The 2018 release of God of War and its sequel, God of War Ragnarok, set a high standard for immersive, narrative-driven action-adventure games. Comparing any game to these masterpieces can lead to inevitable disappointment. However, there are numerous titles that can satisfy your cravings for similar experiences. These games may not surpass the achievements of Sony Santa Monica Studio, but they effectively incorporate key elements of design and gameplay found in the recent God of War titles.
While we eagerly await updates on Kratos and Atreus's next journey, here are seven games that God of War fans might enjoy. Whether you're drawn to the series for its intense third-person combat, beautifully crafted worlds, compelling narratives, or the exploration of Norse mythology, these games have something to offer.
For more God of War content, 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 harrowing journey motivated by the loss of a loved one, set against a richly detailed Norse mythology backdrop. Senua's path leads her to Ninja Theory’s interpretation of Helheim, a realm familiar to God of War players, featuring characters like Garmr and Surtr. Like Kratos, Senua also interacts with a decapitated head that she carries with her.
The gameplay mirrors God of War with its visceral third-person combat from an over-the-shoulder perspective. Both games utilize a continuous, one-shot cinematic approach to enhance immersion. The narrative in each game is elevated by stellar 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 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 setting and gameplay, both fall under the category of meticulously crafted, story-driven, technically impressive third-person action-adventure games, a genre that Sony and its studios have dominated over recent console generations.
Both series are renowned for their compelling narratives driven by complex characters and their relationships. Fans of the father-son dynamic between Kratos and Atreus will likely appreciate the similar parent-child bond between Joel and Ellie, as both games feature a morally gray protector guiding a witty, vulnerable teenager through a harsh 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 brings the series to Northern Europe, immersing players in Norse mythology. Characters like Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya, and Tyr will be recognizable to God of War enthusiasts.
The game's melee combat may appeal to fans of God of War, while those who enjoy the RPG elements will find an even deeper experience in Valhalla, with extensive skill trees, loot systems, side activities, and upgradeable armor through crafting and resource gathering.
For more games like Assassin’s Creed, check out our list 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, Linus, 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 light puzzle-solving, yet it ramps up the excitement with challenging 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 shares God of War’s semi-open-world structure, featuring Metroidvania-like areas where levels interconnect and expand with progression. Both games expertly balance combat, puzzles, and exploration.
While Tomb Raider leans more on ranged combat, the third-person perspective and snowy settings will feel familiar to God of War players, as will the narrative driven by well-developed characters.
For a complete experience, see our guide on how to play 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.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Survivor feature semi-open-world designs similar to God of War, with explorable hubs and areas unlocked through progression-based abilities.
Fans of God of War’s combat may appreciate the engaging melee-based third-person combat and challenging boss fights in these games. Both series also share a focus on immersive worlds, rewarding exploration, and compelling narratives. This similarity is partly due to Stig Asmussen, who directed God of War 3 and later led the development of both Star Wars Jedi games.
Explore 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 different kind of interactivity with its choice-based, point-and-click adventure format and limited action sequences via QTEs. While the gameplay differs vastly from God of War, the emotional depth of its characters and narrative is remarkably similar.
Over five episodes, The Walking Dead Season 1 delivers a gripping story. Like God of War and The Last of Us, you play as a gruff protagonist seeking redemption, tasked with guiding a young child through an apocalyptic world. Lee and Clem's relationship evolves into a parent-child dynamic, echoing the heart of God of War's narrative.
If you're new to the God of War series, check out our guide on the best way to play the games in chronological order or explore our collection of every IGN God of War review.
Every God of War Review
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