For many gamers, physics in games is like a mysterious entity that everyone discusses—whether praising or criticizing—yet it's not immediately noticeable. So, why is it essential? It's simple: physics helps create a believable game world, enhancing immersion and making the experience feel more real.
In game development, physics primarily involves an object's mass and velocity. For living beings, detailed skeletons and soft tissue behavior are modeled, which particularly appeals to fans of character realism. In this list, we'll explore the best PC games renowned for their physics, covering not just simulators but also popular titles across various genres.
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
0 0 Comment on this Red Dead Redemption 2
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Developer: Rockstar Studios
Release Date: October 26, 2018
Download: Rockstargames
A frequent guest in our game collections, Red Dead Redemption 2 boasts numerous advantages, one of which is its exceptional physics. Arthur Morgan's adventures across an emerging America captivate not only with their stunning atmosphere, story, and graphics but also with their realism. The "ragdoll" technology ensures that the bodies of people and animals behave realistically. If Arthur takes an awkward step, he won't just slip off a texture; he'll tumble realistically. Shooting a bandit in the leg results in them limping or falling, and the same realistic physics apply to animals like horses.
War Thunder
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Developer: Gaijin Entertainment
Release Date: August 15, 2013
Download: Steam
Realistic physics aren't limited to single-player games; War Thunder, an online military vehicle action game, also excels in this aspect. Unlike its main competitor, War Thunder effectively conveys the sensation of controlling multi-ton machines. The physics not only apply to the vehicles but also to the terrain materials, significantly impacting gameplay. Driving a weak vehicle through snowy terrain can be frustrating, while aviation physics account for air resistance, affecting maneuverability and speed at different altitudes. Similarly, ships respond realistically to damage and flooding, adding depth to the gameplay.
Hellish Quart
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Developer: Kubold
Release Date: February 16, 2021
Download: Steam
The key 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 without the over-the-top action of games like Mortal Kombat. The human models adhere to the laws of in-game physics, featuring mass, inertia, and a realistic skeleton. Every sword swing and step has inertia, and each hit or wound impacts the character's movement, making the combat feel authentic.
SnowRunner
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Developer: Saber Interactive
Release Date: April 28, 2020
Download: Steam
While SnowRunner isn't a highly sophisticated driving simulator, its physics are excellent and extend beyond just the vehicles. Focused on controlling heavy trucks in off-road conditions, the game features realistic weight distribution and centers of mass. The terrain's different materials, such as mud, snow, and water, have unique properties that affect gameplay. A heavy truck can sink into mud, which has its own physics, with tire ruts remaining and varying in softness and viscosity. The river current can flip vehicles, and the height and width of trucks and trailers play a crucial role in stability and rollovers.
GTA IV
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Developer: Rockstar North
Release Date: April 29, 2008
Download: Rockstargames
Whenever game physics are discussed, GTA IV is often mentioned. This Rockstar project set a new standard for realism in games thanks to the unique Euphoria technology, also used by the BBC for documentary films. In GTA IV, the physics are astonishing. People move realistically and react to forces acting upon them. A simple shove can result in a realistic fall or a punchback, while shootouts become spectacular action scenes. Vehicles also exhibit realistic damage, with bent fenders potentially blocking wheels and collisions ejecting occupants. The only downside was the demanding hardware requirements, which still impact optimization.
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 stands out. While you won't be navigating through mud, the game can still be challenging, especially with tweaked settings or mods. Trucks and cargo have mass and velocity, resulting in realistic inertia. At high speeds, stopping such a large vehicle is difficult, and the models' centers of mass can lead to rollovers. Wet roads in the rain add to the realism, making this a highly immersive truck simulator.
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 also boast advanced physics, and Microsoft Flight Simulator is a prime example. While you can disable these complex features, enabling them enhances the experience. Basic physics like air resistance, mass, and speed are standard, but the game's detailed simulation of air flow affects takeoffs and landings. A light Cessna flies differently from a heavy Airbus, and landing can be challenging. High difficulty settings even include temperature effects, adding another layer of realism.
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. Players must navigate ruthless clashes, knightly valor, and intrigue, requiring strength, agility, strategy, diplomacy, and loyalty. As a brave hero, you'll fight for your place, participate in large-scale battles, explore historically accurate Europe, and make pivotal decisions. The sequel introduces an improved combat system, an expanded world, a more detailed storyline, and numerous side quests, all while maintaining a realistic storytelling approach with new mechanics that deepen the gameplay experience.
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. Planets don't fly away from the Sun because of its mass, and black holes are dangerous due to their immense gravity. Universe Sandbox models these physical laws, allowing for wild experiments. For example, adding mass to Jupiter can initiate thermonuclear reactions, turning it into a dwarf star. You can introduce a black hole into our solar system or bombard Earth with asteroids, all simulated according to real physical laws.
Space Engineers
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Developer: Keen Software House
Release Date: February 28, 2019
Download: Steam
Before leaving outer space, we must mention Space Engineers, a sandbox with advanced physics. This construction simulator in space and on planets includes survival elements, allowing you to build anything from bases and factories to spaceships and ground vehicles. The freedom of creativity is limited only by physics and engineering principles. In zero gravity, objects drift without air resistance, requiring maneuvering thrusters on ships. Planets have their own gravity, necessitating different engines for atmospheric entry and powerful thrusters for orbital escape.
WRC 10
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Developer: KT Racing
Release Date: September 2, 2021
Download: Steam
Returning to driving simulators, WRC 10 offers an authentic rally experience with recreated tracks and teams. Beyond its stunning graphics, the game boasts excellent physics. Mass and speed are accurately modeled, but other factors like tire grip and road surface properties also affect driving. Each road surface, including different types of dirt, has unique characteristics, requiring 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 serious realism. Success in this game requires meticulous car settings adjustments. The game's physics model everything from friction to air resistance and downforce. Even on paved tracks, you're constantly battling not only your opponents but also your car's dynamics. A minor collision at high speed can cause a loss of speed or a spin-out, and tire wear is realistically implemented, adding to the game's authenticity.
Arma 3
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Developer: Bohemia Interactive
Release Date: September 12, 2013
Download: Steam
Arma 3, a military simulator, features well-behaved physics despite lacking "ragdoll" technology. Detailed skeletons ensure realistic movement with mass and inertia. Transitioning from running to walking isn't instant, and weapon weight affects aiming. Characters have numerous stances, adding to the realism. Vehicles have their own physics model, with ground vehicles differing in off-road capability and speed, while air vehicles are handled well. Ballistics are a key feature, with bullets subject to gravity and having penetrating power and mass.
Death Stranding
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Developer: Kojima Productions
Release Date: November 8, 2019
Download: Steam
Death Stranding's genius might be debated, but its physics are undeniable. The game involves extensive walking, making cargo delivery in a post-apocalyptic world surprisingly enjoyable. The main character's physical attributes and advanced skeleton are key to the gameplay. Cargo has weight and size, requiring players to balance to avoid falling. The diverse landscape and varying material properties make it a true walking simulator.
BeamNG.drive
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Developer: BeamNG
Release Date: May 29, 2015
Download: Steam
BeamNG.drive is renowned for its realistic physics among car simulators. It's a playground for testing car durability, resembling real crash tests. Each vehicle has hundreds of parameters, including realistic material settings, resulting in lifelike crumpling upon collision. Despite its realism, BeamNG.drive isn't a hardcore simulator; it's accessible and fun, hosting online races and modding communities.
In this collection, we've highlighted 15 games across various genres that excel in their physics. There are certainly other worthy projects with realistic mechanics, character behavior, and vehicle dynamics. We'd love to hear about your favorite games in the comments!
