Note: All games listed on this site must pass all requirements before they can be listed.
FREE Physics Sandbox Games:
Includes various 'games' that use physics simulations. Many allow users to create their own contraptions or just experiment with various ideas. Includes physics toys, physics simulators, rube goldberg games, physics sandbox etc..
Blockyard (~96.5MB) [W]
It's not street legal!
Blockyard allows players to build whatever contraption they desire using basic building blocks (see pic). The player lives in a surreal world with floating islands and even features a gremlin!
Note:
1. This game is a work-in-progress and certain features like the ability to save have not been implemented yet, but are probably on the way.
2. There is also an online version that can be played but required the unity web player.
3. There is no help file but players should find it easy to navigate the world.
Note:
1. This game is a work-in-progress and certain features like the ability to save have not been implemented yet, but are probably on the way.
2. There is also an online version that can be played but required the unity web player.
3. There is no help file but players should find it easy to navigate the world.
Crayon Physics(~5MB)
Simple but short physics based game, where the goal of every level is to move the red ball/circle so that it touch the star(s). You can use your mouse to create blocks or sticks to get your circle to the star(s).
Note: This is a very short game, only 7 levels. Some people may confuse this game for Crayon Physics deluxe where you can create far more objects in the game.
The developer has created a new version with much more functionality as a commercial product called Crayon Physics Deluxe.
Note: This is a very short game, only 7 levels. Some people may confuse this game for Crayon Physics deluxe where you can create far more objects in the game.
The developer has created a new version with much more functionality as a commercial product called Crayon Physics Deluxe.
(Dax) Phyz(9.73MB)[W]
Another powerful 2.5D (?) Physics simulator. With Dax Phyz you can simulate soft body as well as rigid body dynamics. It has a host of features many of which are not available in other programs. Some of the main features include:
Dax Phyz Wikipedia Page
- Deformable and breakable objects (in soft body dynamics) with sound!
- Ability to edit the properties of objects/materials at the molecular level.
- Import bitmaps to use in simulations.
- Supports programming using Phyzlizp are variation of the Lisp programming language. (Separate download)
- Supports Metaballic effects, make materials looks more realistic, requires a good graphics card for the metaballic effect.
- Uses Stochastic algorithms which means that simulations will never yield exactly the same results. (Full Features List)
Dax Phyz Wikipedia Page
Golems(~12MB) Open Source [WML]
Powerful 3D 'Universal Constructor' that allows users to create complex 3D contraptions. Create cars, robots almost anything your heart desires! (pic from site)
Note:
1.Make sure to read the manual.
2.Requires a graphics card that supports opengl (1.2 or above?)
3. Requires Java 5 or above.
Fun-Motion's thread for Golems (Note it's old, ie 2008)
Note:
1.Make sure to read the manual.
2.Requires a graphics card that supports opengl (1.2 or above?)
3. Requires Java 5 or above.
Fun-Motion's thread for Golems (Note it's old, ie 2008)
Incredibots 2 Jaybit edition(~3MB)
I'm making a tractor
Well known contraption building game made in flash that was recently revived. You can use motors, pistons,thrusters and even canons! Includes various challenges to achieve as well a tutorial mode.
Note you can play online or download the game if you wish. And newer versions may be out soon with more features.
Note you can play online or download the game if you wish. And newer versions may be out soon with more features.
Laputan Blueprints (~20MB)
Laputan Blueprints is the successor of the RigidChips (listed below on this page, but no longer being improved), and allows users to create almost any kind of 3D vehicle or contraption, although it is more focused on vehicle building. The vehicles can be used on water, land or in the air. Luptan Blueprints has many improvements over RigidChips and the key improvements include:
1. Laputan Blueprints needs a more modern computer to run on that has support for OpenGL, For older systems RigidChips is recommended.
2. Laputan Blueprints and RigidChips are not compatible, ie contraptions made in one program cannot work on the other (except for Land).
3. Even with the built-in editor, Laputan Blueprints like its predecessor, is more complicated to use than other physics 'games' on this page. It requires time and patience to use this program, but the results are often worth it!
