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For many gamers, physics in games is like a mysterious entity that everyone talks about—either praising or critiquing—yet it's often hard to pinpoint at first glance. So, why is it essential? It's straightforward: physics enhances the believability of the game world, making it feel more real, even if just partially.
In game development, physics primarily revolves around an object's mass and speed. For living creatures, detailed skeletons and soft tissue behavior are modeled, which is particularly appealing to fans of character realism. In this list, we'll explore the best PC games known for their physics, covering not only simulators but also 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
A staple in many gaming collections, Red Dead Redemption 2 stands out for its physics. Arthur Morgan's journey through a burgeoning America is not only captivating due to its immersive atmosphere, compelling story, and stunning graphics but also its realism. Thanks to "ragdoll" technology, the bodies of people and animals react realistically. If Arthur missteps, he won't just slide off a surface; he'll tumble realistically. Shooting a bandit in the leg results in them limping or falling, and the same applies to animals like horses.
War Thunder
Image: store.steampowered.com
Developer: Gaijin Entertainment
Release Date: August 15, 2013
Download: Steam
Realistic physics aren't limited to single-player games. War Thunder, an online military vehicle action game, showcases impressive physics. Unlike its main competitor, it captures the sensation of controlling heavy machinery. Tanks feel massive, and the physics differentiate wheeled from tracked vehicles, influenced by the terrain's materials. This impacts gameplay, especially in challenging environments like snow, where weaker vehicles struggle. Aviation physics include air resistance, affecting maneuverability at different altitudes, while ships can list and take on water if damaged.
Hellish Quart
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Developer: Kubold
Release Date: February 16, 2021
Download: Steam
The standout feature of Hellish Quart is its realistic body physics. This simplified fencing simulator focuses on online duels, where two characters engage in combat, showcasing your skills. Unlike the over-the-top action of games like Mortal Kombat, Hellish Quart's human models adhere to in-game physics, with mass, inertia, and a realistic skeleton. Every sword swing and step has inertia, and hits or wounds affect movement realistically.
SnowRunner
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Developer: Saber Interactive
Release Date: April 28, 2020
Download: Steam
Developers often enhance car simulators with advanced physics, and SnowRunner is no exception. While not a highly sophisticated driving simulator, its physics are excellent, extending beyond just the vehicles. Focused on controlling heavy trucks in off-road conditions, the game features realistic weight and center of mass, with terrain materials having unique properties. Heavy trucks can sink into mud, which has its own physics, including tire ruts and varying softness. Snow and water also affect gameplay, with strong currents capable of flipping or carrying vehicles away.
GTA IV
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Developer: Rockstar North
Release Date: April 29, 2008
Download: Rockstargames
When discussing game physics, GTA IV often comes to mind. This Rockstar project set a new standard for realism, thanks to the unique Euphoria technology, also used by the BBC for documentary films. In GTA IV, people move and react to forces realistically. A simple shove can cause a passerby to fall or regain balance and retaliate. Shootouts become spectacular action scenes. Vehicles crumple realistically, with bent fenders potentially blocking wheels, and collisions can throw occupants from the car. The only downside was the demanding hardware requirements, which still affect optimization.
Euro Truck Simulator 2
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Developer: SCS Software
Release Date: October 18, 2012
Download: Steam
Euro Truck Simulator 2 is another truck driving game that can't be overlooked. While you won't be navigating through mud, the game can still be thrilling, especially with tweaked settings or mods. Trucks and cargo have mass and speed, leading to realistic inertia. At high speeds, stopping quickly is challenging, and rollovers can occur due to the center of mass. Wet roads in the rain add to the realism, making it a highly immersive truck simulator.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
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Developer: Asobo Studio
Release Date: August 18, 2020
Download: Steam
Moving from ground to air, flight simulators also feature advanced physics, with Microsoft Flight Simulator leading the pack. While you can disable complex features for casual flying, the game's full physics experience is unparalleled. Basics like air resistance, mass, and speed are standard, but the simulation of air flow adds complexity. A light Cessna flies differently from a heavy Airbus, and landing can be challenging due to potential stalls. High difficulty settings even account for temperature effects.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II
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Developer: Warhorse Studios
Release Date: February 4, 2025
Download: Steam
Kingdom Come: Deliverance II continues the epic open-world RPG set in a harsh medieval era. Players must navigate ruthless clashes, knightly valor, and intrigue, requiring strength, agility, strategic thinking, diplomacy, and loyalty. As a brave hero, you'll fight for your place in the world, participate in large-scale battles, explore historically accurate Europe, and make pivotal decisions. The sequel introduces an improved combat system, an expanded world, a more detailed storyline, and numerous side quests, all while maintaining a realistic storytelling approach and adding new mechanics for deeper engagement.
