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7 Must-Play Games Similar to God of War in 2025

Author : Lillian

May 07,2025

The 2018 release of God of War and its sequel, God of War Ragnarok, set a new standard for immersive, narrative-driven action-adventure games. These titles have become benchmarks in the gaming world, making any comparison to them a lofty challenge that often leads to disappointment. However, there are numerous games that can satisfy the cravings of God of War fans. We've curated a list of top picks that, while not surpassing the achievements of Sony Santa Monica Studio, capture and effectively utilize key elements found in the recent God of War games.

As we eagerly await further developments on the journey of Kratos and Atreus, here are seven games that God of War enthusiasts might find appealing. These games cater to fans drawn to the series for its intense third-person combat, intricate world design, engaging storytelling, and deep dives into Norse mythology.

For an additional dose of God of War, don't miss out on 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.

Much like Kratos in God of War (2018), Senua embarks on a journey driven by the loss of a loved one, set within a richly detailed Norse world. Her path leads her through Ninja Theory’s rendition of Helheim, a realm familiar to God of War players, featuring characters such as Garmr and Surtr. Echoing Kratos, Senua carries and converses with a severed head that dangles from her belt.

The gameplay in Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice mirrors God of War with its visceral third-person combat and over-the-shoulder perspective. Both games also utilize a seamless, one-shot camera technique to enhance immersion. The character-driven narratives are elevated by standout performances: Melina Juergens as Senua won Best Performance at The Game Awards in 2017, while Christopher Judge as Kratos took the award in 2022.

For more of Senua's story, check out 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.

While The Last of Us differs from God of War in terms of setting and gameplay, both fall under the category of meticulously crafted, narrative-heavy, technically impressive, third-person action-adventure games developed by Sony. These games epitomize the genre's mastery by Sony and its first-party studios over the past two console generations.

The compelling narratives in both series are propelled by well-developed characters and emotionally charged relationships. Fans of Kratos and Atreus's father-son dynamic may find resonance with Joel and Ellie's similar guardian-child relationship, where a morally complex protector guides a sharp-witted youth through a treacherous world.

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 the series to Northern Europe, steeped in Norse mythology. Players familiar with God of War will recognize characters such as Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya/Freyja, and Tyr.

The game's melee combat, characterized by its brutality, should appeal to God of War fans. Additionally, those who enjoy the RPG elements of God of War will find Valhalla rich with skill trees, loot, side activities, and upgradable armor influenced by resource gathering and crafting.

Explore more games like Assassin's Creed if you enjoyed Valhalla*.

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 provides a unique take on Norse mythology with its stunning hand-drawn art style, featuring interpretations of Jormungandr, Thor, Freya, Mimir, and Odin.

Although slower-paced and focused on exploration and puzzle-solving, Jotun can deliver intense action during its meticulously designed boss battles against enormous 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 echoes God of War's semi-open-world structure, featuring Metroidvania-like areas that interconnect and expand with progression. This design is perfect for games that blend combat, puzzles, and exploration, a formula both Rise of the Tomb Raider and God of War excel in.

While Tomb Raider focuses more on ranged combat, its third-person perspective and snowy environments will feel familiar to God of War fans, as will its character-driven narrative.

Check out our guide to 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 appreciate the explorable hubs in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Survivor, where areas are unlocked through progression-based abilities.

The satisfying melee combat and challenging boss fights in the Star Wars Jedi series are likely to appeal to God of War fans. Both series excel in creating engaging gameplay within immersive worlds, driven by exploration and compelling narratives. This similarity is not coincidental; both Star Wars Jedi games were directed by Stig Asmussen, who previously directed God of War 3 at Sony Santa Monica.

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 type of gameplay experience with its choice-based point-and-click adventure and limited action through quick-time events. While the gameplay differs significantly from God of War, the emotional impact of its story and characters is comparable.

Over five episodes, The Walking Dead: Season 1 delivers a poignant narrative. Similar to God of War and The Last of Us, you guide a gruff protagonist seeking redemption while protecting a young, smart child amidst an apocalyptic setting. Lee and Clementine's bond grows into a profound parent-child relationship, echoing the heart of God of War's narrative.

What is the best game like God of War (2018)?

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor & Fallen Order
The Last of Us Part 1 & 2
Assassin's Creed Valhalla
Jotun
Rise of the Tomb Raider
The Walking Dead: Season 1
Something else (let us know in the comments)

Don't agree with our picks? Let us know your favorite games like God of War in the comments!

If you're new to the God of War series, explore our breakdown of the series’ chronology to find the best way to play the God of War games in order, or delve into our compilation of every IGN God of War review.

Every God of War Review

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