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. Comparisons to these titles often lead to high expectations, which can result in disappointment. However, there are several games that can satisfy fans of the God of War series by incorporating similar design elements and gameplay mechanics.

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. These titles resonate with fans due to their intense third-person combat, richly designed worlds, engaging narratives, and exploration of Norse mythology.

For more God of War content, check out the 2023 God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla DLC.

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

For fans of God of War’s combat, Norse setting/mythological exploration, and/or story.

Much 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, a realm familiar to God of War players, featuring characters like Garmr and Surtr. Senua, akin to Kratos, carries a talking severed head, adding a unique narrative twist.

The combat in Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice mirrors the visceral, over-the-shoulder third-person style of God of War. Both games enhance immersion with a continuous, one-shot cinematic approach. The compelling performances by Melina Juergens as Senua and Christopher Judge as Kratos, both winners of Best Performance at The Game Awards in 2017 and 2022 respectively, further elevate these narratives.

For more, 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 differs in setting and gameplay from God of War, both series fall under the umbrella of Sony's meticulously crafted, story-rich, technically impressive third-person action-adventure games. The narratives of both series are propelled by well-developed characters and their emotionally charged relationships.

Fans of Kratos and Atreus's father-son dynamic will appreciate the similar guardian-child relationship between Joel and Ellie, where a morally ambiguous protector guides a witty and vulnerable teenager through a treacherous world.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

For fans of God of War’s Norse setting/mythological exploration, combat, and/or RPG mechanics.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla transports players to Northern Europe, deeply rooted in Norse mythology, with familiar figures like Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya, and Tyr. The game's melee combat may appeal to God of War fans, and those who enjoy the RPG elements will find a robust skill tree, loot system, side activities, and upgradeable armor through crafting and resource gathering.

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, Linus, Stadia | Review: IGN’s Jotun review

For fans of God of War’s Norse mythology and/or boss fights.

Jotun presents a visually distinct take on Norse mythology with hand-drawn art, featuring characters like Jormungar, Thor, Freya, Mimir, and Odin. The game focuses on exploration and light puzzle-solving, but intensifies with challenging boss fights 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 shares God of War's semi-open-world structure, featuring Metroidvania-style areas that expand as you progress. The game balances combat, puzzles, and exploration effectively. While it leans more on ranged combat, its third-person perspective and narrative-driven experience will resonate with God of War fans.

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 offer similar semi-open-world designs, with explorable hubs and areas unlocked through progression-based abilities. Fans of God of War will appreciate the melee-based combat and challenging boss fights, as well as the engaging gameplay and compelling narrative set within an immersive world.

The shared DNA between these games and God of War stems from Stig Asmussen, who directed God of War 3 before working on the Star Wars Jedi series.

Discover our top 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 offers a different gameplay experience as a choice-based point-and-click adventure with minimal action sequences via QTEs. However, its emotional depth and storytelling prowess match that of God of War. Over five episodes, the game delivers a poignant narrative of redemption and protection in an apocalyptic setting, featuring a father-like figure, Lee, guiding a young girl, Clem, akin to Kratos and Atreus.

If you're new to the God of War series, our guide to the series’ chronology can help you navigate the best way to play the games in order. Additionally, explore our collection of every IGN God of War review for more insights.

Every God of War Review

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