Top 15 Games with Stunning Physics for Gamers

For many gamers, physics in games is like some elusive element that everyone discusses—praising or criticizing—but can't quite pinpoint at first glance. So why is it needed at all? It’s simple: it enhances the believability of the game world, making it feel more real and immersive.

In game development, physics is primarily represented by an object’s mass and speed. For living creatures, their skeletons and the behavior of soft tissues are meticulously detailed, which is especially appealing to fans of realistic character animations. In this list, we’ll explore the best PC games with advanced 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 game collections, this title boasts numerous strengths, including its impressive physics. Arthur Morgan’s journey through a burgeoning America captivates not only with its stunning atmosphere, story, and graphics but also with its realism. Thanks to the "ragdoll" technology, the bodies of people and animals react in ways that closely mimic real life. If you make an awkward misstep, Arthur won't just slide off a texture—he'll tumble down realistically. If you shoot a bandit in the leg, he won't just lose health; he'll start limping or fall over. The same realism applies to animals, such as horses.

War Thunder

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Developer: Gaijin Entertainment
Release Date: August 15, 2013
Download: Steam

Realistic physics aren't exclusive to single-player games. This online military vehicle action game impresses with its mechanics. Unlike its main competitor, War Thunder conveys the sensation of controlling multi-ton machines. When you see a tank on your screen, you truly feel its massive weight. Wheeled vehicles differ significantly from tracked ones due to the physics of both the vehicles and the materials they interact with.

This affects the game's pace. If you're stuck in snowy terrain with a weak vehicle, you'll struggle to move. The same applies to aviation, with air resistance playing a crucial role; a sharp maneuver can result in losing wings. At lower altitudes, speed increases, while higher altitudes enhance maneuverability. Ships also adhere to physics; if a compartment floods, the vessel will list and take on more water, and a tight turn can cause a multi-ton ship to tilt to one side.

Hellish Quart

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

The standout feature of this game is the realistic behavior of virtual bodies. It's a simplified fencing simulator focused on online duels where two characters engage in combat, showcasing your skills. Unlike the over-the-top action of Mortal Kombat, Hellish Quart prioritizes realism.

The human models here adhere to in-game physics, with mass and inertia, and a normal skeleton rather than a set of blocks. As a result, every sword swing or step carries inertia, and every hit or wound impacts the character's movement.

SnowRunner

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

Developers often incorporate advanced physics into car simulators. Although SnowRunner isn't a highly sophisticated driving simulator, its physics are exceptional, applying not just to the vehicles. Focused on controlling heavy trucks in off-road conditions, the game features a fascinating combination of mechanics. The vehicles have realistic weight and center of mass, and the terrain consists of different materials with unique properties.

A heavy truck will literally sink into the mud, which isn't just a texture but has its own physics: tire ruts remain, and the ground varies in softness and viscosity. The same applies to snow and water, where a strong river current can flip your vehicle or carry it away. Due to the centers of mass, trucks and trailers often flip over, with vehicle height and width playing crucial roles.

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 created a sensation and set a new benchmark for realism in games, thanks to the unique Euphoria technology, also used by the BBC for documentary films.

In GTA IV, the physics were groundbreaking. People moved and reacted to forces in a lifelike manner. A simple shove could make a passerby fall realistically or regain their balance and retaliate. Shootouts became spectacular action scenes.

These features extended to vehicles as well. Cars crumpled realistically, a bent fender could block a wheel, and in collisions, the driver and passengers were realistically thrown from the car and rolled along the asphalt. The only downside was the optimization; Euphoria was so demanding that the game still isn't fully optimized.

Euro Truck Simulator 2

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

Returning to truck driving, Euro Truck Simulator 2 is a must-mention. While you won't be slogging through mud, you can still experience thrilling drives, especially with tweaked settings or mods.

Trucks and cargo have mass and speed, introducing inertia into the mix. At high speeds, stopping such a heavy vehicle quickly becomes challenging. The models also have centers of mass, making rollovers a possibility. Add wet roads in the rain, and you have a highly realistic truck simulator.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020

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

Shifting from ground to air, flight simulators also boast advanced physics, with Microsoft Flight Simulator being the pinnacle. While you can disable complex features for a simpler experience, true enthusiasts will want to maximize the physics.

