2018's God of War and its sequel, God of War Ragnarök, have set a high standard for immersive, narrative-driven action-adventure games. Comparing any game to this iconic series can be daunting, yet there are several titles that can satisfy your cravings for similar gameplay and storytelling. These games may not surpass the achievements of Sony Santa Monica Studio, but they effectively incorporate key elements that fans of God of War 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 visceral combat, richly crafted worlds, compelling narratives, or exploration of Norse mythology.
For more adventures with Kratos, don't miss the 2023 God of War Ragnarök: 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 motivated by loss, navigating a Norse world steeped in mythology. Her path leads her through Ninja Theory’s rendition of Helheim, a realm familiar to God of War players, featuring shared characters like Garmr and Surtr. Senua, much like Kratos, communicates with a severed head that accompanies her.
The gameplay mirrors God of War with its visceral third-person combat and over-the-shoulder camera perspective. Both games utilize a seamless, one-shot cinematic approach to enhance immersion. Stellar performances by Melina Juergens as Senua and Christopher Judge as Kratos earned them the Best Performance awards at The Game Awards in 2017 and 2022, respectively.
For more of Senua’s story, 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 series differs from God of War in setting and gameplay, both fall under the umbrella of meticulously crafted, story-rich, technically impressive, Sony-developed third-person action-adventure games. Sony and its first-party studios have honed this genre over the past two console generations, with God of War and The Last of Us epitomizing their mastery.
Both series boast narratives driven by well-developed characters and emotionally charged relationships. Fans of the father-son bond between Kratos and Atreus will appreciate the similar dynamic between Joel and Ellie, where a morally complex 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 transports the series to Northern Europe, weaving Norse mythology into its narrative. Fans of God of War will recognize characters like Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya, and Tyr.
The game's melee-based combat system should appeal to God of War enthusiasts, and those who enjoy the RPG elements will find an expanded skill tree, loot system, and numerous side activities. Armor can be upgraded through resource gathering and crafting, enhancing the RPG experience.
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, Freya, Mimir, and Odin. The game focuses on exploration and light puzzle-solving but ramps up the intensity with challenging boss battles against massive 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 approach, featuring Metroidvania-style areas that loop back and expand as you progress. This design complements the blend of combat, puzzles, and exploration found in both games.
While Tomb Raider leans more on ranged combat, its third-person perspective and narrative-driven storytelling will resonate with God of War fans. The snowy settings add to the immersive experience.
Discover 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.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Survivor share God of War’s semi-open-world design, featuring explorable hubs with areas unlocked by progression-based abilities. The games' melee combat and challenging boss fights should appeal to God of War fans, as should their immersive worlds and compelling narratives.
The connection between the two series is further strengthened by Stig Asmussen, who directed God of War 3 before helming the Star Wars Jedi games.
Explore 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 is a choice-driven point-and-click adventure with minimal action, yet it resonates emotionally much like God of War. Across five episodes, it delivers a powerful narrative of redemption and protection, centered around the relationship between Lee and Clementine, akin to the father-son dynamic of Kratos and Atreus.
What is the best game like God of War (2018)?
- Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
- Star Wars Jedi: Survivor & Fallen Order
- The Last of Us Part 1 & 2
- Assassin's Creed Valhalla
- Jotun
- Rise of the Tomb Raider
- The Walking Dead: Season 1
- Something else (let us know in the comments)
Answer | See Results
Don't agree with our picks? Let us know your favorite games like God of War in the comments!
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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