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

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

Author : Mia May 04,2025

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 any game to these masterpieces might seem daunting, there are several titles that can satisfy fans of Kratos and Atreus's epic journey. These games may not surpass the high bar established by Sony Santa Monica Studio, but they certainly capture and effectively utilize elements of design and gameplay that fans of the recent God of War titles will appreciate.

As we eagerly await further developments in the story of Kratos and Atreus, here are seven games that God of War enthusiasts might enjoy, whether drawn to the series for its intense third-person combat, intricate world-building, captivating 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

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.

Senua's journey in Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice mirrors Kratos's in God of War (2018), as both are driven by the loss of a loved one and set in a richly detailed Norse mythology-inspired world. Senua's travels take her through Ninja Theory’s rendition of Helheim, a realm familiar to God of War players, featuring characters like Garmr and Surtr. Much like Kratos, Senua interacts with a severed head that hangs from her belt.

The combat in Hellblade is as visceral and third-person as in God of War, utilizing a tight over-the-shoulder camera. Both games also employ a continuous, one-shot cinematic approach to enhance immersion. Both narratives are powered by standout performances, with Melina Juergens (Senua) and Christopher Judge (Kratos) earning the Best Performance 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.

Though 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 Sony third-person action-adventure games. These titles represent the pinnacle of what Sony and its first-party studios have achieved over the past two console generations.

The narratives in both series are driven by compelling characters and their emotionally charged relationships. Fans of the father-son dynamic between Kratos and Atreus will appreciate the similar bond between Joel and Ellie in The Last of Us, where a morally ambiguous protector guides a vulnerable, witty teenager through a world fraught with danger.

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 transports Ubisoft’s iconic series to Northern Europe, immersing players in Norse mythology. Familiar characters such as Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya/Freyja, and Tyr appear throughout the game.

The combat, centered around melee weapons, will appeal to God of War fans, and those who enjoy the RPG elements of Kratos's adventure will find an even richer experience in Valhalla, with its expansive skill tree, loot system, numerous side activities, and customizable armor that can be upgraded through crafting and resource collection.

Explore more games similar to 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 presents a unique take on Norse mythology, featuring beautifully hand-drawn environments and characters such as Jormungar, Thor, Freya, Mimir, and Odin. Unlike the realistic graphics of God of War, Jotun offers a more artistic visual style.

While Jotun is slower-paced and focuses more on exploration and puzzles, it ramps up the intensity 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 interconnected areas that expand as you progress, much like a Metroidvania game. This design is ideal for games that blend combat, puzzles, and exploration, a balance both titles achieve masterfully.

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

Discover 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.

Fans of God of War's semi-open-world design will find much to love in Respawn’s Star Wars Jedi series. Both Fallen Order and Survivor feature explorable hubs with areas that unlock as you gain new abilities.

The melee-based third-person combat and challenging boss fights in the Star Wars Jedi games will also appeal to God of War enthusiasts. Both series excel in delivering engaging gameplay within immersive worlds, driven by rewarding exploration and compelling narratives.

This shared DNA is no coincidence; both Star Wars Jedi games were directed by Stig Asmussen, who previously directed God of War 3 for 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 offers a different kind of gaming experience, 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 one of the most memorable narratives in gaming. Like God of War (and The Last of Us), you play as a gruff protagonist seeking redemption, tasked with protecting and guiding a young child through an apocalyptic world. The bond between Lee and Clem, though not biological, mirrors the parent-child dynamic central to God of War's story.

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)

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 on the best way to play the games in chronological order, or browse through our collection of every IGN God of War review.

Every God of War Review

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