Top 15 Games with Stunning Physics for Gamers

For many gamers, physics in games is like a mysterious entity that everyone talks about—either praising or critiquing—yet often goes unnoticed at first glance. But why is it so essential? The answer is simple: it enhances the believability of the game world, creating an immersive experience that feels at least partially real.

In game development, physics is primarily represented by an object's mass and velocity. For living creatures, detailed skeletons and the behavior of soft tissues are modeled, which is particularly appealing to fans of realistic character animations. In this article, we'll explore the best PC games renowned for their physics, covering not just simulators but also 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

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Red Dead Redemption 2

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

Red Dead Redemption 2 frequently graces our gaming lists, and for good reason. One of its standout features is its physics. Arthur Morgan's journey across a burgeoning America is not only captivating due to its rich atmosphere, compelling narrative, and stunning graphics but also its realism.

Thanks to "ragdoll" technology, the bodies of people and animals react in ways that mimic real life. If Arthur takes a misstep, he doesn't simply slide off a surface; he tumbles realistically. When you shoot a bandit in the leg, he doesn't just lose health; he starts limping or falls over. This extends to animals like horses, enhancing the game's immersive quality.

War Thunder

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

Realistic physics aren't exclusive to single-player games. War Thunder, an online military vehicle action game, showcases this mechanic brilliantly. Unlike its competitors, War Thunder captures the sensation of controlling massive vehicles. When you're driving a tank, you feel its weight and power. The physics differentiate wheeled from tracked vehicles, considering not just the vehicle's mechanics but also the terrain's material properties.

This impacts the game's pacing. Navigating through snowy terrain with a less powerful vehicle can be frustrating, making you wish you could abandon it. Similarly, in aviation, air resistance plays a critical role; a sharp maneuver might cost you your wings. At lower altitudes, speed increases, while at higher altitudes, maneuverability improves.

The same applies to ships. A breach in the lower decks can cause the vessel to list and take on more water, while a tight turn can tip a multi-ton ship to one side.

Hellish Quart

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

The standout feature of Hellish Quart is the realistic behavior of the virtual body. This simplified fencing simulator focuses on online duels, where two characters engage in combat, showcasing your skills. Unlike the over-the-top action of Mortal Kombat, this game prioritizes realism.

Human models in Hellish Quart adhere to the game's physics, possessing mass, inertia, and a detailed skeleton. Every sword swing or step has inertia, and each hit or injury affects the character's movement, making for a highly realistic combat experience.

SnowRunner

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

Developers often incorporate advanced physics into car simulators, and SnowRunner is no exception. While not the most sophisticated driving simulator, its physics are impressive and extend beyond just the vehicles. Set in off-road conditions, the game's physics combine interestingly with the heavy trucks you control. These vehicles have realistic weight and centers of mass, and the terrain features materials with unique properties.

In SnowRunner, a heavy truck can sink into mud, which isn't just a visual effect; the soil has its own physics, with tire ruts remaining and varying in softness and viscosity. The same applies to snow and water, where a strong river current can flip your vehicle or carry it away.

You'll likely experience flips frequently due to the vehicles' centers of mass. A truck with a tall crane can tip over on every bump, while lower, wider vehicles remain stable on rough terrain.

GTA IV

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

Whenever game physics are discussed, GTA IV often comes to mind. This Rockstar project set a new standard for realism in gaming, thanks to the unique Euphoria technology, originally used by the BBC for documentary films.

In GTA IV, the physics are remarkable. People move naturally and respond to forces realistically. A simple shove might cause a pedestrian to fall or regain balance and retaliate. Shootouts transform into dynamic action scenes.

The physics extend to vehicles as well. Cars crumple realistically, a bent fender can obstruct a wheel, and in collisions, occupants are thrown from the vehicle and roll across the road. The only downside was the optimization; Euphoria was so demanding that the game still struggles with performance issues.

Also read: Top 25 GTA San Andreas Mods to Revamp Your Gameplay

Euro Truck Simulator 2

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

Returning to truck driving, Euro Truck Simulator 2 is a must-mention. While you won't be navigating through mud, the game can still provide thrilling driving experiences, especially with tweaked settings or mods.

