15 Must-Play Titles Boasting Astounding Physics for Every Gamer

For many gamers, a game's physics engine is a bit like a mysterious creature—everyone talks about it, praising or criticizing its effects, but few truly understand its underlying mechanics. Why is it even important? Simply put: believable physics significantly enhance a game's sense of realism and immersion.

In game development, physics primarily involves simulating an object's mass and velocity. For living creatures, this extends to detailed skeletal structures and soft tissue behavior, a feature particularly appreciated by fans of detailed character models. This list showcases some of the best PC games that excel in their use of physics, encompassing both dedicated simulators and popular 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

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Red Dead Redemption 2

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

A frequent highlight in game collections, Red Dead Redemption 2 boasts exceptional physics. Arthur Morgan's journey through a nascent America captivates players not only with its stunning atmosphere, compelling story, and breathtaking graphics, but also with its impressive realism. "Ragdoll" physics provide lifelike character and animal movement. A misstep results in a believable tumble, while a leg shot causes limping or a fall—the same applies to horses and other animals.

War Thunder

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

Realistic physics aren't limited to single-player experiences. This online military vehicle action game delivers a powerful sense of scale and weight, particularly noticeable when controlling tanks. The difference between tracked and wheeled vehicles is palpable, a testament to the game's detailed physics engine, which extends to the interaction between vehicles and terrain. This realism affects gameplay pace; navigating snowy terrain in a less powerful vehicle becomes a significant challenge. Similar attention to detail is present in the aviation and naval elements, with air resistance and realistic water dynamics playing crucial roles.

Hellish Quart

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

Hellish Quart's standout feature is its realistic character physics. This simplified fencing simulator focuses on online duels, where players showcase their skills. Unlike over-the-top fighting games, Hellish Quart's characters adhere to realistic physics, possessing mass, inertia, and a natural skeletal structure. Each swing, step, and hit impacts movement, creating a believable and engaging combat experience.

SnowRunner

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

SnowRunner, while not a hyper-realistic driving simulator, excels in its physics implementation, extending beyond vehicle behavior to encompass terrain interaction. The game's focus on heavy trucks in off-road conditions results in a compelling combination of mechanics. Vehicles possess realistic weight and center of mass, while terrain materials exhibit unique properties. Heavy trucks sink into mud, which is not merely a visual texture but a simulated substance with its own physics, creating realistic tire tracks and varying levels of ground resistance. This extends to snow and water, where strong currents can overturn or carry away vehicles. The center of mass plays a significant role in vehicle stability, influencing the likelihood of rollovers.

GTA IV

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

GTA IV is frequently cited for its groundbreaking physics. Rockstar's use of Euphoria technology, initially developed for documentary filmmaking, resulted in remarkably realistic character and vehicle behavior. Characters respond realistically to forces, falling convincingly when pushed and reacting dynamically to combat. Vehicle damage is detailed, with realistic crumpling and effects on drivability. While the game's demanding physics engine impacted optimization, its impact on realism was undeniable.

Euro Truck Simulator 2

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

Euro Truck Simulator 2 offers a realistic driving experience, particularly noticeable at higher speeds where inertia significantly impacts braking distance. The vehicles' centers of mass contribute to the possibility of rollovers, further enhanced by challenging conditions like wet roads. The simulation of weight and momentum adds to the challenge and realism of the game.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020

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

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 stands out for its advanced flight physics. Beyond basic air resistance, mass, and speed, the simulator considers factors like airflow and temperature, impacting takeoff, landing, and maneuverability. The simulation of stalls and the challenges of landing heavier aircraft contribute to a highly realistic and demanding flight experience.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

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

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II continues the tradition of realistic gameplay, enhancing the combat system and expanding the world. The game’s improved physics engine adds to the immersive experience, making the medieval setting feel more authentic.

Universe Sandbox

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

Universe Sandbox is a physics-based space simulator that allows players to experiment with celestial bodies and gravitational forces. Players can manipulate planets, stars, and even black holes, observing the consequences based on realistic physics. The simulator accurately models gravitational interactions, thermonuclear reactions, and other astronomical phenomena.

Space Engineers

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

Space Engineers is a space-based construction and survival game where players build structures and vehicles in zero gravity. The game's physics engine accurately simulates the effects of gravity, inertia, and propulsion, requiring players to consider these factors when designing and operating their creations.

WRC 10

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

WRC 10 is a rally racing simulator that accurately models vehicle dynamics and terrain interaction. Players must adjust their cars to account for varying road surfaces and tire grip, adding a layer of strategic depth to the gameplay.

Assetto Corsa

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

Assetto Corsa is known for its highly realistic racing simulation, featuring detailed vehicle physics that account for factors like friction, air resistance, and downforce. Even tire wear is simulated, adding to the complexity and realism of the game.

Arma 3

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

Arma 3 features realistic character and vehicle physics. Character movement is influenced by weight and inertia, while vehicles exhibit realistic handling characteristics. The game's ballistics system simulates projectile behavior accurately, incorporating factors like gravity and penetration power.

Death Stranding

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

Death Stranding's gameplay revolves around traversing varied terrain while carrying cargo. The game's physics engine simulates the weight and distribution of cargo, impacting the player's balance and movement. The realistic simulation of weight and terrain interaction adds to the challenge and immersion of the game.

BeamNG.drive

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

BeamNG.drive is a vehicle simulator renowned for its exceptionally realistic physics engine. The game simulates vehicle damage and deformation with remarkable accuracy, allowing players to experience realistic crash tests and vehicle behavior under various conditions.

This collection showcases fifteen games across various genres that exemplify excellence in game physics. Many other titles also feature impressive physics engines, and we encourage you to share your favorites in the comments!