Physics is one of the most prevalent video game mechanics and lets players engage with simulated worlds in entertaining and interesting ways.
Oftentimes, they’re designed with the intended goal of making gameplay feel as authentic as possible but can also strive to do the utter opposite.
In this list, we’ll showcase the top physics games on Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch that offer distinctive physics-driven gameplay.
By the end, we hope you’ll find at least one inventive game that catches your attention!
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JellyCar Worlds
Platform: Windows
To get started, we’re highlighting JellyCar Worlds, a classic 2D precise platformer that’s returned looking and playing better than before.
In this game, players navigate vehicles made out of jelly through obstacle courses with hazards that can only be evaded using diverse abilities.
These can range from increasing your car’s proportions to equipping it with balloons, rockets, sticky tires, and other eccentric physics-based items that will help you find each level’s exit.
We Who Are About To Die
Platform: Windows
We Who Are About To Die is an action roguelike RPG that sees you strategically fighting your way through remarkable arena battles with physics-based combat.
Doing so allows you to rise from a lowly slave to a splendid champion who’s ready to earn their freedom or at the very least, perish attempting.
However, to get there you’ll have to first master the game’s unique melee combat physics and lead your gladiator to victory using an expansive career management system.
Goat Simulator 3
Platforms: Windows, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Contrary to what its lighthearted title would have you believe, Goat Simulator 3 is actually the second entry in the hit comedy game series starring eccentric goats.
Building off of the original, it sees up to 4 players exploring a vibrant open world for the purpose of wreaking havoc everywhere they go.
To aid you in your quest, the game provides a random assortment of physics-based hijinks in the form of unique gadgets, power-ups, vehicles, and triggerable events.
SpiderHeck
Platforms: Windows, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch
Next up on our list is SpiderHeck, a 2D platform fighter in the same style as Super Smash Bros. that sees you and an opponent duking it out in fluorescent-soaked battles.
This is made even better by the fact that you control agile arachnids armed with a broad arsenal of melee weapons such as swords, spears, and lightsabers.
Combat and movement place a considerable emphasis on physics, with your spider able to dodge attacks before unleashing its own devastating barrage of blows.
BONELAB
Platform: Windows
Anyone who owns a VR headset owes it to themselves to check out BONELAB, the latest experimental physics sandbox to come out of studio Stress Level Zero.
In it, you explore an enigmatic lab filled with an assortment of weapons, enemies, challenges, and secrets that can only be revealed through extensive tomfoolery.
People who have played Stress Level’s earlier game BONEWORKS will have a good idea of what to expect, while newcomers can look forward to unforeseen physics chaos.
Teardown
Platform: Windows
If you’re looking to have some fun in an elaborate and unpredictable physics sandbox, Tuxedo Labs’ voxel heist game Teardown will do you good.
The story casts you as a construction worker carrying out increasingly questionable jobs involving stolen cars and unmatched devastation.
However, it’s the sandbox mode where Teardown truly shines, allowing you to blow objects to pieces using powerful weapons, tools, and more by the way of modding.
Besiege
Platforms: Windows, Xbox One, Mac, Linux
Besiege is a physics-driven building game that tasks you with destroying and defending medieval fortresses using intricate and highly customizable contraptions.
Like Teardown, it features a narrative mode with numerous diverse scenarios to tackle in addition to creative sandbox and multiplayer modes.
Taking things one step further, Besiege lets you share and download blueprints for every type of deadly machine you can imagine via Steam Workshop.
Noita
Platform: Windows
Blending physically simulated pixel graphics with 2D roguelike action, Noita is a standout indie title that comes courtesy of Nolla Games.
What makes this game so engrossing from a physics perspective is how the witch character’s magical attacks interact with enemies and environments
By combining different elements, you’re able to craft unique spells that have the power to burn, melt, and explode parts of the map in real time.
People Playground
Platform: Windows
Carrying on, People Playground is a sandbox PC game with physics-driven gameplay that’s equal parts entertaining and savage.
Designed for people who enjoy throwing around ragdolls but desire more precision, the game drops you in an extensive space with tons of deadly gadgets and toys at your disposal.
Dreaming up new scenarios and gruesome ways to kill your unfortunate test subjects can be quite satisfying thanks to People Playground’s in-depth physics system.
Hellish Quart
Platform: Windows
Speaking of blood and gore, Hellish Quart is another superb physics game that centers on sword combat and 3D fighting dynamics.
In it, you and an adversary take on the role of 17th-century combatants armed with a multitude of sabers, rapiers, broadswords, and other deadly weapons.
After picking your fighter, you’ll step into an arena to face off in realistic sword-to-sword combat with detailed physics and damage systems as well as laugh-inducing kill animations.
Totally Accurate Battle Simulator
Platforms: Windows, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch, Mac, iOS, Android
If you’re looking for an over-the-top physics game that doesn’t take itself too seriously, Totally Accurate Battle Simulator might just be the perfect game for you.
The primary focus here is creating and playing out your own custom battle scenarios using varied units based on both real and mythical warriors.
The mix of quasi-realistic knights and soldiers heading into battle with cavemen, witches, and magical gods is made even more delightful by the game’s unusual physics engine.
Rainbow Six Siege
Platforms: Windows, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
Even though it’s been years since Rainbow Six Siege was released, we’ve yet to see a new multiplayer shooter surpass its realistic physics.
What makes this game so remarkable is the sheer number of ways you can shape or alter the environment before and during each round of combat.
Operators can punch holes in walls using their fists, blow up ceilings with explosives to create new routes or set up defensive physical barriers to stop players from gaining entry.
Poly Bridge 2
Platforms: Windows, Linux, Mac, iOS, Android
One of the best ways for a game to demonstrate the intricacy of its custom physics system is to have you construct objects in the world.
A great example is Poly Bridge 2, which tasks you with building complex bridges to transport vehicles from one side to the other.
Sound easy enough? While the early levels are fairly uncomplicated, it’s not long before the game starts introducing new variables to account for.
Kerbal Space Program
Platforms: Windows, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Mac, Linux
Another physics game that seems tailor-made for engineers, Kerbal Space Program is a space flight sim that has you building and piloting diverse types of aircraft.
While the overarching goal is to successfully send your small eccentric crew of aliens into space, players are free to build and do whatever they want.
This can lead to some really fun Frankenstein-like creations that take advantage of the game’s complex flight maneuvers and robust physics system.
BeamNG.drive
Platform: Windows
Recent years have seen a major push for realistic driving sims that offer detailed driving mechanics and soft-body physics.
One of the best on the market continues to be BeamNG.drive, which boasts an exhaustive number of cars, parts, and maps through the use of community-made mods.
This includes numerous obstacle courses designed to show off BeamNG’s advanced physics engine while putting your driving skills to the supreme test.