For many gamers, game physics is a mysterious element—often praised or criticized, yet rarely explicitly noticed. But its importance is undeniable: it's the secret ingredient that makes a game world feel real (or at least, convincingly so). In game development, physics largely boils down to an object's mass and velocity. For characters, this extends to detailed skeletal structures and soft tissue simulation, a feature particularly appreciated by fans of realistic character design.

This list explores the best PC games showcasing 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 physics being a standout. Arthur Morgan's journey across a nascent America captivates through its atmosphere, story, and visuals, but also its realism. "Ragdoll" physics provide lifelike character and animal movement. A clumsy stumble results in a believable tumble, not a simple texture slip. A leg shot causes limping or a fall, mirroring realistic reactions in animals and 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 action game delivers a powerful sense of scale and weight. Tanks feel massive, while wheeled and tracked vehicles behave distinctly due to nuanced physics applied to both vehicles and terrain. This impacts gameplay significantly. Snowy terrain can severely hinder weak vehicles, while aviation incorporates air resistance, affecting maneuverability at different altitudes. Naval combat similarly features realistic water physics, with flooding and listing impacting ship control.

Hellish Quart

Developer: Kubold
Release Date: February 16, 2021
Download: Steam

Realistic body mechanics are central to this online fencing duel simulator. Human models adhere to physics laws, possessing mass, inertia, and a realistic skeletal structure. Every swing, step, hit, and wound impacts movement, creating a nuanced and believable combat experience, far removed from the exaggerated physics of games like Mortal Kombat.

SnowRunner

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

SnowRunner, while not a hyper-realistic driving simulator, boasts excellent physics extending beyond the vehicles themselves. The game's focus on heavy trucks in off-road conditions results in a compelling blend of mechanics. Trucks possess realistic weight and center of mass, while terrain materials exhibit unique properties. Mud isn't just a texture; it has depth, creating ruts and varying in consistency. Snow and water similarly react realistically, with strong currents capable of capsizing vehicles. The center of mass significantly impacts vehicle stability, leading to frequent rollovers for taller, less balanced vehicles.

GTA IV

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

GTA IV is synonymous with realistic game physics. Its use of Euphoria technology resulted in groundbreaking realism. Characters react realistically to forces, with pushes resulting in falls or defensive reactions. Shootouts become dynamic events, and vehicle damage is detailed, with crumpling, bent fenders, and realistic ejection of occupants upon impact. While the demanding Euphoria engine impacted optimization, the level of realism was revolutionary.

Euro Truck Simulator 2

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

Euro Truck Simulator 2 offers a thrilling driving experience, enhanced by realistic physics. Trucks and cargo possess mass and inertia, making high-speed braking challenging. Centers of mass contribute to the possibility of rollovers, particularly on wet roads, creating a highly realistic simulation.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020

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

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 showcases advanced flight physics. Air resistance, mass, and speed are fundamental, with lighter aircraft behaving differently from heavier ones. Airflow simulation significantly impacts landing, with stalls and nosedives possible at low speeds. Higher difficulty settings incorporate temperature effects.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

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

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II continues the realistic approach of its predecessor, featuring improved combat, an expanded world, and a deeper storyline. The realistic physics contribute to an immersive medieval experience.

Universe Sandbox

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

Universe Sandbox is a physics-based space simulator allowing users to experiment with celestial bodies and observe the effects of gravitational forces. Increasing Jupiter's mass can trigger thermonuclear reactions, transforming it into a dwarf star. Adding a black hole to our solar system or bombarding Earth with asteroids are among the many possibilities, all governed by realistic physics.

Space Engineers

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

Space Engineers is a space construction and survival simulator where physics play a crucial role. Building in zero gravity requires careful consideration of thrusters for maneuvering and braking, while planetary gravity influences construction and vehicle operation. Atmospheric entry and orbital departure require powerful thrusters, adding a layer of realistic challenge.

WRC 10

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

WRC 10, a realistic rally racing simulator, features accurate car physics. Beyond mass and speed, tire grip and car tuning significantly impact performance, with different road surfaces and terrain types demanding adjustments for optimal handling.

Assetto Corsa

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

Assetto Corsa prioritizes realism, demanding precise car tuning to achieve optimal performance. Friction, air resistance, and downforce all influence handling, while collisions can result in significant speed loss or even spins. Even tire wear is simulated, adding to the game's depth.

Arma 3

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

Arma 3 features realistic character and vehicle physics. Characters move with mass and inertia, while weapons affect aiming. Vehicles handle realistically based on chassis and terrain, and ballistics are detailed, with bullets subject to gravity and air resistance.

Death Stranding

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

Death Stranding's gameplay emphasizes traversing varied terrain while carrying cargo. The character's physical attributes and the weight and size of the cargo create a challenging balancing act, making even short walks demanding depending on the terrain.

BeamNG.drive

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

BeamNG.drive is a standout in realistic car physics, offering detailed vehicle simulation and damage modeling. Cars crumple realistically based on material properties and collision speed, providing a highly immersive and detailed driving experience.

This collection highlights 15 games with exceptional physics across various genres. Many other titles also feature impressive physics; we encourage you to share your favorites in the comments!