7 God of War Alternatives to Play in 2025

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The 2018 release of 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 titles to these masterpieces might lead to disappointment, there are several games that capture similar elements and can satisfy fans of the series. These games may not surpass the high bar established by Sony Santa Monica Studio, but they share and effectively implement key design and gameplay features found in the recent God of War titles.

As we eagerly await further developments in the saga of Kratos and Atreus, here are seven games that God of War enthusiasts might find appealing, whether drawn to the series for its visceral third-person combat, richly detailed world design, compelling storytelling, or exploration of Norse mythology.

For more adventures with Kratos and Atreus, check out 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.

In Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, Senua embarks on a journey driven by the loss of a loved one, much like Kratos in God of War (2018). Her quest unfolds in a richly detailed Norse world, including a visit to Ninja Theory’s version of Helheim, where familiar mythological figures such as Garmr and Surtr appear. Senua also carries a talking severed head, echoing Kratos' companion Mimir.

The game features visceral third-person combat similar to God of War, viewed from a tight, over-the-shoulder perspective. Both titles enhance immersion through continuous, one-shot cinematic techniques. The strong performances of Melina Juergens as Senua and Christopher Judge as Kratos were each recognized with a Best Performance award at The Game Awards in 2017 and 2022, respectively.

For more of Senua’s story, don't miss 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 in setting and gameplay from God of War, both fall under the umbrella of meticulously crafted, narrative-focused, technically impressive third-person action-adventure games. Sony and its first-party studios have excelled in this genre over recent console generations, with God of War and The Last of Us epitomizing this mastery.

Both series boast narratives driven by well-developed characters and their emotionally charged relationships. Fans of Kratos and Atreus’s father-son dynamic may appreciate the similar guardian-child dynamic between Joel and Ellie, where a morally complex protector guides a witty teenager through a world filled with danger and deceit.

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 players to Northern Europe, steeped in Norse mythology. Fans of God of War will recognize characters like Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya/Freyja, and Tyr from the Nine Realms.

The game's intense melee combat may appeal to God of War enthusiasts, while those who enjoy the RPG elements will find an even greater emphasis on skill trees, loot, side activities, and upgradable armor through resource gathering and crafting.

For more games like Assassin’s Creed, check out our list of titles similar to Valhalla.

Jotun

Image credit: Thunder Lotus Games
Developer: Thunder Lotus Games | Publisher: Thunder Lotus Games | Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Switch, Wii U, PC, Mac, Linus, 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 with its beautifully hand-drawn art style, featuring characters such as Jormungar, Thor, Freya, Mimir, and Odin. Although slower-paced and focused on exploration and puzzles, Jotun delivers intense and well-crafted boss battles against massive 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 interconnected Metroidvania-style areas that expand as you progress. Both games adeptly blend combat, puzzles, and exploration. While Tomb Raider leans more on ranged combat, its third-person perspective and snowy environments, along with its narrative focus, will feel familiar to God of War fans.

For a complete experience, see 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.

The Star Wars Jedi series, like God of War, features explorable hubs with areas unlocked through ability-based progression. Fans of God of War will appreciate the satisfying melee combat and challenging boss fights in Fallen Order and Survivor. Both series excel in delivering engaging gameplay within immersive worlds, driven by exploration and compelling narratives.

This similarity stems from a shared creative lineage; Stig Asmussen, who directed God of War 3, helmed both Star Wars Jedi titles at Respawn.

Explore more with 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 offers a starkly different gameplay experience as a choice-based point-and-click adventure with minimal action, yet it resonates emotionally like God of War. Over five episodes, it tells a poignant story of redemption and protection, echoing the themes of God of War and The Last of Us. Protagonist Lee Everett forms a surrogate parent-child bond with young Clementine, much like Kratos and Atreus, amidst a backdrop of apocalyptic chaos.

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)

Answer
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Don'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.