7 Games Similar to God of War to Play in 2025

2018's God of War and its sequel, God of War Ragnarok, have set a new standard for immersive, narrative-driven action-adventure games. While comparing other games to this masterpiece might set unrealistic expectations, there are titles that capture elements of what makes God of War so compelling. These games may not surpass the benchmark established by Sony Santa Monica Studio, but they effectively incorporate key design and gameplay features found in the recent God of War titles.

As we eagerly await further news on Kratos and Atreus's journey, here are seven games that should appeal to God of War enthusiasts. Whether you're drawn to the series for its intense third-person combat, rich world design, engaging storytelling, or exploration of Norse mythology, these games offer similar thrills.

For more adventures with Kratos and Atreus, don't miss the 2023 God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla DLC.

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

Image credit: Ninja Theory
Developer: Ninja Theory | Publisher: Ninja Theory | Release Date: August 8, 2017 | Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC | Review: IGN's Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice review

For fans of God of War’s combat, Norse setting/mythological exploration, and/or story.

Much like Kratos in God of War (2018), Senua embarks on a dangerous quest driven by the loss of a loved one, set against a backdrop of Norse mythology. Her journey leads her to Ninja Theory’s rendition of Helheim, a familiar realm to God of War players, with encounters involving shared mythological figures like Garmr and Surtr. Senua, akin to Kratos, carries and converses with a severed head, adding a unique narrative element.

The gameplay of Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice mirrors God of War's visceral third-person combat, viewed from a similarly immersive over-the-shoulder perspective. Both games utilize a continuous, one-shot camera technique to heighten the cinematic experience.

The compelling character-driven stories in both games are elevated by standout performances: Melina Juergens (Senua) and Christopher Judge (Kratos) both won Best Performance at The Game Awards, in 2017 and 2022, respectively.

For more of Senua's journey, explore the sequel, Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2.

The Last of Us Parts 1 & 2

Image credit: Sony
Developer: Naughty Dog | Publisher: Sony | Release Date: Remastered Part 1: September 2, 2022; Part 2: June 19, 2020 | Platforms: Part 2: PS5, PS4; Part 1: PS5, PS4, PS3, PC | Review: IGN's The Last of Us Part 1 review and The Last of Us Part 2 review

For fans of God of War’s story, immersive world, and/or cinematic qualities.

Although The Last of Us differs from God of War in setting and gameplay, both series fall under the category of meticulously crafted, story-centric, visually stunning, Sony-developed third-person action-adventure games. Sony and its first-party studios have excelled in this genre over the last two console generations, with God of War and The Last of Us standing out as prime examples.

The narratives in both series are driven by well-developed characters and emotionally charged relationships. Fans of the father-son dynamic between Kratos and Atreus will appreciate the protective relationship between Joel and Ellie, where a morally ambiguous guardian navigates a dangerous world with a sharp-witted youth.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

Image credit: Ubisoft
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal | Publisher: Ubisoft | Release Date: November 10, 2020 | Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4/5, Xbox One, PC, Stadia, Luna | Review: IGN’s Assassin’s Creed Valhalla review

For fans of God of War’s Norse setting/mythological exploration, combat, and/or RPG mechanics.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla transports the series to Northern Europe, steeped in Norse mythology. Players will recognize many characters from the Nine Realms, such as Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya, and Tyr.

The game's melee-based combat may resonate with God of War fans, while those who enjoy the RPG elements of GoW will find Valhalla packed with extensive skill trees, loot systems, side quests, and customizable armor that can be upgraded via resource gathering and crafting.

For more games like Assassin's Creed Valhalla, explore our list of similar titles.

Jotun

Image credit: Thunder Lotus Games
Developer: Thunder Lotus Games | Publisher: Thunder Lotus Games | Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Switch, Wii U, PC, Mac, Linux, Stadia | Review: IGN’s Jotun review

For fans of God of War’s Norse mythology and/or boss fights.

Jotun presents a unique take on Norse mythology, featuring hand-drawn visuals that contrast with God of War's realism. Familiar figures like Jormungandr, Thor, Freya, Mimir, and Odin appear in beautifully crafted environments.

While Jotun is slower-paced, focusing on exploration and puzzle-solving, it intensifies during its well-crafted, challenging boss battles against towering Norse giants.

Rise of the Tomb Raider

Image credit: Square Enix/Microsoft Studios
Developer: Crystal Dynamics | Publisher: Square Enix/Microsoft Studios | Release Date: November 10, 2015 | Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC, Mac | Review: IGN’s Rise of the Tomb Raider review

For fans of God of War’s semi-open-world design.

Rise of the Tomb Raider shares God of War's semi-open-world structure, featuring interconnected areas that evolve as you progress, reminiscent of Metroidvania games. This design is ideal for balancing combat, puzzles, and exploration, elements that both games excel in.

While Tomb Raider emphasizes ranged combat, its third-person perspective and snowy settings will feel familiar to God of War fans, as will its narrative driven by compelling characters.

To explore more of the series, check out our guide on playing the Tomb Raider games in order.

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order & Survivor

Image credit: EA
Developer: Respawn Entertainment | Publisher: EA | Release Date: Fallen Order: November 15, 2019; Survivor: April 28, 2023 | Platforms: Survivor: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC; Fallen Order: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, PC | Review: IGN’s Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order review and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor review

For fans of God of War’s semi-open-world design and/or combat.

Fans of God of War's semi-open-world design will find a similar experience in Respawn’s Star Wars Jedi series. Both Fallen Order and Survivor feature explorable hubs with areas unlocked through progression-based abilities.

God of War fans will also appreciate the satisfying melee combat and challenging boss fights in the Star Wars Jedi games. The shared DNA between these series is evident in their engaging gameplay, immersive worlds, and compelling narratives, partially due to Stig Asmussen, who directed God of War 3 and later both Jedi titles.

For more Star Wars gaming, see our picks for the best Star Wars games of all time.

The Walking Dead: Season 1

Developer: Telltale Games | Publisher: Telltale Games | Release Date: April 24, 2012 | Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PS3, Xbox 360, PC, Mobile | Review: IGN's The Walking Dead: The Game review

For fans of God of War’s story.

Telltale’s The Walking Dead offers a starkly different gameplay experience, focusing on choice-driven point-and-click adventure with limited action via quick-time events. Yet, its emotional depth and storytelling resonate strongly with God of War's narrative impact.

Over five episodes, The Walking Dead Season 1 delivers a poignant tale. Like Kratos and Atreus, or Joel and Ellie, you guide Lee Everett, a man seeking redemption, as he protects and mentors Clementine in a world ravaged by zombies. Their bond, though not biological, mirrors the powerful parent-child dynamic central to God of War's story.

If you're new to the God of War series, dive into our comprehensive guide on the best way to play the God of War games in order, and explore our collection of every IGN God of War review.

Every God of War Review

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