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

The 2018 release of God of War and its sequel, God of War Ragnarok, have set new standards for immersive, narrative-driven action-adventure games. Comparing any game to this iconic series might seem daunting, but there are several titles that can satisfy fans while they await the next chapter in Kratos and Atreus's journey. These games may not surpass the benchmarks established by Sony Santa Monica Studio, but they capture and effectively implement many of the design and gameplay elements that made the recent God of War titles so beloved.

If you're drawn to God of War for its intense third-person combat, intricately crafted worlds, compelling stories, or exploration of Norse mythology, there are seven games that might just fill the void until more news about Kratos and Atreus arrives.

*For more God of War content, don't miss out on 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.**

Like Kratos in God of War (2018), Senua embarks on a harrowing journey driven by the loss of a loved one, set within the rich tapestry of Norse mythology. Her path leads her through Ninja Theory’s take on Helheim, a realm familiar to God of War fans, featuring shared characters like Garmr and Surtr. Echoing Kratos, Senua also carries a severed head that she converses with, adding a unique layer to her journey.

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice mirrors God of War’s visceral third-person combat, both viewed from an engaging over-the-shoulder perspective. Cinematically, both games utilize a seamless, one-shot approach to enhance immersion. The narratives are powered by standout performances: Melina Juergens as Senua and Christopher Judge as Kratos, both recipients of Best Performance awards at The Game Awards in 2017 and 2022, respectively.

For more adventures with Senua, 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 and God of War differ in setting and gameplay, both fall under the category of meticulously crafted, story-rich, technically impressive Sony-developed third-person action-adventure games. These genres have been perfected by Sony and its first-party studios over recent console generations, and no titles exemplify this more than God of War and The Last of Us.

Both series boast top-tier narratives driven by complex characters and their emotionally charged relationships. Fans of Kratos and Atreus's dynamic will find a similar connection in the relationship between Joel and Ellie, where a morally ambiguous guardian guides a witty, vulnerable teenager through a treacherous world.

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 immerses players in Northern Europe, entwined with Norse mythology. Familiar deities like Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya, and Tyr appear, providing a connection for God of War fans. Valhalla's melee combat might appeal to those who enjoy God of War’s battle mechanics, and its expansive RPG elements—including a skill tree, loot, side activities, and upgradable armor—will resonate with fans of GoW's RPG features.

*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 offers a unique take on Norse mythology with its hand-drawn art style, featuring characters like Jormungandr, Thor, Freya, Mimir, and Odin. Unlike the fast-paced action of God of War, Jotun focuses on exploration and puzzle-solving, punctuated by intense, 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 approach, featuring interconnected Metroidvania-style areas that expand as you progress. This design suits games that blend combat, puzzles, and exploration, elements at which both Rise of the Tomb Raider and God of War excel. Though Tomb Raider focuses more on ranged combat, its third-person perspective and narrative-driven experience will feel familiar to God of War enthusiasts, especially in its snowy settings.

*Learn how to play the Tomb Raider games in order with our guide.*

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.**

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Survivor offer a similar semi-open-world experience to God of War, featuring explorable hubs with areas unlocked by progression-based abilities. Fans of God of War may also enjoy the melee-based third-person combat and challenging boss fights in the Jedi games. Both series share key elements of successful action-adventure games: engaging gameplay, immersive worlds, rewarding exploration, and compelling narratives.

This shared DNA is no coincidence; both Star Wars Jedi games were directed by Stig Asmussen, who previously helmed God of War 3 at Sony Santa Monica.

*Check out our list of 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 diverges significantly in gameplay, being a choice-based point-and-click adventure with minimal action. However, its emotional storytelling and character development resonate deeply, much like God of War. Across five episodes, Season 1 delivers a powerful narrative, where you play as Lee Everett, a man seeking redemption while guiding and protecting Clementine, a young girl, through an apocalyptic world. Their relationship, though not biological, mirrors the profound parent-child dynamic seen in God of War.

AnswerSee ResultsDon'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 guide to the series’ chronology to find the best way to play the games in order, or delve into our collection of every IGN God of War review.

Every God of War Review

12 Images