20 Games With Dynamic Weather You’ll Notice

These games feature dynamic weather that truly impacts gameplay. It’s not just about visual effects – rain, wind, fog, snow, and other conditions actively change how you move, fight, drive, and survive. Expect routes to become blocked, new opportunities to appear, and your strategies to evolve as the weather shifts. Here are twenty games where the weather feels significant and constantly changes the experience.

‘Red Dead Redemption 2’ (2018)

Rockstar Games created a remarkably detailed world where the weather – including snow, rain, and heat – impacts everything from how quickly your character tires to how horses behave and what people do. Footprints and wheel tracks stay visible in fresh snow and mud, helping you track animals or enemies. The clothes Arthur wears affect how quickly he recovers health depending on the temperature of the area. Even thunderstorms change how animals act and how well you can see things in the wilderness.

‘The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’ (2017)

In this game, the weather isn’t just for show – it directly impacts how you play. Rain makes surfaces slippery, making climbing difficult and sometimes forcing you to find a new path or wait it out. Lightning strikes metal, so you’ll need to remove metal weapons and shields during storms to stay safe. Extreme heat and cold require special armor or items to keep your health and stamina up.

‘Microsoft Flight Simulator’ (2020)

Asobo Studio and Xbox Game Studios use actual, up-to-the-minute weather data to create realistic winds, air pressure, and clouds in the simulation. This means pilots will experience changing conditions like crosswinds, rising air currents, and sudden wind bursts that affect how the aircraft handles, especially when approaching and landing. Ice can build up on the aircraft in certain conditions, reducing its performance and visibility unless anti-ice systems are turned on. Rain, turbulence, and how well you can see will also change depending on your altitude and location, accurately reflecting real-world weather patterns.

‘Forza Horizon 5’ (2021)

Forza Horizon 5’s Playground Games feature constantly changing weather based on the specific region of Mexico you’re in – think tropical storms or dust storms that impact how your car handles, how well you can see, and even its engine power. The game cycles through different seasonal conditions, altering off-road paths and making events more or less challenging. Water and mud realistically affect braking and steering, and the dynamic weather and wind create visual effects like dust and mist that can challenge your visibility during races.

‘Forza Horizon 4’ (2018)

Forza Horizon’s dynamic seasons, created by Playground Games, change how cars handle and the layout of races on the same map each week. Winter brings snow and ice, demanding winter tires and adjusted car settings for grip. Spring rains create puddles that affect where you race and brake. And in the summer, the heat increases dry grip but requires careful tire management during longer races.

‘Death Stranding’ (2019)

In the game, a special rain called Timefall ages cargo and damages structures, so players need to carefully plan delivery routes to avoid it, or use shelters to protect packages. The in-game map provides weather forecasts, showing where Timefall and wind will hit, helping players navigate the challenging landscape. Be careful though – wet rocks and steep hills make it harder to move and can quickly drain stamina, forcing players to adjust their speed and approach.

‘Sea of Thieves’ (2018)

In this game, realistic weather dramatically impacts sailing. Wind, waves, and storms directly affect how fast your ship moves, how easily it turns, and how you adjust the sails. Sudden squalls can throw you off course and cause leaks, forcing you to bail water to avoid sinking. Lightning is a threat to your ship and crew if you’re caught with your sails up during a storm. And thick fog limits visibility, changing how you chase opponents, set up ambushes, and navigate towards islands.

‘Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag’ (2013)

In Ubisoft’s games, the ocean isn’t just a backdrop – it actively impacts naval battles and sailing. Storms, large waves, and waterspouts all play a role. Waves affect where cannonballs land, forcing players to carefully steer their ships. Strong winds require skillful sail adjustments to prevent damage or losing control. And heavy rain provides cover for sneaking up on enemy ships and fortifications.

‘Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain’ (2015)

In the game, realistic sandstorms severely limit how far you can see and how well you can hear, making sneaking around more dangerous. You can check the iDroid to predict weather patterns and plan when to parachute in or get picked up. Rain helps you move silently, but clear nights make it easier for enemies to spot you from a distance. Wind also affects how well smoke grenades and decoys work in open areas.

‘The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’ (2015)

The weather in CD Projekt Red’s game isn’t just for show – it actively changes how the world works. Rain and wind reduce visibility, impacting how far away you can see enemies and even affecting things like aiming with a crossbow from a boat. The time of day and weather also influence when characters are available and what they do. Plus, things like lightning and wet ground change how easily you can move and track creatures, especially in forests and swamps.

