15 Must-Play Physics-Based Games

For many gamers, a game's physics engine is a bit like a hidden marvel—constantly discussed, praised, or criticized, yet often unseen at first glance. But its importance is undeniable: it's the secret sauce that makes a game world feel real (or at least, convincingly so). In game development, physics primarily involves an object's mass and velocity. For living creatures, this extends to detailed skeletal structures and soft tissue simulation, a feature particularly appreciated by fans of certain character designs. This list explores the best PC games showcasing impressive 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 standout. Arthur Morgan's journey through a nascent America captivates not just through stunning visuals and storytelling, but also its remarkable realism. "Ragdoll" physics make characters and animals behave incredibly lifelike. A clumsy stumble isn't a simple animation; Arthur will realistically tumble. A leg shot results in authentic limping or a fall. This realism extends to horses and other animals.

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 powerful sense of scale and weight. Tanks feel truly massive, while wheeled and tracked vehicles handle distinctly differently, influenced by both vehicle and terrain physics. This realism impacts gameplay; navigating snowy terrain in a less-than-ideal vehicle becomes a significant challenge. Similarly, aviation features realistic air resistance, affecting maneuverability at different altitudes. Naval combat is equally realistic, with water physics impacting ship stability and behavior.

Hellish Quart

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

Realistic body mechanics are central to this online fencing duel simulator. Forget over-the-top combat; human models adhere to realistic physics, possessing mass, inertia, and a natural skeletal structure. Every swing, step, and impact has inertia, and injuries affect movement, creating a nuanced and physically believable fighting experience.

SnowRunner

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

SnowRunner, while not a hyper-realistic driving simulator, boasts excellent physics, impacting both vehicles and terrain. The weight and center of mass of heavy trucks are realistically simulated, and the varied terrain materials behave differently. Trucks sink into mud realistically, with tire tracks and varying soil consistency. Water and snow also exhibit realistic properties, with strong currents capable of flipping or sweeping away vehicles. Vehicle stability is heavily influenced by the center of mass, making for challenging but rewarding gameplay.

GTA IV

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

A landmark title in game physics, GTA IV utilized the Euphoria engine, resulting in remarkably realistic character and vehicle behavior. Pedestrians react realistically to pushes, sometimes falling, sometimes regaining balance. Shootouts are dynamic and chaotic, with realistic ragdoll physics for both combatants and bystanders. Vehicle damage is equally detailed, with crumpling and deformation influencing vehicle handling. While demanding on hardware, the realism was groundbreaking for its time.

Euro Truck Simulator 2

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

Euro Truck Simulator 2 offers a realistic driving experience, with trucks and cargo possessing mass and inertia. High-speed driving necessitates careful braking, and the center of mass impacts vehicle stability, making rollovers a possibility, especially in adverse weather conditions.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020

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

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 sets a high bar for flight simulation physics. Air resistance, mass, and speed are accurately modeled, impacting aircraft handling. Larger aircraft require more skill to land, and the simulation of airflow is crucial for successful maneuvers. On higher difficulty settings, temperature also plays a role in flight dynamics.

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, enhancing the combat system and expanding the world. The realistic physics engine contributes to the immersive experience, influencing character movement and interactions within the game's environment.

Universe Sandbox

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

Universe Sandbox is a physics-based space simulator that allows players to manipulate celestial bodies and observe the effects of gravitational forces. Players can alter planetary masses, add black holes, or bombard planets with asteroids, all while observing the consequences based on realistic physical laws.

Space Engineers

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

Space Engineers is a space-based construction and survival game where physics play a crucial role in building and maneuvering spacecraft. Zero gravity, planetary gravity, and atmospheric effects all influence gameplay, requiring players to understand and account for these factors in their designs and actions.

WRC 10

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

WRC 10 offers a realistic rally racing experience with accurate car physics. Beyond basic mass and speed, tire grip and car tuning 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 is a racing simulator emphasizing realism. Friction, air resistance, and downforce all affect vehicle handling, requiring precise car setup and driving skills. Collisions result in realistic damage and performance degradation, even incorporating tire wear.

Arma 3

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

Arma 3 features realistic character and vehicle physics. Character movement is influenced by mass and inertia, and weapon weight affects aiming. Vehicles handle realistically, and ballistics are accurately modeled, with projectiles affected by gravity and air resistance.

Death Stranding

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

Death Stranding's gameplay revolves around traversing challenging terrain while carrying cargo. The realistic physics engine makes balancing and navigating difficult, adding a unique layer of challenge to the gameplay.

BeamNG.drive

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

BeamNG.drive is a driving simulator renowned for its incredibly realistic physics engine. Vehicles deform and react to collisions in a highly detailed manner, making it a popular choice for those seeking realistic crash simulations and vehicle testing.

This collection showcases 15 games from diverse genres that excel in physics simulation. Many other titles also deserve recognition for their realistic mechanics. We encourage you to share your favorites in the comments!