Top 15 Games with Incredible Physics for Gamers

For many gamers, physics in games is like a mysterious entity that's often discussed but not immediately noticeable. Yet, it's crucial because it enhances the believability of the game world, making it feel more real.

In game development, physics is primarily about an object's mass and velocity. For living characters, this extends to detailed skeletal structures and soft tissue behavior, which is particularly appreciated by fans of character realism. In this list, we'll explore the best PC games with impressive physics, covering not just simulators but also well-known titles.

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
Red Dead Redemption 2 frequently graces our game collections, and its physics are a significant reason why. Arthur Morgan's journey through a burgeoning America captivates players not just with its immersive atmosphere, story, and graphics, but also with its realism. The "ragdoll" technology ensures that the bodies of humans and animals react realistically to impacts. A misstep results in Arthur tumbling realistically, and a gunshot to a bandit's leg can cause them to limp or collapse. The same applies to animals, like horses, making the game world feel truly alive.

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, excels in this area. It provides a tangible sense of controlling heavy machinery. Tanks feel massive, and the physics differentiate between tracked and wheeled vehicles, impacting the terrain they traverse. The game's pace is influenced by these mechanics; struggling through snow with a weak vehicle can be frustrating, and sharp maneuvers in aircraft can lead to wing loss. Ships, too, react realistically to damage, such as listing when flooded.

Hellish Quart

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Developer: Kubold
Release Date: February 16, 2021
Download: Steam
Hellish Quart stands out with its realistic physics applied to human bodies. This fencing simulator focuses on online duels where characters adhere to the game's physics laws. They possess mass, inertia, and realistic skeletal structures, resulting in natural movements and reactions to hits and wounds, adding depth to every sword swing and step.

SnowRunner

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Developer: Saber Interactive
Release Date: April 28, 2020
Download: Steam
While not a highly sophisticated driving simulator, SnowRunner's physics are impressive. Focused on off-road truck control, the game's mechanics are engaging. Vehicles have realistic weight and centers of mass, and the terrain reacts uniquely depending on its material. Heavy trucks can sink into mud, which behaves with its own physics, leaving tire ruts and varying in softness. Snow and water currents can also flip vehicles, making every journey challenging.

GTA IV

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Developer: Rockstar North
Release Date: April 29, 2008
Download: Rockstargames
GTA IV is synonymous with groundbreaking game physics, thanks to the Euphoria technology. This technology allowed for realistic human and vehicle dynamics. A simple shove can cause a pedestrian to fall or regain balance, and shootouts become cinematic with realistic reactions. Vehicles crumple upon impact, affecting their performance, though the game's demanding nature on hardware remains a challenge.

Euro Truck Simulator 2

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Developer: SCS Software
Release Date: October 18, 2012
Download: Steam
Euro Truck Simulator 2 offers a realistic truck driving experience. Trucks and cargo have mass and speed, influencing inertia. High-speed driving requires careful handling due to the significant momentum, and the center of mass can lead to rollovers, especially on wet roads, making it a true-to-life simulation.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020

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Developer: Asobo Studio
Release Date: August 18, 2020
Download: Steam
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 is renowned for its advanced physics. From air resistance to mass and speed, the game simulates the complexities of flying. A light Cessna feels different from a heavy Airbus, and landing requires precision to avoid stalls and nose dives. Even temperature affects gameplay at higher difficulty levels, enhancing the 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 immersive open-world RPG experience set in medieval times. Players navigate a world of conflict and chivalry, engaging in battles, exploring historically accurate Europe, and making crucial decisions. The sequel introduces an enhanced combat system, a broader world, and a deeper storyline, all while maintaining realistic storytelling and adding new engaging mechanics.

Universe Sandbox

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Developer: Giant Army
Release Date: August 24, 2015
Download: Steam
Universe Sandbox delves into cosmic physics, allowing players to experiment with the laws governing celestial bodies. From turning Jupiter into a dwarf star by increasing its mass to adding black holes or asteroid bombardments to the solar system, the game adheres to real physical principles, providing an educational yet thrilling experience.

Space Engineers

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Developer: Keen Software House
Release Date: February 28, 2019
Download: Steam
Space Engineers offers a sandbox environment with advanced physics for construction in space and on planets. In zero gravity, objects drift without air resistance, requiring players to manage power and thrusters carefully. Planets have gravitational pull, necessitating different engines for atmospheric entry and powerful thrusters for escaping orbit, adding realism to space exploration.

WRC 10

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Developer: KT Racing
Release Date: September 2, 2021
Download: Steam
WRC 10 offers a realistic rally driving experience with accurate physics. Beyond mass and speed, the game allows for detailed car tuning and tire adjustments to match different road surfaces. Each track demands specific vehicle settings, adding depth to the racing experience.

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. Players must meticulously adjust vehicle settings to handle factors like friction, air resistance, and downforce. Even minor collisions at high speeds can drastically affect performance, and tire wear is realistically simulated, making it a challenging yet rewarding experience.

Arma 3

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Developer: Bohemia Interactive
Release Date: September 12, 2013
Download: Steam
Arma 3's military simulation includes realistic physics for both characters and vehicles. Detailed skeletal structures ensure realistic movement, with mass and inertia affecting actions like running and aiming. Vehicles have unique physics models, and ballistics are meticulously simulated, adding depth to every shot fired.

Death Stranding

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Developer: Kojima Productions
Release Date: November 8, 2019
Download: Steam
Death Stranding offers a unique walking experience with advanced physics. The main character's physical attributes and detailed skeletal structure make balancing cargo challenging, especially on varied terrains. The diverse landscape and material properties make every journey a realistic and engaging simulation.

BeamNG.drive

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Developer: BeamNG
Release Date: May 29, 2015
Download: Steam
BeamNG.drive is renowned for its realistic physics in car simulations. Vehicles have hundreds of parameters, including material settings, allowing for realistic crash tests and vehicle behavior. It's not just a simulator but a playground for car enthusiasts, offering a variety of driving experiences.

In this collection, we've highlighted 15 games across various genres known for their exceptional physics. There are undoubtedly more games with impressive mechanics, character behavior, and vehicle dynamics. We'd love to hear about your favorite games in the comments!