Universe Sandbox
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Developer: Giant Army
Release Date: August 24, 2015
Download: Steam
Physics is fundamental to the universe, and Universe Sandbox models these laws, allowing for wild experiments. Planets are held in orbit by the Sun's mass, and black holes are dangerous due to their immense gravity. In the simulator, you can increase Jupiter's mass to trigger thermonuclear reactions, turning it into a dwarf star, or add a black hole to our solar system. You can even bombard Earth with asteroids and observe the results, all governed by real physical laws.
Space Engineers
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Developer: Keen Software House
Release Date: February 28, 2019
Download: Steam
Before leaving outer space, let's mention Space Engineers, another sandbox with advanced physics. This simulator allows construction in space and on planets with survival elements, offering complete creative freedom. In zero gravity, objects drift without air resistance, requiring maneuvering and braking thrusters on ships. Planets have their own gravity, necessitating different engines for atmospheric entry and powerful thrusters to escape the surface.
WRC 10
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Developer: KT Racing
Release Date: September 2, 2021
Download: Steam
Returning to driving simulators, WRC 10 features real rally championships with recreated tracks and teams. Beyond its beautiful graphics, the game boasts excellent physics. Mass and speed are accurately modeled, but other factors like car internals and tire grip also affect driving. Each road surface has unique properties, requiring adjustments for different types of dirt and other conditions.
Assetto Corsa
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Developer: Kunos Simulazioni
Release Date: December 19, 2014
Download: Steam
Assetto Corsa is a racing simulator focused on serious realism. Success requires meticulous car settings adjustments, as everything from friction to air resistance and downforce impacts performance. Races occur on paved tracks, but you'll battle not only opponents but also your car. Minor collisions at high speeds can cause speed loss or spins, and even tire wear is simulated, marking it as a highly realistic game.
Arma 3
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Developer: Bohemia Interactive
Release Date: September 12, 2013
Download: Steam
Arma 3, a military simulator, features realistic physics without "ragdoll" technology. Detailed skeletons ensure characters move with mass and inertia, making transitions from running to walking realistic. Weapon weight affects aiming, and characters have numerous stances. Vehicles have unique physics models, with ground vehicles varying in off-road capability and speed, and air vehicles handled well. Ballistics are a key feature, with bullets subject to gravity and having penetrating power.
Death Stranding
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Developer: Kojima Productions
Release Date: November 8, 2019
Download: Steam
Death Stranding, a game by the visionary Hideo Kojima, features impressive physics. Players spend much time walking, delivering cargo in a post-apocalyptic world. The main character has physical attributes and an advanced skeleton, with cargo affecting balance and movement. The diverse landscape and material properties make it a true walking simulator, keeping the experience engaging despite the long treks.
BeamNG.drive
Image: store.steampowered.com
Developer: BeamNG
Release Date: May 29, 2015
Download: Steam
BeamNG.drive is renowned for its realistic physics in car simulations. It's perfect for testing a car's durability, simulating real-life crash tests. Each vehicle has hundreds of parameters, including realistic material settings, resulting in accurate crumpling upon collision. While not a hardcore simulator, it's accessible and fun, serving as a playground for enthusiasts who host online races and add new vehicles.
In this collection, we've highlighted 15 games across various genres known for their exceptional physics. There are certainly other worthy projects with realistic mechanics, character behavior, and vehicle dynamics. We'd love to hear about your favorite games in the comments!
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