Non-official Laputan Blueprints Forum
- Built in editor, which includes the ability to change the type of materials being used (eg Wood, metal, plastic rubber etc..)
- Models are now made up of blocks and/or cylinders of any size or shape (compared to fixed size and shape 'chips' of RigidChips)
- Graphics of both the contraptions and the program have significantly increased.
1. Laputan Blueprints needs a more modern computer to run on that has support for OpenGL, For older systems RigidChips is recommended.
2. Laputan Blueprints and RigidChips are not compatible, ie contraptions made in one program cannot work on the other (except for Land).
3. Even with the built-in editor, Laputan Blueprints like its predecessor, is more complicated to use than other physics 'games' on this page. It requires time and patience to use this program, but the results are often worth it!
Non-official Laputan Blueprints Forum
Numpty Physics (~780KB)
Numpty Physics is a game that basically is a cross between Crayon Physics (above) and Crayon Physics Deluxe (commercial) in terms of features and gameplay, for example you can create a pendulum with Numpty and Crayons physics Deluxe, but not with Crayons Physics. It also has more than 30 levels, plus a level editor to make your own! The goal is the same, get the red ball/circle to the star(s) to get to the next level.
Note: It is not as intuitive as Crayon physics, eg you have to press e on your keyboard to access the level editor as the game itself does not indicate that there even is an editor.
"Basic Keyboard controls:
stylus: draw a new stroke
space or enter (d-pad centre): pause/unpause physics
esc: (back arrow)undo last stroke
q :quit
r or up: reset level to initial state
n: or right :skip to next level
p or left: go to previous level
e or fullscreen: edit mode
Hints: Each stroke is like a rigid piece of wire with a mass proportional to its length. A closed stroke is just a wire bent into a shape, it has no substance apart from its perimeter.
The ends of a strokes can (and will) join onto other strokes when drawn near enough to another stroke. These joints are pivots so you can use this to build levers, pendulums and other mechanical wonders.
Jointed strokes don't collide with each other. Join both ends to make a rigid structure
Known bugs: goal item does not respawn if lost.
Editing Mode"
Keys: (as per play mode plus the following)
e or fullscreen:leave edit mode
s or menu: save to MyN810/Games/NumptyPhysics/L99_saved.nph
zoom-minus + stylus:delete stroke at point
zoom-plus + stylus:drag stroke at point Hints:
It's handy to pause the physics when making a new level though this is by no means necessary. Sometimes it is handy to let the physics run for a little bit just to let the items settle down.
From the editor palette you can choose the crayon colour and then additional properties such as:
If this is your first time, you may need to restart the game for your saved L99 to show up.
If you wish to be clever, edit the level file directly - it's just a simple text format.
Editor bugs: There is not yet any provision to name your level but you can just rename the file to anything. " (from site)
Note: It is not as intuitive as Crayon physics, eg you have to press e on your keyboard to access the level editor as the game itself does not indicate that there even is an editor.
"Basic Keyboard controls:
stylus: draw a new stroke
space or enter (d-pad centre): pause/unpause physics
esc: (back arrow)undo last stroke
q :quit
r or up: reset level to initial state
n: or right :skip to next level
p or left: go to previous level
e or fullscreen: edit mode
Hints: Each stroke is like a rigid piece of wire with a mass proportional to its length. A closed stroke is just a wire bent into a shape, it has no substance apart from its perimeter.
The ends of a strokes can (and will) join onto other strokes when drawn near enough to another stroke. These joints are pivots so you can use this to build levers, pendulums and other mechanical wonders.
Jointed strokes don't collide with each other. Join both ends to make a rigid structure
Known bugs: goal item does not respawn if lost.
Editing Mode"
Keys: (as per play mode plus the following)
e or fullscreen:leave edit mode
s or menu: save to MyN810/Games/NumptyPhysics/L99_saved.nph
zoom-minus + stylus:delete stroke at point
zoom-plus + stylus:drag stroke at point Hints:
It's handy to pause the physics when making a new level though this is by no means necessary. Sometimes it is handy to let the physics run for a little bit just to let the items settle down.
