The 2018 release of God of War and its sequel, God of War Ragnarok, set new standards for immersive, narrative-driven action-adventure games. While it's challenging to find games that match their excellence, there are several titles that share similar elements in design, gameplay, or thematic depth. These games may not surpass the high bar set by Sony Santa Monica Studio, but they certainly resonate with fans of the God of War series, offering compelling experiences in combat, world-building, storytelling, and mythological exploration.
As we eagerly await further developments in the saga of Kratos and Atreus, here are seven games that might appeal to God of War enthusiasts, whether you're drawn to the series for its visceral third-person combat, richly detailed worlds, captivating narratives, or deep dives into Norse mythology.
For more God of War action, don't miss 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.
In Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, Senua's journey mirrors Kratos' in God of War (2018), as she navigates a perilous path driven by the loss of a loved one, set against the backdrop of Norse mythology. Her exploration takes her through a rendition of Helheim, featuring familiar mythological figures like Garmr and Surtr. Much like Kratos, Senua interacts with a severed head that accompanies her on her journey. The game's third-person combat is visceral and shares the over-the-shoulder camera perspective with God of War. Both games utilize a continuous, one-shot cinematic approach to enhance immersion. Stellar 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 enrich their narratives. For more, 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 diverges from God of War in setting and gameplay, both are exemplary of Sony's mastery in creating story-rich, technically impressive third-person action-adventure games. Both series feature compelling narratives driven by complex characters and their relationships. Fans of Kratos and Atreus' father-son dynamic will appreciate the similar protector-and-child dynamic between Joel and Ellie, as both games navigate themes of redemption and survival.
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 Northern Europe's Norse mythology, featuring familiar deities like Odin, Loki, and Thor. The game's melee combat will appeal to God of War fans, and its deep RPG mechanics, including a skill tree, loot system, and crafting, offer even more depth than God of War. For more games in a similar vein, check out our list of titles like Assassin's Creed.
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, and Odin. The game focuses on exploration and puzzle-solving but ramps up the intensity with epic boss battles against Norse giants, appealing to fans of God of War's challenging encounters.
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, with areas that loop back on themselves and expand as you progress. Its blend of combat, puzzles, and exploration mirrors God of War's approach. While the combat is more focused on ranged attacks, the third-person perspective and snowy settings will feel familiar to God of War players. For the complete experience, see our guide on 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 feature semi-open-world designs similar to God of War, with explorable hubs and progression-based access to new areas. Fans of God of War's melee combat and challenging boss fights will find much to enjoy here. Both series excel in providing engaging gameplay within immersive worlds, driven by exploration and compelling stories. Notably, these games share a creative lineage, as Stig Asmussen, director of God of War 3, directed both Star Wars Jedi titles. For more Star Wars gaming, explore our list of the best Star Wars games.
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 starkly different gameplay experience as a choice-based point-and-click adventure with QTEs, but its emotional depth and character-driven narrative echo those of God of War. Over five episodes, the first season tells a poignant story of redemption and protection, with protagonists Lee and Clem forming a parent-child bond amidst an apocalyptic world, resonating with themes found in God of War.
If our selections don't align with your preferences, feel free to share your favorite God of War-like games in the comments section!
For newcomers to the God of War series, we recommend checking out our guide on the series' chronology to find the best way to experience the games in order. Additionally, you can dive into our comprehensive collection of every God of War review on IGN.
Every God of War Review
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