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 a high standard for immersive, narrative-driven action-adventure games. Comparing any game to these masterpieces might lead to inevitable disappointment, but fear not—there are plenty of titles that can satisfy your craving for a similar experience. While these games may not surpass the benchmark established by Sony Santa Monica Studio, they effectively incorporate key design and gameplay elements that fans of the recent *God of War* titles will appreciate. As we eagerly await further developments in the saga of Kratos and Atreus, here are seven games that should appeal to *God of War* enthusiasts, whether you're drawn to its intense third-person combat, meticulously crafted worlds, gripping narratives, or explorations of Norse mythology.

*Don't forget to explore the 2023 *God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla DLC* for more adventures with Kratos and Atreus.*

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.

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice mirrors the journey of Kratos in God of War (2018), as Senua navigates a perilous quest driven by the memory of a lost loved one, set in a world steeped in Norse mythology. Her journey leads 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 accompanies her on her travels.

The game's third-person combat is visceral and cinematic, akin to God of War, using a continuous, one-shot camera technique to enhance immersion. The narrative is deeply character-driven, bolstered by Melina Juergens' performance as Senua, which won Best Performance at The Game Awards in 2017, akin to Christopher Judge's award-winning portrayal of Kratos in 2022.

For more of Senua's adventures, 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 umbrella of Sony's expertly crafted, story-rich, technically impressive third-person action-adventure games. The narratives in both series are driven by complex characters and their emotional relationships. Fans of Kratos and Atreus's father-son dynamic will find a similar, compelling parent-child-like relationship between Joel and Ellie, where a morally ambiguous protector guides a sharp-witted youth 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, intertwined with Norse mythology. Familiar deities like Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya, and Tyr make appearances, echoing the mythological backdrop of God of War. The game's melee combat and RPG elements, including a skill tree, loot system, and upgradable armor, will appeal to fans of God of War's gameplay.

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, and Odin. While slower-paced and focused on exploration and puzzles, it ramps up with intense, challenging boss fights against massive Norse giants, appealing to those who enjoy God of War's epic confrontations.

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 design, featuring interconnected areas that expand as you progress, much like a Metroidvania. The game balances combat, puzzles, and exploration well, complemented by a third-person perspective and a snowy setting that God of War fans will appreciate.

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 echo God of War's semi-open-world design with explorable hubs and progression-based abilities. The satisfying melee combat and challenging boss fights, combined with an immersive world and compelling story, make these games a must-play for God of War enthusiasts. Both series share a common thread, as Stig Asmussen, the director of God of War 3, helmed the Star Wars Jedi titles.

Discover the best Star Wars games of all time with our picks.

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 gameplay experience with its choice-based, point-and-click adventure format, yet its emotional storytelling resonates similarly to God of War. Over five episodes, the first season delivers a poignant narrative featuring Lee, a man seeking redemption, and his protective relationship with Clem, a young girl, mirroring the parent-child dynamic seen in God of War.

What is the best game like God of War (2018)?

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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.

Every God of War Review

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