For many gamers, in-game physics is a frequently discussed, yet often elusive, element. It's praised or criticized, but not always readily apparent. Its importance, however, is straightforward: it enhances the game's sense of realism (to a degree).
Game development often utilizes physics engines to simulate an object's mass and velocity. For characters, this extends to detailed skeletal structures and soft tissue behavior, a feature particularly appreciated by fans of female character models. This list explores top PC games showcasing exceptional physics, encompassing both simulators and 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
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- Developer: Rockstar Studios
- Release Date: October 26, 2018
- Download: Rockstargames
This consistently acclaimed game excels in its physics engine. Arthur Morgan's journey through a nascent America captivates players not just through its atmosphere, narrative, and visuals, but also its realism. "Ragdoll" physics provide lifelike character and animal movement. Falls are dynamic and believable, and injuries impact movement realistically (e.g., a leg wound results in a limp).
War Thunder
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- Developer: Gaijin Entertainment
- Release Date: August 15, 2013
- Download: Steam
Realistic physics aren't limited to single-player experiences. This online military vehicle combat game delivers a compelling sense of scale and weight, particularly noticeable in tank controls. Wheeled and tracked vehicles behave distinctly due to the physics engine's simulation of both vehicle and terrain interactions. This impacts gameplay speed; navigating challenging terrain with less capable vehicles can be significantly more difficult. Aviation also features accurate air resistance, affecting maneuverability at different altitudes. Naval combat incorporates realistic water displacement and buoyancy, with damage affecting vessel stability.
Hellish Quart
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- Developer: Kubold
- Release Date: February 16, 2021
- Download: Steam
This online fencing duel simulator prioritizes realistic body mechanics. Character models adhere to physics laws, possessing mass, inertia, and a realistic skeletal structure. Every action, from sword swings to footwork, reflects inertia, and injuries influence subsequent movements.
SnowRunner
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- Developer: Saber Interactive
- Release Date: April 28, 2020
- Download: Steam
SnowRunner, while not a hyper-realistic driving simulator, features impressive physics affecting both vehicles and terrain. The weight and center of mass of heavy trucks are realistically simulated, and varied terrain materials (mud, snow, water) exhibit unique properties. Vehicles can sink into mud, leaving tracks, and water currents can significantly impact vehicle control. Vehicle rollovers are common, influenced by the center of mass.
GTA IV
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- Developer: Rockstar North
- Release Date: April 29, 2008
- Download: Rockstargames
GTA IV is a landmark title in game physics. The Euphoria engine, borrowed from film production, created realistic character movement and interactions. Pedestrian reactions to player actions are dynamic, and vehicle collisions result in realistic damage and deformation.
Euro Truck Simulator 2
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- Developer: SCS Software
- Release Date: October 18, 2012
- Download: Steam
This truck simulator accurately simulates vehicle mass, speed, and inertia. High-speed maneuvers are challenging due to inertia, and rollovers are possible, particularly in adverse conditions.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
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- Developer: Asobo Studio
- Release Date: August 18, 2020
- Download: Steam
Microsoft Flight Simulator features advanced flight physics, including air resistance, mass, and speed. Aircraft handling varies significantly based on weight and design, and factors like air flow and temperature (on higher difficulty settings) significantly impact flight.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
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- Developer: Warhorse Studios
- Release Date: February 4, 2025
- Download: Steam
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II continues the series' commitment to realistic physics, enhancing the combat system and overall gameplay experience.
Universe Sandbox
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- Developer: Giant Army
- Release Date: August 24, 2015
- Download: Steam
This physics-based simulator allows users to manipulate celestial bodies, observing the effects based on real-world physics.
Space Engineers
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- Developer: Keen Software House
- Release Date: February 28, 2019
- Download: Steam
This space-based construction and survival simulator features realistic physics, including zero gravity and planetary gravity.
WRC 10
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- Developer: KT Racing
- Release Date: September 2, 2021
- Download: Steam
This rally racing simulator offers detailed car physics, including tire grip and surface interaction.
Assetto Corsa
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- Developer: Kunos Simulazioni
- Release Date: December 19, 2014
- Download: Steam
Assetto Corsa is known for its realistic racing physics, encompassing factors like friction, air resistance, and downforce.
Arma 3
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- Developer: Bohemia Interactive
- Release Date: September 12, 2013
- Download: Steam
Arma 3 features realistic character and vehicle physics, including detailed character movement and accurate projectile ballistics.
Death Stranding
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- Developer: Kojima Productions
- Release Date: November 8, 2019
- Download: Steam
Death Stranding incorporates realistic character physics and cargo weight, impacting movement and balance.
BeamNG.drive
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- Developer: BeamNG
- Release Date: May 29, 2015
- Download: Steam
BeamNG.drive is renowned for its highly realistic vehicle physics and damage modeling.
This list highlights 15 games with exceptional physics across various genres. Many other titles also feature noteworthy physics implementations. We welcome your suggestions in the comments!
