For many gamers, the physics in games can seem like a mysterious element that's often discussed but not immediately noticeable. However, its importance cannot be overstated as it significantly enhances the immersion and realism of the gaming world, making the experience more believable and engaging.
In game development, physics is primarily concerned with an object's mass and speed. For living characters, detailed skeletons and the behavior of soft tissues are modeled, which is particularly appreciated by fans of realistic character animations. In this article, we'll explore the best PC games known for their exceptional physics, covering a range from simulators to popular mainstream titles.
Table of Contents
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Developer: Rockstar Studios
Release Date: October 26, 2018
Download: Rockstargames
Red Dead Redemption 2 is a frequent highlight in gaming collections, renowned for its immersive physics. The adventures of Arthur Morgan in a burgeoning America are not only captivating due to its rich atmosphere, compelling story, and stunning graphics but also due to its realistic physics. The "ragdoll" technology ensures that the bodies of characters and animals react in a lifelike manner. For instance, if Arthur stumbles, he won't simply slip; he'll tumble realistically. Similarly, shooting a bandit in the leg will cause them to limp or fall, reflecting the impact of the injury.
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Developer: Gaijin Entertainment
Release Date: August 15, 2013
Download: Steam
War Thunder, an online military vehicle action game, showcases impressive physics that contribute to its realism. Unlike its competitors, War Thunder excels in conveying the sensation of controlling heavy machinery. Whether it's tanks, which feel massive and imposing, or the distinct handling of wheeled versus tracked vehicles, the physics system accounts for the materials and terrain, influencing gameplay dynamics. The game's physics also affect air and naval combat, simulating air resistance, water dynamics, and the impact of damage on ships.
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Developer: Kubold
Release Date: February 16, 2021
Download: Steam
Hellish Quart stands out with its realistic physics applied to character movements. This fencing simulator focuses on online duels, where every sword swing and step carries inertia, and each hit or wound impacts the character's movement. The human models in the game adhere to the laws of physics, featuring mass, inertia, and detailed skeletons, resulting in a highly realistic combat experience.
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Developer: Saber Interactive
Release Date: April 28, 2020
Download: Steam
SnowRunner is known for its advanced physics, particularly in its off-road driving mechanics. While not a highly sophisticated driving simulator, it excels in simulating the behavior of heavy trucks across varied terrains. The game's physics system accounts for the weight and center of mass of vehicles, as well as the unique properties of different terrains like mud, snow, and water. This results in realistic vehicle dynamics, where a truck can sink into mud or be overturned by strong currents.
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Developer: Rockstar North
Release Date: April 29, 2008
Download: Rockstargames
GTA IV set a new standard for realism in video games, largely due to its groundbreaking physics system powered by Euphoria technology. The game's physics are evident in the realistic movement of characters and vehicles. A simple push can cause a pedestrian to fall or regain balance, and shootouts are transformed into dynamic action scenes. Vehicles crumple realistically, and collisions can result in passengers being thrown from cars, adding to the game's immersive experience.
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Developer: SCS Software
Release Date: October 18, 2012
Download: Steam
Euro Truck Simulator 2 is renowned for its realistic truck driving physics. The game simulates mass, speed, and inertia, making high-speed driving a challenging yet rewarding experience. The physics also account for the center of mass, leading to realistic rollovers, especially on wet roads or with modified settings and mods.
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Developer: Asobo Studio
Release Date: August 18, 2020
Download: Steam
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 is celebrated for its advanced flight physics. The game simulates air resistance, mass, and speed, allowing for realistic takeoffs and landings. From a light Cessna to a heavy Airbus, the physics system accurately models the behavior of different aircraft. Airflow simulation is crucial for managing stalls and ensuring a challenging yet rewarding flying experience.
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Developer: Warhorse Studios
Release Date: February 4, 2025
Download: Steam
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II continues the legacy of its predecessor with an even more refined physics system. Set in a harsh medieval world, the game features an improved combat system and expanded world, all underpinned by realistic physics. The detailed storytelling and new mechanics enhance the immersion, making the game world feel more alive and engaging.
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Developer: Giant Army
Release Date: August 24, 2015
Download: Steam
Universe Sandbox is a unique simulator that models the physics of the universe. Players can experiment with celestial bodies, observing the effects of mass and gravity. For example, increasing Jupiter's mass can trigger thermonuclear reactions, turning it into a dwarf star. The game allows for wild experiments, all governed by real physical laws.
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Developer: Keen Software House
Release Date: February 28, 2019
Download: Steam
Space Engineers is a sandbox game with advanced physics, focusing on construction in space and on planets. The game simulates zero gravity, requiring players to consider maneuvering and braking thrusters for spacecraft. Planets have their own gravitational pull, necessitating different engines for atmospheric entry and powerful thrusters to escape orbit.
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Developer: KT Racing
Release Date: September 2, 2021
Download: Steam
WRC 10, a racing simulator based on the World Rally Championship, boasts excellent physics. The game accurately simulates mass and speed, but also accounts for tire grip and road surface properties. Players must adjust their cars for each track, considering the unique characteristics of different terrains.
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Developer: Kunos Simulazioni
Release Date: December 19, 2014
Download: Steam
Assetto Corsa is renowned for its serious approach to racing physics. The game simulates friction, air resistance, and downforce, requiring players to fine-tune their vehicles. Even minor collisions at high speeds can result in significant consequences, and tire wear is meticulously modeled, adding to the game's realism.
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Developer: Bohemia Interactive
Release Date: September 12, 2013
Download: Steam
Arma 3, a military simulator, features realistic physics in character movements and vehicle dynamics. Detailed skeletons ensure characters move with mass and inertia, while vehicles have distinct physics models based on their chassis. The game's ballistics system accounts for gravity and penetration, making every shot feel impactful.
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Developer: Kojima Productions
Release Date: November 8, 2019
Download: Steam
Death Stranding's physics system enhances its unique gameplay, focusing on cargo delivery in a post-apocalyptic world. The main character's physical attributes and detailed skeleton are crucial for balancing loads across diverse terrains. The game's physics make even short walks challenging, adding depth to the walking simulator genre.
Image: store.steampowered.com
Developer: BeamNG
Release Date: May 29, 2015
Download: Steam
BeamNG.drive is celebrated for its realistic vehicle physics, particularly in crash simulations. Each vehicle has hundreds of parameters, ensuring that collisions and damage are modeled with high accuracy. The game is accessible yet deeply engaging, serving as a playground for enthusiasts who enjoy testing vehicle durability and hosting online races.
In this collection, we've highlighted 15 games across various genres that excel in their physics systems. While there are many other games with commendable physics, we invite you to share your favorites in the comments section below!
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