Air resistance, mass, and speed are fundamental, no longer surprising anyone. A light Cessna takes off and lands like a feather, whereas lifting a heavy Airbus is more complex. Landing is a challenging quest for players, with air flow simulation playing a significant role. Insufficient speed can lead to a "stall," causing the plane to drop and spin into a nose dive. At higher difficulty settings, temperature also affects gameplay.

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. This time demands not only strength and agility but also strategic thinking, diplomacy, and loyalty to one's cause.

As a brave hero, your fate intertwines with the great events of the age. You'll fight for your place in this world, participate in large-scale battles, explore historically accurate Europe, and make pivotal decisions.

The second installment introduces many innovations: an improved combat system, an expanded world, a more detailed storyline campaign, and numerous side quests. The developers have maintained the realistic storytelling approach, adding new mechanics that deepen and enhance the gameplay experience.

Universe Sandbox

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

Physics is at the core of the universe. Planets don't fly away from the Sun due to gravitational forces. Black holes are dangerous because their massive gravity prevents even light from escaping. Universe Sandbox models these physical laws, allowing for wild experiments.

For instance, adding mass to Jupiter can initiate thermonuclear reactions, turning it into a dwarf star. You could add a black hole to our solar system or bombard Earth with asteroids, 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 another sandbox with advanced physics. Space Engineers is a construction simulator in space and on planets with survival elements. You can build anything—from bases and mining factories to spaceships and ground vehicles. There's complete freedom of creativity, limited only by physics and basic engineering principles.

In space, zero gravity means objects won't encounter air resistance and will drift away. Without maneuvering and braking thrusters, your ship can only move forward without stopping. All equipment requires power sources.

Planets have their own gravitational pull, requiring different engines for atmospheric entry. Powerful thrusters are needed to leave a planet's surface; otherwise, gravity will prevent you from reaching orbit.

WRC 10

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

Returning to driving simulators, WRC 10 offers the real deal—World Rally Championship racing with recreated tracks and teams. Beyond its stunning graphics, this simulator excels in physics.

Mass and speed are accurately modeled, but other factors also influence your driving. You can tweak the car's internals and tire grip, essential because each road surface has unique properties. Even different types of dirt have distinct features, requiring individual car adjustments for each track.

Assetto Corsa

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

This racing simulator is geared toward serious realism. Unlike the casual experience of NFS, everything here is authentic. To succeed in Assetto Corsa, you need to master the car settings, as physics heavily influence your vehicle—from friction to air resistance and downforce.

Even on paved tracks, you'll battle not only your opponents but also your car. A minor collision at high speed can cause you to lose speed or spin out and crash. Tire wear is also implemented, a significant indicator of realism in video games.

Arma 3

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

We can't overlook the military simulator Arma 3. While it doesn't use "ragdoll" technology, its physics are accurate. Detailed skeletons allow characters to move realistically, with mass and inertia. Transitioning from running to walking isn't instant, and the weight of your weapon affects aiming. Characters have numerous stances relative to the ground, reflecting real-life movement.

Vehicles have their own physics model, with chassis affecting off-road capability and speed, mass, and suspension sway. Air vehicles are well-handled, and a key feature for a shooter is ballistics. Bullets have penetrating power and mass, subject to gravity and not flying straight indefinitely.

Death Stranding

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

Not everyone grasped the genius of this game by a visionary developer, but we'll save that discussion for later. We're here to focus on the physics. In Death Stranding, you'll do a lot of walking, easily hitting your daily step goal. Surprisingly, delivering cargo in a post-apocalyptic world is enjoyable. Even if the plot seems too complex, the graphics and physics are impressive.

To prevent players from getting bored during long treks, the developers gave the main character physical attributes and an advanced skeleton. Cargo has weight and size, requiring balance to avoid falling. Even short walks with containers on your back can be challenging, depending on the terrain. The landscape is diverse, with materials having distinct properties, making it a true walking simulator.

BeamNG.drive

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

When it comes to physics, BeamNG.drive is the king among car simulators. Its realism is mind-blowing. If you've ever wanted to test a car's durability, this is the place. Each vehicle has hundreds of parameters, including realistic material settings. The car body will crumple just like in real life, depending on part strength and collision speed.

Despite its realism, BeamNG.drive isn't a hardcore simulator; anyone can jump in and drive around. It's not just a game—it's an entire playground. Enthusiasts host online races on specialized tracks and add new vehicles.

In this collection, we've listed 15 games across various genres with the best 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!