2018's God of War and its sequel, God of War Ragnarok, have set a high standard for immersive, narrative-driven action-adventure games. While it's challenging to find games that fully match their excellence, there are many titles that can satisfy your craving for similar experiences. Here, we've curated a list of games that echo the design and gameplay elements found in the recent God of War titles, even if they don't surpass them.
As we eagerly await further developments in Kratos and Atreus's saga, 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, gripping storylines, or exploration of 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.
Senua's journey in Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice mirrors Kratos’s in God of War (2018), as both embark on quests driven by loss within Norse mythology. Senua explores Ninja Theory's rendition of Helheim, featuring familiar characters like Garmr and Surtr. Like Kratos, she carries a talking head, enhancing the narrative depth. The game's combat is similarly visceral, with a cinematic one-shot approach that boosts immersion. Both games boast compelling performances, with Melina Juergens and Christopher Judge winning Best Performance at The Game Awards in 2017 and 2022, respectively.
For more Hellblade 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 differs in setting and gameplay from God of War, both series are exemplary of Sony's mastery in crafting story-rich, technically impressive third-person action-adventure games. Both narratives are driven by complex characters and emotional relationships, much like the father-son dynamic of Kratos and Atreus, which mirrors Joel and Ellie's bond. Fans of God of War's storytelling will find a similarly compelling narrative in The Last of Us.
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 combat, focused on melee weapons, and its extensive RPG elements, including skill trees, loot, and crafting, will resonate with God of War enthusiasts.
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 offers a visually distinct take on Norse mythology with its hand-drawn art style, featuring characters like Jormungar, Thor, Freya, Mimir, and Odin. The game focuses on exploration and puzzles but ramps up the intensity with challenging boss battles against 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 design, featuring interconnected Metroidvania-like areas that expand as you progress. While it leans more on ranged combat, the third-person perspective and snowy settings will feel familiar to God of War fans, as will its character-driven narrative.
See 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 offer semi-open-world hubs similar to God of War, with areas unlocked through progression. The melee-based combat and challenging boss fights will appeal to God of War fans, as will the engaging gameplay within immersive worlds driven by exploration and compelling narratives. Notably, both games were directed by Stig Asmussen, who also directed God of War 3.
Explore our 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 is a choice-based adventure game with a narrative focus. While the gameplay differs significantly from God of War, the emotional depth and character development, particularly the parent-child dynamic between Lee and Clem, echo the heart of God of War's storytelling.
If you're new to the God of War series, check out 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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