In this game, trucks and cargo have mass and velocity, introducing inertia into the equation. At high speeds, stopping a truck is challenging due to its momentum. Vehicles also have centers of mass, making rollovers possible. Add wet roads during rain, and you get a highly realistic truck simulation.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020

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

Moving from ground to sky, flight simulators like Microsoft Flight Simulator boast advanced physics. While you can disable these complex features, true enthusiasts will want to maximize the realism.

Basic physics like air resistance, mass, and speed are expected. A light Cessna flies differently from a heavy Airbus. Landing is challenging, influenced by air flow simulation. Without sufficient speed, you risk a "stall," causing the plane to plummet and spin into a dive. On higher difficulty settings, temperature affects performance as well.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

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

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II continues the epic open-world RPG set in a harsh medieval era. This game demands strength, agility, strategic thinking, diplomacy, and loyalty. As a brave hero, your fate intertwines with major historical events. You'll fight for your place, engage in large-scale battles, explore historically accurate Europe, and make crucial decisions.

The sequel introduces many innovations, including an improved combat system, an expanded world, a more detailed storyline, and numerous side quests. The developers maintain a realistic storytelling approach while adding new mechanics that deepen the gameplay.

Also read: Top 15 games about the Middle Ages

Universe Sandbox

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

Physics is fundamental to the universe. Why don't planets drift away from the Sun? Because they're held by its mass. Why are black holes so dangerous and emit no light? Because their mass is so great that even light can't escape. Universe Sandbox models these laws, allowing you to conduct wild experiments.

For example, increasing Jupiter's mass could ignite thermonuclear reactions, turning it into a dwarf star. Or you could introduce a black hole into our solar system or bombard Earth with asteroids, all governed by real physical laws.

Space Engineers

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

Before leaving outer space, let's mention Space Engineers, another sandbox with advanced physics. This game lets you build anything from bases and mining factories to spaceships and ground vehicles, offering complete creative freedom. The only limitations are physics and basic engineering principles.

In space, zero gravity means objects drift without air resistance. Without maneuvering and braking thrusters, your ship can only move forward. All equipment requires power sources. On planets, you face gravity, requiring different engines for atmospheric entry and powerful thrusters to escape the surface.

WRC 10

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

Returning to driving simulators, WRC 10 stands out with its realistic physics. The game recreates actual rally championships with accurate tracks and teams. Beyond its stunning graphics, WRC 10 boasts excellent physics.

While mass and velocity are well-represented, other factors like car internals and tire grip also affect your driving. Each road surface has unique properties, and different types of dirt require specific car adjustments for each track.

Assetto Corsa

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

Assetto Corsa is a racing simulator focused on realism. Unlike casual racing games, it demands precise vehicle adjustments. The game's physics consider everything from friction to air resistance and downforce, requiring you to fine-tune your car.

Races occur on paved tracks, but you'll constantly battle not just your opponents but your own vehicle. A minor collision at high speed can cause you to lose speed or spin out. Even tire wear is simulated, a testament to the game's commitment to realism.

Arma 3

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

Arma 3, a military simulator, features well-implemented physics. While it lacks "ragdoll" technology, characters move realistically with mass and inertia. Transitioning from running to walking isn't instantaneous, and weapon weight affects aiming. Characters have varied stances relative to the ground, adding to the realism.

Vehicles have distinct physics models, with different off-road capabilities and speeds based on their chassis. Air vehicles are also well-handled, and ballistics are a key feature. Bullets have penetrating power and mass, subject to gravity, making them realistic projectiles.

Death Stranding

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

Death Stranding, a game by visionary developer Hideo Kojima, features impressive physics. Players spend much time walking, but it's surprisingly engaging. Delivering cargo in a post-apocalyptic world is enjoyable, thanks to the game's graphics and physics.

The main character has physical attributes and an advanced skeleton. Cargo has weight and size, requiring you to balance to avoid falling. Terrain diversity and material properties make this a true walking simulator, challenging yet rewarding.

BeamNG.drive

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

BeamNG.drive is renowned for its physics in car simulators. This game offers unparalleled realism, perfect for testing a car's durability. Each vehicle has hundreds of parameters, including realistic material settings, making the car body crumple as it would in real life.

While BeamNG.drive isn't a hardcore simulator, it's accessible to all. It's not just a game but a playground where enthusiasts host online races and add new vehicles, making it a community favorite.

In this article, we've highlighted 15 games across various genres renowned for their physics. There are certainly other projects with impressive mechanics, character behavior, and vehicle dynamics. We'd love to hear about your favorite games in the comments!