7 God of War Alternatives to Play in 2025

The 2018 release of God of War and its sequel, God of War Ragnarok, have set a high standard for immersive, narrative-driven action-adventure games. Comparing other games to this iconic series can lead to high expectations and potential disappointment. However, there are several titles that capture elements of what makes God of War so compelling, offering similar experiences without necessarily surpassing the benchmark set by Sony Santa Monica Studio. Here are seven games that fans of Kratos and Atreus might enjoy, whether you're drawn to the visceral combat, the richly detailed world, the compelling narrative, or the exploration of Norse mythology.

For those eagerly awaiting the next chapter in Kratos and Atreus's saga, the God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla DLC released in 2023 is a must-play.

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.

Much like Kratos, Senua embarks on a perilous journey driven by the loss of a loved one, set within the rich tapestry of Norse mythology. Her path leads her to Ninja Theory's rendition of Helheim, a familiar realm to God of War players, featuring characters like Garmr and Surtr. Echoing Kratos, Senua carries a decapitated head that serves as her companion throughout her quest.

The gameplay in Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice mirrors God of War with its intense third-person combat, viewed through a tight, over-the-shoulder perspective. Both games also utilize a continuous, one-shot cinematic approach to enhance immersion.

The narratives of both games are elevated by standout performances; Melina Juergens as Senua won Best Performance at The Game Awards in 2017, following Christopher Judge's win for Kratos in 2022.

For more of Senua's journey, 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 Sony's meticulously crafted, story-driven, technically impressive third-person action-adventure games. These games exemplify the mastery of Sony and its first-party studios over the last two console generations.

The narratives in both series are driven by complex characters and their emotionally charged relationships. Fans of the father-son dynamic between Kratos and Atreus will appreciate the similar dynamic between Joel and Ellie, where a morally ambiguous protector guides a witty, vulnerable teenager through a harsh 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 immerses players in the Norse mythology of Northern Europe, featuring familiar deities such as Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya, and Tyr. Its melee-based combat should appeal to God of War fans, while the game's RPG elements, including a skill tree, loot, side activities, and upgradeable armor, offer a deeper engagement with the genre.

If you enjoyed Valhalla, explore more games 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 presents a visually unique exploration of Norse mythology with hand-drawn art, featuring characters like Jormungandr, Thor, Freya, Mimir, and Odin. While slower-paced and focused on exploration and puzzles, Jotun delivers intense, challenging boss fights 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 design, with Metroidvania-like areas that expand and interconnect as you progress. This design suits games that balance combat, puzzles, and exploration, which both titles excel at. While Tomb Raider focuses more on ranged combat, its third-person perspective and snowy settings will feel familiar to God of War fans.

Explore 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 similar exploration in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Survivor, with areas that open up as you gain new abilities. The series also offers satisfying melee combat and challenging boss fights, elements that resonate with God of War fans. Both series share a focus on engaging gameplay, immersive worlds, rewarding exploration, and compelling narratives, partly due to the involvement of Stig Asmussen, who directed God of War 3 before joining Respawn.

Check out 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 starkly different gameplay experience as a choice-based point-and-click adventure with limited action sequences, yet its emotional storytelling and character development echo God of War. Over five episodes, Season 1 delivers a powerful narrative centered on Lee, a man seeking redemption, and his bond with Clem, a young girl he protects, mirroring the parent-child dynamic central to God of War.

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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