The 2018 release of God of War and its sequel, God of War Ragnarok, have set a new standard for immersive, narrative-driven action-adventure games. Comparing other games to these masterpieces can often lead to disappointment, yet there are several titles that can satisfy fans craving similar experiences. These games don't necessarily surpass the benchmarks set by Sony Santa Monica Studio, but they do capture and effectively implement key design and gameplay elements found in the recent God of War titles.
As we eagerly await further news on the future adventures of Kratos and Atreus, here are seven games that God of War enthusiasts might enjoy, whether you're drawn to the series for its intense third-person combat, richly designed worlds, compelling narratives, or exploration of Norse mythology.
For more God of War content, be sure to 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.
Like Kratos in God of War (2018), Senua embarks on a harrowing journey driven by the loss of a loved one, set in a world steeped in Norse mythology. Senua's path leads her through Ninja Theory’s take on Helheim, a realm that will resonate with God of War players, featuring familiar characters such as Garmr and Surtr. Echoing Kratos, Senua also carries a talking severed head, adding a unique narrative twist.
The gameplay mirrors God of War with its visceral third-person combat viewed from an over-the-shoulder perspective. Both games enhance immersion through a continuous, one-shot cinematic approach. The character-driven stories are elevated by standout performances, with Melina Juergens (Senua) and Christopher Judge (Kratos) both winning Best Performance at The Game Awards in 2017 and 2022, respectively.
For more of Senua's journey, 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 umbrella of meticulously crafted, story-rich, technically impressive third-person action-adventure games. Sony and its first-party studios have excelled in this genre over recent console generations, with God of War and The Last of Us series epitomizing this excellence.
The compelling narratives in both series are driven by well-developed characters and their emotionally charged relationships. Fans of Kratos and Atreus's father-son dynamic will likely appreciate the similar parent-child dynamic between Joel and Ellie, as both games feature a morally complex protector guiding a sharp-witted teenager through a world rife with danger and deceit.
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, weaving in elements of Norse mythology. Characters like Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya, and Tyr will be recognizable to God of War fans.
The game's melee-focused combat might appeal to those who enjoy God of War's battle system, while the RPG elements are even more pronounced in Valhalla, offering a skill tree, loot, numerous side activities, and upgradeable armor influenced by stat changes through resource gathering and crafting.
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 presents a unique take on Norse mythology, featuring hand-drawn art instead of God of War's realistic visuals. The game includes characters like Jormungandr, Thor, Freya, Mimir, and Odin.
While Jotun is slower-paced, focusing on exploration and puzzles, it ramps up the excitement with challenging boss battles 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 approach, featuring areas that loop back on themselves and expand as you progress, much like a Metroidvania game. This design suits games that balance combat, puzzles, and exploration, and Rise of the Tomb Raider does this well.
Although Tomb Raider leans more on ranged combat, its 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.
Fans of God of War's semi-open-world design will find a similar experience in Respawn’s Star Wars Jedi games. Both Fallen Order and Survivor feature explorable hubs with areas locked behind progression-based abilities.
God of War enthusiasts might also enjoy Jedi's engaging melee combat and challenging boss fights. Both series share key elements of successful action-adventure games: engaging gameplay within immersive worlds, driven by rewarding exploration and compelling stories.
This shared DNA stems from a common thread; both Star Wars Jedi games were directed by Stig Asmussen, who previously directed God of War 3 for Sony Santa Monica.
Discover 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 offers a vastly different gameplay experience, being a choice-based point-and-click adventure with limited action sequences via QTEs. However, the emotional depth of its characters and story resonates much like God of War.
Over five episodes, The Walking Dead Season 1 delivers a powerful narrative. Similar to God of War and The Last of Us, you guide a rugged protagonist seeking redemption while protecting a young girl amidst apocalyptic chaos. The bond between Lee and Clem, though not blood-related, mirrors the heart of God of War's narrative with its parent-child dynamic.
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 check out our collection of every IGN God of War review.
Every God of War Review
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