2018's God of War and its sequel, God of War Ragnarok, set a new standard for immersive, narrative-driven action-adventure games. Comparing any game to these masterpieces can lead to high expectations and potential disappointment. However, there are numerous games that can satisfy the cravings of God of War enthusiasts by sharing similar design and gameplay elements. Here are our top picks that capture the essence of what makes God of War so special, even if they don't surpass Sony Santa Monica Studio's achievements.
As we eagerly anticipate further developments in the saga of Kratos and Atreus, these seven games offer a similar experience, whether you're drawn to the visceral third-person combat, the richly detailed world, the compelling narrative, or the exploration of Norse mythology.
For more adventures with Kratos, 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.
Senua's journey in Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice mirrors Kratos' in God of War (2018), driven by the loss of a loved one and set within a richly detailed Norse world. Her adventure leads her through Ninja Theory's version of Helheim, featuring familiar mythological figures like Garmr and Surtr. Like Kratos, Senua carries a talking severed head, adding a unique narrative twist.
The game's combat is strikingly similar to God of War, with its visceral third-person action from an over-the-shoulder perspective. Both games also use a continuous, one-shot cinematic approach to enhance immersion. The performances of Melina Juergens as Senua and Christopher Judge as Kratos, both winners of Best Performance at The Game Awards, elevate their respective narratives.
For more of Senua's story, 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 from God of War in setting and gameplay, both fall under the category of meticulously crafted, story-driven, technically impressive Sony-developed third-person action-adventure games. The genre has been perfected by Sony and its studios over recent console generations, with God of War and The Last of Us series standing out as prime examples.
Both series feature narratives driven by complex characters and relationships. Fans of Kratos and Atreus' father-son dynamic will appreciate the similar protector-child relationship between Joel and Ellie, navigating a world fraught with danger.
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 players to Northern Europe, steeped in Norse mythology, featuring familiar deities like Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya, and Tyr. The game's melee-based combat should appeal to God of War fans, while its extensive RPG elements, including a skill tree, loot system, and crafting, offer a deeper dive into the genre.
For more games like Assassin's Creed, check out our recommendations 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 visually unique take on Norse mythology, with hand-drawn art and characters like Jormungandr, Thor, Freya, Mimir, and Odin. The game focuses on exploration and puzzle-solving, punctuated by intense boss battles against massive Norse giants, appealing to fans of 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 approach, featuring interconnected areas that expand as you progress, much like a Metroidvania game. While it leans more on ranged combat, its third-person perspective and emphasis on exploration and puzzles should feel familiar to God of War players.
Explore our guide on how to play 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.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Survivor feature semi-open-world hubs similar to God of War, with areas unlocked as you gain new abilities. The melee-based combat and challenging boss fights are sure to satisfy God of War fans, as will the engaging gameplay, immersive worlds, and compelling stories. Notably, both games were directed by Stig Asmussen, who also directed God of War 3.
Discover 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 gameplay with its choice-based, point-and-click adventure format and QTEs. However, its emotional depth and storytelling rival God of War. Over five episodes, you guide Lee, a man seeking redemption, as he protects and mentors young Clem in a post-apocalyptic world, echoing the protector-child dynamic central to God of War.
If you're new to the God of War series, explore our guide on the series' chronology to find the best way to play the games in order, or delve into our collection of every IGN God of War review.
Every God of War Review
12 Images
