The 2018 release of God of War and its sequel, God of War Ragnarok, have set new standards for immersive, narrative-driven action-adventure games. Comparing any game to these titles might seem daunting, but there are several that can satisfy fans eagerly awaiting more from Kratos and Atreus. These games may not surpass the benchmarks set by Sony Santa Monica Studio, but they effectively incorporate similar design elements and gameplay mechanics found in the recent God of War titles. As we anticipate future developments in the series, here are seven games that should appeal to fans of God of War, whether you're drawn to its intense third-person combat, rich world-building, engaging storytelling, or deep dives into Norse mythology.
For those looking 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.**
Senua's journey in Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice mirrors Kratos's in God of War (2018), as both characters embark on emotionally charged quests through Norse mythology. Senua's path leads her through Ninja Theory’s version of Helheim, familiar to God of War players, featuring characters like Garmr and Surtr. Just like Kratos, Senua carries a decapitated head that she converses with, adding a unique twist to her narrative.
The game's combat is as visceral as God of War's, delivered through a tight, over-the-shoulder perspective. Both titles also use a continuous, one-shot cinematic approach to heighten immersion. The compelling 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 character-driven narratives.
For more Hellblade action, 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 fall under the category of meticulously crafted, story-rich, technically impressive third-person action-adventure games. Sony and its first-party studios have honed this genre over recent console generations, with God of War and The Last of Us standing as exemplary models.
The narratives of both series are propelled by well-developed characters and the emotionally charged relationships they share. Fans of Kratos and Atreus's father-son dynamic will appreciate the similar parent-child relationship between Joel and Ellie, where a morally complex protector guides a witty teenager 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 immerses players in Northern Europe, woven with Norse mythology. Familiar characters such as Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya/Freyja, and Tyr appear, resonating with God of War fans. The game's combat, centered around melee weapons, should appeal to those who enjoy God of War’s battles, while its extensive RPG elements, including skill trees, loot, side activities, and craftable, stat-boosting armor, cater to fans of GoW's RPG features.
For more games in the vein of Assassin's Creed, see our recommendations 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 provides a unique take on Norse mythology with its hand-drawn art style, featuring characters like Jormungar, Thor, Freya, Mimir, and Odin. While slower-paced and focused on exploration and puzzles, Jotun delivers intense boss battles against colossal Norse giants, offering a satisfying challenge for God of War fans.
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 Metroidvania-like areas where levels interconnect and expand as you progress. This design suits games that blend combat, puzzles, and exploration, a balance that both titles master. Although Tomb Raider focuses more on ranged combat, its third-person perspective and snowy setting, combined with a character-driven narrative, will feel familiar to God of War enthusiasts.
For guidance on playing the Tomb Raider series in order, check out our comprehensive guide.
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 echo God of War's semi-open-world design with explorable hubs and progression-gated areas. Fans of GoW's combat will find the melee-focused third-person action and challenging boss fights in the Jedi series equally engaging. Both series excel in delivering immersive worlds with rewarding exploration and compelling narratives, a shared DNA that stems from the involvement of Stig Asmussen, who directed God of War 3 before leading these Star Wars titles.
For more Star Wars gaming recommendations, see 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: Season 1 offers a different kind of gaming experience, focusing on choice-driven narrative and point-and-click mechanics with occasional action sequences via QTEs. Though the gameplay differs from God of War, the emotional impact and character development resonate similarly. Over five episodes, this game tells a powerful story of redemption and protection, paralleling the dynamic between Kratos and Atreus with the relationship between Lee and Clementine, who form a surrogate parent-child bond amidst apocalyptic chaos.
Don't agree with our picks? Share your favorite games like God of War in the comments!
If you're new to the God of War series, explore our guide to understanding the series' timeline and the best way to play the God of War games in order, or browse through our collection of every IGN God of War review.
Every God of War Review
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