7 God of War Alternatives to Play in 2025

The 2018 release of God of War and its sequel, God of War Ragnarok, set new standards for immersive, narrative-driven action-adventure games. Comparing any game to these masterpieces might lead to disappointment, but there are several titles that can satisfy fans of the God of War series. These games may not surpass the high bar set by Sony Santa Monica Studio, but they effectively incorporate similar design and gameplay elements found in the recent God of War titles.

As we eagerly await updates on the future adventures of Kratos and Atreus, here are seven games that God of War enthusiasts might enjoy. These recommendations cater to fans drawn to the series for its intense third-person combat, beautifully crafted worlds, engaging stories, and exploration of Norse mythology.

For those looking 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 perilous journey driven by the loss of a loved one, set against a richly detailed Norse backdrop. Her path leads her through Ninja Theory's version of Helheim, a realm familiar to God of War players, featuring characters like Garmr and Surtr. Senua even carries a talking severed head, echoing Kratos's companion, Mimir.

The gameplay mirrors God of War's visceral third-person combat with an over-the-shoulder camera perspective. Both games utilize a continuous, one-shot cinematic approach to enhance immersion. The narrative-driven experiences are elevated by standout performances, with Melina Juergens (Senua) and Christopher Judge (Kratos) both winning Best Performance at The Game Awards in 2017 and 2022, respectively.

For more action, 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.

While The Last of Us series differs from God of War in setting and gameplay, both are exemplary of Sony's prowess in crafting story-rich, technically impressive third-person action-adventure games. The narratives of both franchises are driven by compelling characters and complex relationships. Fans of the father-son dynamic between Kratos and Atreus will find a similar emotional resonance in the protective relationship between Joel and Ellie, navigating a harsh world filled with danger and deceit.

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 Ubisoft's series into the realm of Norse mythology, featuring familiar deities like Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya, and Tyr. The game's melee combat may appeal to God of War fans, while its RPG elements, including a detailed skill tree, loot system, and crafting mechanics, offer a deeper experience for those who enjoy GoW's RPG aspects.

For more similar games, check out our list of titles 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 visuals, featuring characters such as Jormungar, Thor, Freya, Mimir, and Odin. Though slower-paced and focused on exploration and puzzles, Jotun ramps up the intensity with challenging boss battles against massive Norse giants, offering a satisfying experience for God of War fans.

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 approach, featuring Metroidvania-like areas that expand and interconnect as you progress. This design suits games that balance combat, puzzles, and exploration, which both titles excel at. While Tomb Raider focuses more on ranged combat, its third-person perspective and narrative-driven experience will feel familiar to God of War players.

For a comprehensive 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.

Fans of God of War's semi-open-world design will find much to enjoy in Respawn's Star Wars Jedi series. Both games feature explorable hubs and progression-based ability unlocks that unlock new areas. The melee-focused third-person combat and challenging boss fights in the Star Wars Jedi series echo God of War's combat system. Both franchises also share a strong narrative focus and immersive world-building, which is partly due to Stig Asmussen, the director of God of War 3, who helmed both Star Wars Jedi titles.

For more Star Wars gaming, 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 with its choice-based, point-and-click adventure style and minimal action sequences via QTEs. However, the emotional depth and character-driven narrative are where it resonates with God of War. Over five episodes, Season 1 delivers a powerful story of redemption and protection, echoing the father-son dynamic of God of War with the relationship between Lee and Clem, despite not being related by blood.

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

AnswerSee ResultsDon't agree with our picks? Let us know your favorite games like God of War in the comments!

New to the God of War series? Check out our breakdown of the series' chronology to find the best way to play the God of War games in order, and explore our roundup of every IGN God of War review.

Every God of War Review

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