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, set a new standard for immersive, narrative-driven action-adventure games. These titles raised expectations so high that comparing any game to them might lead to inevitable disappointment. However, there are several games that can satisfy your cravings for a similar experience, even if they don't surpass the benchmark established by Sony Santa Monica Studio. These games share and effectively incorporate key design and gameplay elements 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 you're drawn to the series for its intense third-person combat, richly detailed world, compelling storyline, or its exploration of Norse mythology, these games are sure to capture your interest.

Check out 2023's God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla DLC for more adventures with Kratos.

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 poignant journey fueled by the loss of a loved one, set against the backdrop of a richly detailed Norse mythology. Her path leads her to Ninja Theory's rendition of Helheim, a familiar realm to God of War players, featuring shared characters such as Garmr and Surtr. Echoing Kratos, Senua also interacts with a severed head that accompanies her.

In terms of gameplay, Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice offers visceral third-person combat from an over-the-shoulder perspective, similar to God of War. Both games utilize a continuous, one-shot cinematic approach to enhance immersion. The compelling narratives of both titles are elevated by standout performances, with Melina Juergens as Senua and Christopher Judge as Kratos each earning Best Performance at The Game Awards in 2017 and 2022, respectively.

For more adventures with Senua, don't miss out on 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 may not share the same setting or immediate gameplay mechanics as God of War, both fall under the category of meticulously crafted, story-centric, and technically impressive third-person action-adventure games. Sony and its first-party studios have honed this genre over the past two console generations, with God of War and The Last of Us being prime examples of their mastery.

The narratives of both series are propelled by well-developed characters and the emotionally intricate relationships they forge. Fans of the father-son dynamic between Kratos and Atreus will appreciate the similar bond between Joel and Ellie, as both stories feature a morally ambiguous guardian guiding a witty and vulnerable teenager through a world filled with danger and betrayal.

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, deeply rooted in Norse mythology. Fans of God of War will recognize many familiar figures from the Nine Realms, such as Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya/Freyja, and Tyr.

The game's combat, which is centered around melee weapons, should resonate with God of War enthusiasts. Additionally, those who enjoy the RPG elements in God of War will find even more depth in Valhalla, with its extensive skill tree, loot system, numerous side activities, and upgradable armor influenced by resource gathering and crafting.

See more games like Assassin's Creed if you liked 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, opting for stunning hand-drawn visuals over realistic graphics. Players will encounter familiar deities such as Jormungar, Thor, Freya, Mimir, and Odin within beautifully crafted environments.

While Jotun is more focused on exploration and light puzzle-solving, it can still deliver intense moments with its well-crafted, 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 echoes God of War's semi-open-world design, featuring interconnected Metroidvania-style areas that expand as players advance. This design complements games that blend combat, puzzles, and exploration, a balance both Rise of the Tomb Raider and God of War achieve masterfully.

Although Tomb Raider emphasizes ranged combat, its third-person perspective and snowy settings, along with its character-driven narrative, will feel familiar and comforting to God of War fans.

See 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.

For those who appreciate the semi-open-world design of God of War, Respawn's Star Wars Jedi series is a must-try. Both Fallen Order and Survivor are structured around explorable hubs with areas that become accessible as you gain new abilities.

God of War fans will also enjoy the engaging, melee-based third-person combat and the challenging boss encounters in the Star Wars Jedi games. The shared DNA between these series stems from their focus on immersive worlds, rewarding exploration, and compelling narratives.

This similarity is partly due to their shared lineage; both Star Wars Jedi titles were directed by Stig Asmussen, who previously helmed God of War 3 at Sony Santa Monica before moving to Respawn.

See 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 lies at the opposite end of the interactivity spectrum, offering a choice-based point-and-click adventure with limited action sequences via QTEs. While the gameplay differs significantly from God of War, the emotional depth of its characters and story resonates similarly.

Across five episodes, The Walking Dead's first season delivers one of the most impactful narratives in gaming. Like God of War (and The Last of Us), you take on the role of a hardened protagonist seeking redemption while guiding a young, clever child through a post-apocalyptic landscape. Although Lee and Clem are not related by blood, their bond quickly evolves into a surrogate parent-child relationship, echoing the core of God of War's narrative.

If you're new to the God of War series, dive into our chronology breakdown to find the best way to experience the games in order, or explore our comprehensive collection of every IGN God of War review.

Every God of War Review

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