‘Arma 3’ (2013)

Bohemia Interactive’s simulations realistically model weather conditions like wind, humidity, and rain, which impact how bullets fly and aircraft maneuver. Side winds and air density affect bullet accuracy at long distances. Rain and fog limit how far both enemies and players can see, forcing changes in tactics. Helicopters are also affected by wind and turbulence, making landings and takeoffs more challenging.

‘Battlefield 1’ (2016)

Battlefield 2042’s developers, DICE and Electronic Arts, added dynamic weather effects to each map, like fog, rain, and sandstorms, which change as you play. Fog makes it harder to see at long distances, encouraging closer combat. Rain reduces visibility for planes and makes it tougher to spot enemies during flybys. Sandstorms limit how far armored vehicles can see, making them vulnerable to ambushes.

‘Battlefield 2042’ (2021)

In DICE and EA’s games, big storms aren’t just background details – they actively impact gameplay. Tornadoes can pick up players and vehicles, changing the battlefield and breaking up teams. Sandstorms limit visibility, making it harder to see objectives and use certain equipment. These storms can even change how a match plays out, affecting when and where players capture zones and move around the map.

‘Project CARS 2’ (2017)

LiveTrack 3.0, developed by Slightly Mad Studios and Bandai Namco Entertainment, realistically changes the race track based on the weather. For example, rain creates puddles that form in the natural low spots of the track and change over time as the sun comes out or cars drive over them. The way tires grip the track also depends on whether it’s wet or drying, which impacts when teams decide to pit. Even the time of day and temperature affect how well the engine runs and how quickly the brakes wear down during a race.

‘Gran Turismo 7’ (2022)

As a racing game enthusiast, I’m blown away by how realistic the weather is in this game! It’s not just ‘rain or shine’ – the developers, Polyphony Digital and Sony, have created these localized weather systems. A race can actually start dry, then get a little damp, and finish up completely soaked! There’s even a radar system that helps you decide when to pit for wet tires. What’s really cool is the game tracks how wet each part of the track is, so you can actually lose control if you hit a really wet patch. Plus, the clouds affect the track temperature, changing how much grip you have over the course of a longer race. It’s seriously immersive!

‘Driveclub’ (2014)

The racing game features incredibly realistic weather effects. Rain, snow, and storms change in intensity based on where and when you’re racing. You’ll see water realistically collect on your windshield and the track, which impacts how your car handles – especially braking. The environment also comes alive with dynamic clouds and wind that affect lighting and visibility. In snowy conditions, tire grip changes, demanding precise and early steering, particularly on mountain courses.

‘Horizon Forbidden West’ (2022)

As a Horizon player, I’ve noticed how Guerrilla Games and Sony really make the world feel alive. They use weather – like crazy sandstorms, rain, and coastal squalls – to totally change how you explore and fight. For example, those dust storms in the desert make it super hard to see, so spotting machines or lining up a ranged attack gets way tougher. And it’s not just visual! The weather combines with the time of day to mess with enemy patrol routes, giving you new chances for stealth. Even things like strong winds affect how you glide around, forcing you to rethink your approach to a fight. It really keeps things interesting!

‘Ghost of Tsushima’ (2020)

Sucker Punch Productions and Sony Interactive Entertainment have made the weather in their game dynamic and impactful. Fog, rain, and storms aren’t just visual effects; they change how you see and hear things, affecting stealth gameplay in outdoor areas. The game even features a ‘Guiding Wind’ system that uses wind direction to help players navigate. Plus, bad weather like lightning and heavy rain can help cover your tracks when attacking enemy bases.

‘PUBG: Battlegrounds’ (2017)

PUBG Studios and Krafton change the weather on some maps, cycling through clear skies, clouds, rain, and fog. Rain makes it harder to hear enemies’ footsteps because of increased background noise, and fog severely reduces visibility, making long-range shots difficult. Wind and rain also impact how far away you can hear gunfights, which can change when other players join the battle. On some maps, unpredictable storms force players to change where they land and how they move around the map.

‘Grand Theft Auto V’ (2013)

Rockstar North and Rockstar Games have added realistic weather effects – like rain, storms, and fog – that affect how vehicles handle and how characters behave. For example, wet roads make it harder to brake and reduce grip, changing how you escape chases or race. Strong winds and waves also impact boats and helicopters near the coast. Plus, lightning and heavy rain can change how many people are around and how police react during open-world gameplay.

Share your favorite dynamic-weather moments—and the games we missed—in the comments!

2025-11-14 04:47