From the editor palette you can choose the crayon colour and then additional properties such as:
- ground (earth arrow) - stroke is fixed in place.
- sleeping (Zzz) - stroke is not subject to physics until bumped by something else.
- decorator (dashed D) - stroke is not part of the physical world. eg: tutorial text.
If this is your first time, you may need to restart the game for your saved L99 to show up.
If you wish to be clever, edit the level file directly - it's just a simple text format.
Editor bugs: There is not yet any provision to name your level but you can just rename the file to anything. " (from site)
OE-CAKE(~4MB)
Cool Hybrid Simulator
Another impressive physics simulator. Its actually a 'hybrid' physics simulator that allows you to experiment with both chemicals (such as water and gas) as well as create various objects/contraptions such as adding rigid objects. It also allows you to import your own custom images as both backgrounds as well as objects to manipulate. You can also change the style in which the the simulations are displayed on the screen which is rather unique. It also has unique options to try and play around with.
Note. A special feature is the ability to create your own materials by mixing various substances together called Recipes.
You will need a relatively good graphics card to be able to add pictures to OE-CAKE as well as use the Blob or Blob and Texture styles. To add pictures to OE-CAKE drag and drop them into the scene. (picture formats include:.PNG .GIF .SVG or .TIFF with support for transparency for applicable image formats)
OE-CAKE Wikipedia Page
Scuzzstuff page for OE-CAKE (Contains some tutorials.)
OE-CAKE Recipes (To use the recipes press Esc on keyboard type the recipe then press Esc again)
OE-CAKE WIKI
If you have problems running OE-cake click here.
Note. A special feature is the ability to create your own materials by mixing various substances together called Recipes.
You will need a relatively good graphics card to be able to add pictures to OE-CAKE as well as use the Blob or Blob and Texture styles. To add pictures to OE-CAKE drag and drop them into the scene. (picture formats include:.PNG .GIF .SVG or .TIFF with support for transparency for applicable image formats)
OE-CAKE Wikipedia Page
Scuzzstuff page for OE-CAKE (Contains some tutorials.)
OE-CAKE Recipes (To use the recipes press Esc on keyboard type the recipe then press Esc again)
OE-CAKE WIKI
If you have problems running OE-cake click here.
Office.com Casual Game pack(3.7MB)[Direct download]
Simple but nice time wasters
If you're one of those slackers at work who can't wait to get their hands on another time waster then then this is for you. Featuring a simple basketball,dart and pendulum toy to make the hours go by faster. Oh and there is also a poetry toy as well.
Note:This is my personal collection as the original website for this no longer available and the current website belongs to Microsoft. You can install each game separately if you wish.
Note:This is my personal collection as the original website for this no longer available and the current website belongs to Microsoft. You can install each game separately if you wish.
Kumoon(6MB)
Tricky Fun
Unique mix of a simple FPS with a puzzle game. You play as a chick (no seriously) and you have several weapons at your disposal. The aim of the game is to make all the boxes fall down (and change color) using your weapons (and brains), but there's a catch. The number of times you can use a weapon is limited. See readme for more details. (pic from site)
Physion(~16MB)
With scripting!
Another powerful Physics simulator. You can create various physical objects like circles, polygons,gears etc and use various mechanisms like springs and pulleys. An interesting feature is the ability to use JavaScript in the simulations. Comes with some examples. You can even shoot objects, cut them up and break them into small pieces!
Note: If the program runs slowly, open the physion.ini file (the one with a picture of a cog wheel on it) located in the main Physion folder and change UseOpenGL=true to UseOpenGL=false and save the file and open the program.
Note: If the program runs slowly, open the physion.ini file (the one with a picture of a cog wheel on it) located in the main Physion folder and change UseOpenGL=true to UseOpenGL=false and save the file and open the program.
Phun(~6MB)
More physics PHUN!
Another Physics Simulator focusing on the physical forces such as gravity, magnetism etc...
"With simple functionality you can draw and interact with physical systems on your computer. Build and explore with rigid bodies, fluids, chains, gears, gravity, friction, springs, hinges, etc. Interact by click and drag, tilt and shake. Use color traces, graphs, forces, etc. for enhanced visualization." (from site)
Note Phun is the older but free for non-commercial version of the Algodoo which is their commercial product.
