For many gamers, a game's physics engine is a bit like a mysterious creature – everyone talks about it, praising or criticizing its impact, but it's not always immediately apparent. So, why is it even necessary? Simply put: it significantly enhances the game world's believability, creating a more immersive experience.
In game development, physics primarily involves an object's mass and velocity. For living characters, this extends to detailed skeletal structures and soft tissue simulation, a feature particularly appreciated by fans of certain character designs. This list showcases the best PC games boasting exceptional physics, encompassing both dedicated 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
Developer: Rockstar Studios
Release Date: October 26, 2018
Download: Rockstargames
A frequent contender in best-of lists, Red Dead Redemption 2 excels in many areas, its physics engine being a key strength. Arthur Morgan's journey through a nascent America captivates players not only with its stunning atmosphere, compelling narrative, and breathtaking visuals, but also its remarkable realism.
The game's "ragdoll" physics system delivers lifelike character and animal movement. A misstep results in a believable tumble, while a leg shot leads to realistic limping or a fall. This extends to animals, such as horses, enhancing immersion.
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 combat game showcases impressive physics. Unlike its competitors, War Thunder masterfully conveys the weight and feel of controlling massive machines. Tanks feel truly substantial, while wheeled vehicles handle distinctly differently from tracked vehicles due to realistic physics applied to both the vehicles and the terrain.
This realism impacts gameplay pace. Struggling through snowy terrain with a weak vehicle becomes a significant challenge, and the same applies to aviation and naval combat, with air resistance and realistic water dynamics affecting maneuverability and ship stability.
Hellish Quart
Developer: Kubold
Release Date: February 16, 2021
Download: Steam
This game's defining feature is its realistic character physics. A simplified fencing simulator focused on online duels, Hellish Quart emphasizes skill-based combat. Unlike hyper-stylized fighting games, the human models adhere to realistic physics, possessing mass, inertia, and a natural skeletal structure. This results in weighty swings, impactful hits, and realistic responses to injuries.
SnowRunner
Developer: Saber Interactive
Release Date: April 28, 2020
Download: Steam
Advanced physics are frequently a highlight of driving simulators. While not the most sophisticated driving simulator, SnowRunner boasts excellent physics extending beyond the vehicles themselves. The game's focus on heavy trucks in off-road conditions creates a compelling blend of mechanics. Trucks have realistic weight and center of mass, while the terrain features varied materials with unique properties.
This means heavy trucks realistically sink into mud, which isn't just a texture, but a simulated substance with its own physics. The same applies to snow and water, with strong currents posing a real threat. The truck's center of mass significantly impacts stability, leading to frequent rollovers, adding to the challenge.
GTA IV
Developer: Rockstar North
Release Date: April 29, 2008
Download: Rockstargames
Discussions of game physics often include GTA IV. This Rockstar title set a new standard for realism, utilizing the Euphoria technology, previously used in BBC documentaries. Pedestrians react realistically to interactions, falling convincingly or fighting back. Shootouts become spectacular events with lifelike reactions.
Vehicle physics are equally impressive, with realistic crumpling, damage affecting handling, and passengers being ejected in collisions. While the Euphoria engine's demands initially impacted optimization, the game's physics remain a landmark achievement.
Euro Truck Simulator 2
Developer: SCS Software
Release Date: October 18, 2012
Download: Steam
Another trucking simulator, Euro Truck Simulator 2 offers a different kind of challenge. While lacking the mud-slinging of SnowRunner, the game's physics engine creates tense moments, especially with tweaked settings or mods. Trucks and cargo possess mass and inertia, making high-speed braking difficult. The center of mass also plays a crucial role, leading to potential rollovers, especially on wet roads.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
Developer: Asobo Studio
Release Date: August 18, 2020
Download: Steam
Flight simulators also benefit from advanced physics, and Microsoft Flight Simulator is a prime example. While simplified settings are available, maximizing the physics engine reveals its depth. Air resistance, mass, and velocity are fundamental, with lighter aircraft handling differently than heavier ones. Airflow simulation significantly impacts landing, with stalls posing a serious threat at low speeds.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
Developer: Warhorse Studios
Release Date: February 4, 2025
Download: Steam
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II continues the immersive open-world RPG experience set in a brutal medieval era. The game demands strategic thinking, diplomacy, and combat prowess. Players embody a hero whose fate is intertwined with historical events, engaging in battles, exploration, and impactful decision-making.
The sequel introduces improvements to combat, expands the world, and deepens the narrative with enhanced mechanics.
Universe Sandbox
Developer: Giant Army
Release Date: August 24, 2015
Download: Steam
Physics is fundamental to the universe. Universe Sandbox simulates these laws, allowing players to conduct experiments. Increasing Jupiter's mass triggers thermonuclear reactions, transforming it into a dwarf star. Adding a black hole to the solar system or bombarding Earth with asteroids are just some possibilities, all governed by realistic physics.
Space Engineers
Developer: Keen Software House
Release Date: February 28, 2019
Download: Steam
Another sandbox with advanced physics, Space Engineers allows players to build anything from bases and spaceships to vehicles. Zero gravity impacts construction, requiring thrusters for maneuvering. Planets have gravity, affecting atmospheric entry and takeoff, adding realism to the construction and exploration.
WRC 10
Developer: KT Racing
Release Date: September 2, 2021
Download: Steam
WRC 10, a realistic rally racing simulator, features actual championships, tracks, and teams. Beyond its stunning visuals, the game boasts excellent physics. Beyond mass and velocity, factors like car tuning and tire grip significantly impact performance on varied surfaces, demanding strategic adjustments for each track.
Assetto Corsa
Developer: Kunos Simulazioni
Release Date: December 19, 2014
Download: Steam
Assetto Corsa prioritizes realism. Success requires mastering car settings, as friction, air resistance, and downforce all influence handling. Collisions at high speeds can result in significant speed loss or even spins, and even tire wear is simulated, adding to the game's authenticity.
Arma 3
Developer: Bohemia Interactive
Release Date: September 12, 2013
Download: Steam
Arma 3's physics engine delivers realistic character and vehicle movement. Characters move with mass and inertia, affecting aiming and transitions between movements. Vehicles handle differently based on their chassis, and ballistics are realistic, with projectiles affected by gravity and penetration.
Death Stranding
Developer: Kojima Productions
Release Date: November 8, 2019
Download: Steam
Death Stranding's unique gameplay involves extensive walking and cargo delivery. The main character has realistic physical attributes, and cargo weight and size impact balance. The varied terrain and material properties enhance the challenge and immersion.
BeamNG.drive
Developer: BeamNG
Release Date: May 29, 2015
Download: Steam
BeamNG.drive is renowned for its realistic physics. Vehicles have hundreds of parameters, including realistic material properties, resulting in lifelike crumpling and damage. It's a popular platform for enthusiasts hosting races and adding custom vehicles.
This collection highlights 15 games with exceptional physics across various genres. Many other titles deserve recognition for their realistic mechanics. We welcome your suggestions in the comments!
