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

2018's God of War and its sequel, God of War Ragnarok, have set a high standard for immersive, narrative-driven action-adventure games. Comparing other games to this iconic series can be daunting, yet there are several titles that can satisfy fans craving similar experiences. While these games may not surpass the achievements of Sony Santa Monica Studio, they embody many of the design and gameplay elements that make the recent God of War titles so compelling.

As we eagerly await updates on Kratos and Atreus' next adventures, here are seven games that God of War fans might enjoy, whether you're drawn to the series for its intense third-person combat, rich world-building, captivating storytelling, or deep dive into Norse mythology.

For more God of War content, check out 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.

Like Kratos, Senua embarks on a perilous journey driven by the loss of a loved one, set within a richly detailed Norse world. Her path leads her through Ninja Theory's rendition of Helheim, familiar to God of War players, with encounters featuring characters like Garmr and Surtr. Similar to Kratos, Senua interacts with a decapitated head that accompanies her.

The game's third-person combat is visceral and shares the over-the-shoulder perspective of God of War. Both titles utilize a continuous, one-shot cinematic approach to enhance immersion. The character-driven narratives are powered by stellar performances, with Melina Juergens and Christopher Judge winning Best Performance at The Game Awards in 2017 and 2022, respectively.

For more of Senua's story, explore 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 diverges in setting and gameplay from God of War, both are exemplary of Sony's mastery in crafting story-rich, technically impressive third-person action-adventure games. The narratives in both series are propelled by deeply written characters and their complex relationships. Fans of Kratos and Atreus' dynamic will appreciate the similar mentor-child relationship between Joel and Ellie, navigating 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 the Norse world, featuring familiar deities like Odin, Loki, and Thor. The game's melee combat may appeal to God of War enthusiasts, while its expansive RPG elements, including a skill tree, loot, and upgradable armor, cater to those who enjoy the RPG aspects of God of War.

Discover 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 presents a unique take on Norse mythology with its hand-drawn art style, featuring characters like Jormungandr and Thor. The game focuses on exploration and puzzles but ramps up with challenging boss fights against Norse giants, offering a different yet engaging 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 mirrors God of War's semi-open-world approach, offering interconnected areas that expand as you progress. The game blends combat, puzzles, and exploration effectively, with a third-person perspective and snowy settings that God of War fans will find familiar.

Explore 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.

The Star Wars Jedi series features semi-open-world hubs that unlock with progression-based abilities, similar to God of War. Fans will appreciate the engaging melee combat and challenging boss fights, along with the immersive world and compelling narrative, crafted by Stig Asmussen, who directed God of War 3.

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 gameplay experience with its choice-based narrative and QTEs, yet it resonates emotionally through its characters and story. The first season follows Lee Everett as he protects and mentors Clementine, echoing the father-child dynamic central to God of War.

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

Every God of War Review

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