"With simple functionality you can draw and interact with physical systems on your computer. Build and explore with rigid bodies, fluids, chains, gears, gravity, friction, springs, hinges, etc. Interact by click and drag, tilt and shake. Use color traces, graphs, forces, etc. for enhanced visualization." (from site)
Note Phun is the older but free for non-commercial version of the Algodoo which is their commercial product.
The Powder Toy(~1.3MB)
Nitroglycerine + fire = BOOM
Powerful physics simulator that can simulate air pressure and velocity as well as heat!
This program can simulate a variety of elements including gases,liquids,solids,electronics and even lifeforms!
Note that if you want to save your simulations you need to have an account at the powder toy website and the saved simulations will be stored online. Or you can save you simulations offline with the stamp tool (S on the keyboard by default)
This program can simulate a variety of elements including gases,liquids,solids,electronics and even lifeforms!
Note that if you want to save your simulations you need to have an account at the powder toy website and the saved simulations will be stored online. Or you can save you simulations offline with the stamp tool (S on the keyboard by default)
PhysicDraw(2MB)[Direct download]
Simple but fun
Simple physics simulator and probably the easiest to use as well. (click pic)
Note: You can also visit the authors website.
Note: You can also visit the authors website.
RigidChips(~3.1MB)
My overpowered and unstable plane
RigidChips is a unique 3D rigid body simulator developed by Takeya Yasuhiko. It was mainly designed to simulate vehicles and objects which are made up of basic building blocks called 'chips'. Which these chips one can create a variety of vehicles and contraptions. You can create vehicles that can drive on land, fly or float on water! The program itself is very powerful and includes numerous options including the ability to have a LAN\Network game! You can also change the environment called 'Land' in the program.
Notes:
1. RigidChips does not actually allow you to create the vehicles/contraptions, which are actually nothing more than Lua script stored in ordinary text format. If you know Lua, you can quite easily create a contraption (make sure to open the demos to see how it is done).
2. If you are a beginner or a novice however and you want to create contraptions without Lua scripting you will need to download the excellent RigidChips Designer (~661KB) (screenshot )By Yasu Software. With the RigidChips Designer you can create the contraptions in 3D as well as view and test the controls of the contraption. Note, however that it is still more complicated to create contraptions than most of the other 'games', on this page but is well worth the effort. You will need to explore the Designer to learn how it works and make sure to open the demos that come with RigidChips to see how to create your own. In its most basic form, to create a contraption/vehicle in RigidChips Designer, you have to create the model, edit its properties, create variables, link the variable to the model's parts and finally link the keyboards keys to the variables.
3. RigidChips is no longer being developed, but has been succeeded by Luputan Blueprints (Listed above and made by the same developer) It is still quite useful and recommended for older computers that may not be able to run Laputan Blueprints.
4. It does not seem that RigidChips and Laputan Blueprints are compatible (except for 'Land') So if you make a contraption in RigidChips you probably not be able to use it in Laputan Blueprints and vice versa.
5. Also note that this program was created by a Japanese developer so the readme files will also be in Japanese. FGL has found a japanese website that has a good readme file in japanese, and has used Google Translate to translate it. You can read the 'English' version of the RigidChips manual here.
Basic controls:
"Use the arrow keys and 'A', 'S', 'D', 'Z', 'X' and 'C', such as accelerator and brake.
'R' is reset-key and 'U' is position reset-key
'Y' is upper force, 'I' and 'O' are zoom in / zoom out " (from site)
Useful links:
Wikipedia Page for RigidChips.
Non-Official English forum of RigidChips.
Non-official RigidChips Blog (Outdated)
Notes:
1. RigidChips does not actually allow you to create the vehicles/contraptions, which are actually nothing more than Lua script stored in ordinary text format. If you know Lua, you can quite easily create a contraption (make sure to open the demos to see how it is done).
