, influencing vehicle design and movement, requiring players to consider thrusters, power sources, and planetary gravity.
WRC 10
Developer: KT Racing
Release Date: September 2, 2021
Download: Steam
WRC 10 is a rally racing simulator featuring realistic car handling and physics. Beyond basic mass and speed, tire grip and car tuning significantly impact performance on varied surfaces.
Assetto Corsa
Developer: Kunos Simulazioni
Release Date: December 19, 2014
Download: Steam
Assetto Corsa prioritizes realistic racing simulation, incorporating detailed physics that impact vehicle handling. Friction, air resistance, and downforce all influence performance, requiring careful car setup and driving technique.
Arma 3
Developer: Bohemia Interactive
Release Date: September 12, 2013
Download: Steam
Arma 3's physics engine provides realistic character and vehicle movement. Character models feature detailed skeletons, influencing movement and weapon handling. Vehicle physics accurately reflect chassis design and terrain interaction, while projectile ballistics incorporate gravity and penetration effects.
Death Stranding
Developer: Kojima Productions
Release Date: November 8, 2019
Download: Steam
Death Stranding's gameplay revolves around traversing diverse landscapes while carrying cargo. The game's physics engine simulates weight and balance, impacting movement and requiring players to adapt their technique to varying terrain.
BeamNG.drive
Developer: BeamNG
Release Date: May 29, 2015
Download: Steam
BeamNG.drive is renowned for its highly realistic vehicle physics and damage modeling. Vehicles exhibit intricate damage behavior based on material properties and collision forces, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts interested in realistic crash simulations.
This collection highlights fifteen games from diverse genres that showcase exceptional physics. Many other titles also feature impressive physics; we encourage you to share your favorites in the comments!
