15 Must-Play Games with Stunning Physics for Gamers

For many gamers, the concept of physics in games is akin to a mysterious entity—often discussed, praised, or critiqued, yet not immediately visible. Why is it essential? Simply put, it enhances the believability of the game world, making it feel more real and immersive.

In game development, physics primarily revolves around an object's mass and velocity. For living entities, detailed models of skeletons and soft tissue behaviors are included, which is particularly appreciated by fans of character realism. Here, we'll explore some of 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

Red Dead Redemption 2

Developer: Rockstar Studios
Release Date: October 26, 2018
Download: Rockstargames
A staple in many gaming libraries, Red Dead Redemption 2 stands out for its exceptional physics. Arthur Morgan's journey through a burgeoning America is not only captivating due to its stunning atmosphere, narrative, and graphics but also its realism. The "ragdoll" technology ensures that human and animal bodies react realistically. A misstep can send Arthur tumbling, while shooting a bandit in the leg will make him limp or collapse, and the same applies to animals like horses.

War Thunder

Developer: Gaijin Entertainment
Release Date: August 15, 2013
Download: Steam
Not just single-player games can boast realistic physics. War Thunder, an online military vehicle action game, offers a tangible sense of controlling massive machines. Tanks feel heavy and substantial, while wheeled and tracked vehicles handle differently due to their physics and the terrain. This affects gameplay, particularly in challenging environments like snow. Similarly, aircraft and ships experience realistic physics, from air resistance affecting maneuvers to ships listing and taking on water.

Hellish Quart

Developer: Kubold
Release Date: February 16, 2021
Download: Steam
The standout feature of Hellish Quart is its realistic physics applied to virtual bodies. This fencing simulator focuses on online duels where every movement, from sword swings to steps, carries realistic inertia and impacts. The characters' models adhere to in-game physics, featuring mass, inertia, and a detailed skeletal structure, making every interaction feel authentic.

SnowRunner

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 a highly sophisticated driving simulator, its physics are impressive, extending beyond the vehicles to the terrain. Heavy trucks realistically sink into mud, which has its own physics properties. The same applies to snow and water, where strong currents can flip or carry vehicles away. The center of mass affects stability, making vehicle choice crucial for navigating rough terrain.

GTA IV

Developer: Rockstar North
Release Date: April 29, 2008
Download: Rockstargames
When discussing game physics, GTA IV is often a prime example. It set a new benchmark for realism, thanks to the Euphoria technology, which was also used in documentary filmmaking. In GTA IV, people react realistically to forces, whether pushed or shot at, and vehicles crumple and behave authentically in collisions. While the physics were groundbreaking, the hardware demands were high, impacting optimization.

Euro Truck Simulator 2

Developer: SCS Software
Release Date: October 18, 2012
Download: Steam
Euro Truck Simulator 2 is another example of a driving game with realistic physics. Trucks and cargo have mass and speed, affecting their inertia and handling. High speeds amplify this effect, making quick stops challenging. Wet roads add another layer of realism, making this a highly immersive truck driving experience.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020

Developer: Asobo Studio
Release Date: August 18, 2020
Download: Steam
Shifting from road to sky, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 offers advanced physics for aviation enthusiasts. Air resistance, mass, and speed are fundamental, but the simulation goes further, affecting takeoff, landing, and flight dynamics. Different aircraft handle uniquely, and factors like air flow and temperature add depth to the flying experience.

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 challenging medieval era. Players must navigate a world of knightly valor, political intrigue, and large-scale battles. The sequel introduces an improved combat system, an expanded world, and a detailed storyline with numerous side quests, all enhanced by realistic physics and mechanics.

Universe Sandbox

Developer: Giant Army
Release Date: August 24, 2015
Download: Steam
At the heart of the universe lies physics. Universe Sandbox allows players to experiment with these laws, from planetary dynamics to black hole behavior. You can alter the mass of planets to trigger thermonuclear reactions or simulate asteroid impacts on Earth, all governed by real physics.

Space Engineers

Developer: Keen Software House
Release Date: February 28, 2019
Download: Steam
Space Engineers is another sandbox with advanced physics, focusing on construction in space and on planets. Zero gravity affects object movement, requiring careful planning for maneuvering and braking thrusters. Planets have their own gravitational pull, necessitating different engines for atmospheric entry and powerful thrusters to escape their surface.

WRC 10

Developer: KT Racing
Release Date: September 2, 2021
Download: Steam
WRC 10 is a racing simulator that excels in realistic physics. Beyond mass and speed, factors like tire grip and road surface properties are meticulously simulated, requiring players to adjust their cars for each unique track. This level of detail makes the driving experience highly authentic.

Assetto Corsa

Developer: Kunos Simulazioni
Release Date: December 19, 2014
Download: Steam
Assetto Corsa is renowned for its serious approach to racing simulation. Everything from friction to air resistance and downforce influences vehicle performance, requiring precise adjustments. Collisions and tire wear are realistically modeled, adding to the game's challenge and realism.

Arma 3

Developer: Bohemia Interactive
Release Date: September 12, 2013
Download: Steam
Arma 3, a military simulator, features detailed physics without "ragdoll" technology. Characters move realistically, with mass and inertia affecting their actions. Vehicles have distinct physics models, and ballistics are a key feature, with bullets subject to gravity and penetrating power.

Death Stranding

Developer: Kojima Productions
Release Date: November 8, 2019
Download: Steam
Death Stranding's physics are integral to its gameplay. The main character's physical attributes and advanced skeletal model make cargo delivery in a post-apocalyptic world challenging and engaging. Balancing the weight and size of containers on diverse terrains adds depth to the walking simulator experience.

BeamNG.drive

Developer: BeamNG
Release Date: May 29, 2015
Download: Steam
BeamNG.drive is the epitome of realistic physics in car simulators. With hundreds of parameters and realistic material settings, vehicles crumple and react as they would in real life during collisions. This game is not just a simulator but a playground for enthusiasts, offering both realistic driving and crash testing.

In this curated list, we've highlighted 15 games across various genres that excel in physics. While these titles showcase some of the best in realistic mechanics, character behavior, and vehicle dynamics, there are many other worthy projects out there. We invite you to share your favorite physics-driven games in the comments below!