2. If you are a beginner or a novice however and you want to create contraptions without Lua scripting you will need to download the excellent RigidChips Designer (~661KB) (screenshot )By Yasu Software. With the RigidChips Designer you can create the contraptions in 3D as well as view and test the controls of the contraption. Note, however that it is still more complicated to create contraptions than most of the other 'games', on this page but is well worth the effort. You will need to explore the Designer to learn how it works and make sure to open the demos that come with RigidChips to see how to create your own. In its most basic form, to create a contraption/vehicle in RigidChips Designer, you have to create the model, edit its properties, create variables, link the variable to the model's parts and finally link the keyboards keys to the variables.
3. RigidChips is no longer being developed, but has been succeeded by Luputan Blueprints (Listed above and made by the same developer) It is still quite useful and recommended for older computers that may not be able to run Laputan Blueprints.
4. It does not seem that RigidChips and Laputan Blueprints are compatible (except for 'Land') So if you make a contraption in RigidChips you probably not be able to use it in Laputan Blueprints and vice versa.
5. Also note that this program was created by a Japanese developer so the readme files will also be in Japanese. FGL has found a japanese website that has a good readme file in japanese, and has used Google Translate to translate it. You can read the 'English' version of the RigidChips manual here.
Basic controls:
"Use the arrow keys and 'A', 'S', 'D', 'Z', 'X' and 'C', such as accelerator and brake.
'R' is reset-key and 'U' is position reset-key
'Y' is upper force, 'I' and 'O' are zoom in / zoom out " (from site)
Useful links:
Wikipedia Page for RigidChips.
Non-Official English forum of RigidChips.
Non-official RigidChips Blog (Outdated)
Souptoys Toybox (~16MB)
Pure FUN!
Fun virtual toy box where you can play with over 100 'toys'. Many of the toys have unique properties like magnetism, or being lighter than air. You can build crazy contractions or just have fun. If you really like what you have made you can save it as a playset which you can use later on if you wish or upload it to the souptoys website (registration required) for others to see. Comes with over 100 pre-made playsets to give you ideas or just play around with. There's almost no limit to what you can do!
Note: The program will try to access the internet, it is just trying to see if there are any updates.
Souptoys Website (currently not working)
Note: The program will try to access the internet, it is just trying to see if there are any updates.
Souptoys Website (currently not working)
Want more?
List of Physics Games by Fun-motion.com (Note: The list consists of free, commercial and shareware programs, and maybe outdated)
ElastoLab: A fun physics based game but with dated graphics (2003!) that allows players to create a variety of contraptions using various objects . There are a few unique features, one such feature as the ability to create simple 'scripts' that allow users to create simple games or interactions. Used to be for sale but is now free.
A large number of educational Java applets that simulate a variety of real-world concepts like Acoustics, Electricity and Magnetism, Quantum Mechanics, Electrodynamics and more by Paul Falstad. You will need to have Java installed. You can view the simulations online or download them.
For Educators teaching Science :
There is an excellent website called PhET, associated with the University of Colorado which has over 100 educational simulations that can be used for teaching various science related concepts including Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science and Math they can be used online or even downloaded. You will need Java to be installed before you can use the simulations.
You can also try the Education Technology Guy, who is a Physics teacher himself for more physics related resources for the classroom.
List of Physics Games by Fun-motion.com (Note: The list consists of free, commercial and shareware programs, and maybe outdated)
ElastoLab: A fun physics based game but with dated graphics (2003!) that allows players to create a variety of contraptions using various objects . There are a few unique features, one such feature as the ability to create simple 'scripts' that allow users to create simple games or interactions. Used to be for sale but is now free.
A large number of educational Java applets that simulate a variety of real-world concepts like Acoustics, Electricity and Magnetism, Quantum Mechanics, Electrodynamics and more by Paul Falstad. You will need to have Java installed. You can view the simulations online or download them.
For Educators teaching Science :
There is an excellent website called PhET, associated with the University of Colorado which has over 100 educational simulations that can be used for teaching various science related concepts including Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science and Math they can be used online or even downloaded. You will need Java to be installed before you can use the simulations.
You can also try the Education Technology Guy, who is a Physics teacher himself for more physics related resources for the classroom.