7 Must-Play Games Similar to God of War in 2025
2018's God of War and its sequel, God of War Ragnarok, have set a high standard for immersive, narrative-driven action-adventure games. It's a tall order for any game to live up to this benchmark, and comparisons might lead to disappointment. However, there are numerous games that can satisfy fans of the God of War series. Here, we've curated a selection of top picks that, while not necessarily surpassing the achievements of Sony Santa Monica Studio, effectively incorporate similar design and gameplay elements found in the recent God of War titles.
As we eagerly await updates on the future adventures of Kratos and Atreus, here are seven games that fans of God of War might enjoy, whether you're drawn to its intense third-person combat, beautifully crafted worlds, engaging storytelling, or exploration of Norse mythology.
For more God of War content, don't miss the 2023 God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla DLC.
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
For fans of God of War’s combat, Norse setting/mythological exploration, and/or story.
Like Kratos in God of War (2018), Senua embarks on a perilous journey driven by the loss of a loved one, set within a richly detailed Norse mythological world. Her journey leads her through Ninja Theory’s version of Helheim, a realm familiar to God of War players, featuring characters such as Garmr and Surtr. Echoing Kratos, Senua also interacts with a severed head that accompanies her journey.
In terms of gameplay, Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice mirrors God of War with its visceral third-person combat viewed from a tight, over-the-shoulder perspective. Both games utilize a continuous, one-shot cinematic approach to enhance immersion.
Both narratives are driven by exceptional performances: Melina Juergens (Senua) and Christopher Judge (Kratos) won Best Performance at The Game Awards in 2017 and 2022, respectively.
For more adventures with Senua, don't miss the sequel, Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2.
The Last of Us Parts 1 & 2
For fans of God of War’s story, immersive world, and/or cinematic qualities.
While The Last of Us may not share the same setting or gameplay mechanics as God of War, both fall under the category of meticulously crafted, story-rich, technically impressive, third-person action-adventure games developed by Sony. These games exemplify the genre that Sony and its first-party studios have perfected over recent console generations.
Both series boast top-tier storytelling, driven by well-developed characters and their complex relationships. Fans who appreciated the father-son bond between Kratos and Atreus will likely find resonance in the parental dynamic between Joel and Ellie. Both narratives feature a morally ambiguous protector guiding a young, witty companion through a world fraught with peril.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
For fans of God of War’s Norse setting/mythological exploration, combat, and/or RPG mechanics.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla transports Ubisoft’s renowned series to Northern Europe, steeped in Norse mythology. Characters such as Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya/Freyja, and Tyr will be recognizable to God of War enthusiasts.
The game’s melee combat could appeal to God of War fans, and those who enjoy the RPG elements in God of War will find an even richer set of mechanics in Valhalla, including a comprehensive skill tree, loot system, numerous side activities, and customizable, upgradable armor.
Explore more games like Assassin's Creed if you enjoyed Valhalla.
Jotun
For fans of God of War’s Norse mythology and/or boss fights.
Jotun offers a unique take on Norse mythology with its hand-drawn art style, featuring interpretations of Jormungar, Thor, Freya, Mimir, and Odin.
While Jotun is slower-paced and focuses more on exploration and puzzle-solving, it delivers intense, well-crafted boss battles against enormous Norse giants, which should appeal to fans of God of War’s epic confrontations.
Rise of the Tomb Raider
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 Metroidvania-like areas that loop back and expand as you progress. This design is ideal for games that blend combat, puzzles, and exploration, elements that both Rise of the Tomb Raider and God of War excel in.
Though Tomb Raider leans more towards ranged combat, its third-person perspective and snowy settings will feel familiar to God of War fans, as will its character-driven narrative.
Check out our guide on how to play the Tomb Raider games in order.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order & Survivor
For fans of God of War’s semi-open-world design and/or combat.
For those who appreciate the semi-open-world design, the Star Wars Jedi series offers a similar experience. Both Fallen Order and Survivor feature explorable hubs with areas unlocked by progression-based abilities.
Fans of God of War’s combat may find the melee-focused, third-person action in the Jedi games satisfying, along with its challenging boss battles. Both series share key ingredients for successful action-adventure games: engaging gameplay, immersive worlds, rewarding exploration, and compelling narratives.
This shared DNA partly stems from a common lineage; both Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Survivor were directed by Stig Asmussen, who previously directed God of War 3 for Sony Santa Monica before moving to Respawn.
Discover 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 different kind of interactivity, focusing on choice-based point-and-click adventure with minimal action sequences via QTEs. While the gameplay differs significantly from God of War, the emotional depth of its characters and story resonates similarly.
Over five episodes, The Walking Dead Season 1 delivers a poignant narrative. Like God of War (and The Last of Us), you guide a gruff protagonist seeking redemption while protecting a young child amidst apocalyptic chaos. The bond between Lee and Clem, though not biological, mirrors the parent-child dynamic central to God of War’s story.
AnswerSee ResultsDon't agree with our picks? Let us know your favorite games like God of War in the comments!And, if you're new to the God of War series, check out our breakdown of the series’ chronology to discover the best way to play the God of War games in order or sort through our roundup of every IGN God of War review.
Every God of War Review
12 Images
Latest Articles
Trending Games
Top News
Latest Games
