15 Must-Play Titles Boasting Astounding Physics for Every Gamer

For many gamers, game physics is a mysterious element—constantly praised or criticized, yet often overlooked at first glance. But its importance is undeniable: it's the secret ingredient that breathes life and believability into a game world. In game development, physics hinges on an object's mass and speed. For living characters, it extends to detailed skeletal structures and soft tissue simulation, a feature particularly appreciated by fans of detailed character models.

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 favorite, Red Dead Redemption 2 excels in many areas, its realistic physics being a standout. Arthur Morgan's journey through a nascent America captivates not just through its stunning atmosphere, compelling narrative, and impressive visuals, but also its remarkable realism.

The game's "ragdoll" physics engine brings exceptional realism to character and animal movement. A clumsy stumble results in a believable tumble, not a mere slip. A leg shot causes realistic limping or a fall, mirroring the same realistic reactions in animals, notably horses.

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 delivers a surprisingly authentic physics engine. Unlike its competitors, War Thunder masterfully conveys the weight and handling of massive vehicles. The sheer mass of a tank is palpable, while wheeled and tracked vehicles behave distinctly due to nuanced physics affecting both the vehicles and their interaction with the terrain.

This realism impacts gameplay speed. Struggling through snowy terrain in a less-powerful vehicle becomes a true test of skill. Aviation physics are equally impressive, with air resistance affecting sharp maneuvers and altitude influencing speed and maneuverability. Naval combat sees ships realistically list and take on water, adding another layer of strategic depth.

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 focusing on online duels, Hellish Quart eschews over-the-top violence. Instead, its human models adhere to realistic physics, possessing mass, inertia, and a natural skeletal structure. Each swing, step, and impact influences the character's movement realistically.

SnowRunner

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

Advanced physics are a common feature in driving simulators, and SnowRunner is no exception. While not a hyper-realistic driving simulator, its physics are exceptional, extending beyond just the vehicles. The game's focus on heavy trucks in off-road conditions creates a unique blend of mechanics. Vehicles possess realistic weight and center of mass, while the terrain features diverse materials with unique properties.

Heavy trucks realistically sink into mud, which isn't simply a texture but a simulated material with its own physics, exhibiting ruts and varying softness. Snow and water behave similarly, with strong currents capable of capsizing vehicles. The vehicle's center of mass significantly impacts stability, leading to frequent rollovers for vehicles with high centers of gravity.

GTA IV

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

A landmark title in game physics, GTA IV set a new standard for realism. The game's use of Euphoria technology, previously employed in BBC documentaries, resulted in astonishingly realistic character movement and reactions to forces. Simple pushes could realistically knock pedestrians over or, conversely, result in them retaliating. Shootouts became spectacularly realistic displays of physics.

Vehicle physics were equally impressive, with realistic crumpling, bent fenders affecting wheel function, and collisions resulting in passengers being thrown from the vehicle. While the game's demanding physics engine impacted optimization, the level of realism was groundbreaking.

Euro Truck Simulator 2

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

Another entry in the trucking genre, Euro Truck Simulator 2 offers a thrilling driving experience, especially with tweaked settings or added mods. Trucks and cargo possess mass and speed, resulting in significant inertia at high speeds, making quick stops challenging. The realistic center of mass also leads to rollovers, particularly on wet roads.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020

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

Flight simulators often showcase advanced physics, and Microsoft Flight Simulator is a prime example. While simplified settings are available, the game's full physics engine delivers a remarkably realistic experience. Air resistance, mass, and speed are fundamental, with lighter aircraft handling differently than heavier ones. Airflow simulation is crucial for landing, with stalls and subsequent nosedives possible at low speeds. Temperature also affects gameplay on higher difficulty settings.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

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

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II continues the immersive medieval RPG experience, offering improved combat, an expanded world, and a richer storyline. The game maintains its realistic approach, adding new mechanics for a deeper, more engaging experience.

Universe Sandbox

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

Physics is fundamental to the universe. Universe Sandbox simulates these laws, allowing for wild experiments. Increase Jupiter's mass to trigger thermonuclear reactions, add a black hole to the solar system, or bombard Earth with asteroids—all based on realistic physics.

Space Engineers

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

Another sandbox with advanced physics, Space Engineers lets players build anything from bases and factories to spaceships and vehicles. Zero gravity, air resistance, and planetary gravity all impact construction and movement, requiring careful consideration of thrusters and power sources.

WRC 10

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

WRC 10, a realistic rally racing simulator, features accurate tracks and teams. Beyond its stunning visuals, the game boasts exceptional physics, including realistic mass, speed, and tire grip, which varies depending on the road surface. Even different types of dirt have unique properties, requiring adjustments for each track.

Assetto Corsa

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

Assetto Corsa is a racing simulator emphasizing realism. Friction, air resistance, and downforce all impact vehicle handling, demanding careful adjustments. Collisions result in realistic consequences, ranging from speed loss to spins and track departures. Even tire wear is simulated.

Arma 3

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

Arma 3's realistic physics engine affects character and vehicle movement. Characters have detailed skeletons and realistic inertia, while vehicles exhibit realistic handling based on their chassis. The game's ballistics system simulates projectile mass, gravity, and penetration, adding another layer of realism.

Death Stranding

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

Death Stranding's focus on traversing a post-apocalyptic landscape emphasizes realistic character physics and cargo weight. The character's physical attributes and advanced skeleton, combined with the weight and size of cargo, create a challenging and engaging walking simulator.

BeamNG.drive

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

BeamNG.drive is a king among car simulators, known for its incredibly realistic physics. Vehicles feature hundreds of parameters and realistic material properties, resulting in lifelike crumpling and damage during collisions. The game's accessibility makes it enjoyable for casual players while providing a deep sandbox for enthusiasts.

This collection highlights 15 games across various genres with exceptional physics. Many other games feature realistic mechanics, but these stand out for their attention to detail and immersive gameplay.