Top 15 Games with Stunning Physics for Gamers

For many gamers, physics in games is like an elusive creature—often discussed and debated, yet hard to pinpoint at first glance. But why is it important? The answer is simple: physics enhances the believability of the game world, making your virtual experience feel more real and immersive.

In game development, physics primarily involves an object's mass and speed. For living creatures, detailed skeletons and soft tissue behaviors are included, which is particularly appealing to fans of character realism. In this list, we'll explore the best PC games known for their physics, covering not only 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

Red Dead Redemption 2

Developer: Rockstar Studios
Release Date: October 26, 2018
Download: Rockstargames
A staple in many gamers' collections, Red Dead Redemption 2 stands out with its exceptional physics. Arthur Morgan's adventures across a burgeoning America are not only captivating due to its rich atmosphere, compelling story, and stunning graphics but also its realism. Thanks to "ragdoll" technology, the bodies of people and animals react in ways that closely mimic real life. A misstep can send Arthur tumbling head over heels, and a shot to a bandit's leg will cause them to limp or collapse. The same realistic behavior applies to animals, such as horses.

War Thunder

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, delivers an immersive experience with its physics engine. Unlike its competitors, it captures the feel of controlling heavy machinery. A tank feels like a massive piece of hardware, and the physics distinguish between wheeled and tracked vehicles, including the interaction with different terrains. This impacts gameplay, making movement challenging in snow or mud. In aviation, air resistance and altitude affect maneuverability and speed, while ships can list and take on water if damaged.

Hellish Quart

Developer: Kubold
Release Date: February 16, 2021
Download: Steam
Hellish Quart's key feature is its realistic depiction of virtual bodies. This fencing simulator focuses on online duels where human models adhere to in-game physics, possessing mass, inertia, and realistic skeletons. Every sword swing and step carries inertia, and each hit or wound affects the character's movement, making for a highly realistic combat experience.

SnowRunner

Developer: Saber Interactive
Release Date: April 28, 2020
Download: Steam
SnowRunner showcases advanced physics not only in its vehicles but also in its environments. Designed for off-road conditions, the game's trucks have realistic weight and centers of mass, interacting uniquely with different terrains. Heavy trucks can sink into mud, which behaves according to its own physics with tire ruts and varying softness. Snow and water dynamics can flip vehicles or sweep them away, and the center of mass affects stability and rollovers.

GTA IV

Developer: Rockstar North
Release Date: April 29, 2008
Download: Rockstargames
GTA IV set a new benchmark for game physics with its Euphoria technology. Characters move naturally, responding realistically to forces. A simple shove can lead to a fall or a regained balance, turning into a punch. Shootouts become dynamic with realistic vehicle damage; crumpled cars can impair wheels, and occupants can be thrown out during collisions. While the physics were groundbreaking, the technology was demanding, affecting the game's optimization.

Euro Truck Simulator 2

Developer: SCS Software
Release Date: October 18, 2012
Download: Steam
Euro Truck Simulator 2 features trucks with realistic mass and speed, resulting in significant inertia. High speeds make quick stops challenging, and the center of mass influences stability, leading to potential rollovers. Wet roads and mods enhance the realism, making it a heart-pounding experience.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020

Developer: Asobo Studio
Release Date: August 18, 2020
Download: Steam
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 excels in advanced physics, from air resistance and mass to speed. Different aircraft, like the light Cessna or heavy Airbus, require distinct handling. Air flow simulation affects landing, where insufficient speed can lead to a stall and a dangerous descent. High difficulty settings even consider temperature effects.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

Developer: Warhorse Studios
Release Date: February 4, 2025
Download: Steam
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II continues the saga of an open-world RPG set in a harsh medieval world. Players must navigate knightly valor, intrigue, and battle, making strategic decisions and exploring historically accurate Europe. The sequel introduces an improved combat system, an expanded world, and a deeper storyline, all enhanced by realistic physics and new mechanics.

Universe Sandbox

Developer: Giant Army
Release Date: August 24, 2015
Download: Steam
Universe Sandbox lets you experiment with the laws of physics on a cosmic scale. Planets are held by the Sun's mass, and black holes trap light due to their gravity. You can increase Jupiter's mass to trigger thermonuclear reactions, turning it into a dwarf star, or introduce a black hole into our solar system and observe the consequences, all governed by real physical laws.

Space Engineers

Developer: Keen Software House
Release Date: February 28, 2019
Download: Steam
Space Engineers is a sandbox with advanced physics for construction in space and on planets. In zero gravity, objects drift without air resistance, requiring maneuvering thrusters. Planets have their own gravity, necessitating different engines for atmospheric entry and powerful thrusters to escape. All equipment requires power sources, adding a layer of realism to the gameplay.

WRC 10

Developer: KT Racing
Release Date: September 2, 2021
Download: Steam
WRC 10 offers a realistic rally experience with its physics. Beyond mass and speed, the game accounts for tire grip and road surface properties, which vary even among different types of dirt. Adjusting the car's internals for each track is crucial for success.

Assetto Corsa

Developer: Kunos Simulazioni
Release Date: December 19, 2014
Download: Steam
Assetto Corsa focuses on serious realism in racing. The game's physics cover friction, air resistance, and downforce, requiring precise car adjustments. Minor collisions at high speeds can cause speed loss or spins, and even tire wear is simulated, marking it as a highly realistic racing game.

Arma 3

Developer: Bohemia Interactive
Release Date: September 12, 2013
Download: Steam
Arma 3's physics are detailed, with realistic character movements due to mass and inertia. Transitioning between running and walking isn't instant, and weapon weight affects aiming. Vehicles have unique physics models, and ballistics are accurately simulated, with bullets subject to gravity and penetration.

Death Stranding

Developer: Kojima Productions
Release Date: November 8, 2019
Download: Steam
Death Stranding features advanced physics in its walking mechanics. The main character has physical attributes and a realistic skeleton, and cargo has weight and size, requiring balance to avoid falling. The diverse terrain and material properties make it a unique walking simulator.

BeamNG.drive

Developer: BeamNG
Release Date: May 29, 2015
Download: Steam
BeamNG.drive is renowned for its realistic physics in car simulations. Each vehicle has hundreds of parameters, simulating real-life crash tests with accurate material settings. The game is not only a simulator but also a playground, popular for online races and vehicle mods.

In this collection, we've highlighted 15 games across various genres that excel in physics. There are many other games with impressive mechanics, character behavior, and vehicle dynamics. We invite you to share your favorite games with realistic physics in the comments!