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 new standard for immersive, narrative-driven action-adventure gaming. Drawing comparisons to these masterpieces can be daunting, yet there are numerous titles that capture the essence of what makes the God of War series so compelling. While they may not surpass the benchmark established by Sony Santa Monica Studio, these games effectively embody key elements of the God of War experience, from intense combat to rich storytelling and exploration of Norse mythology.

As we eagerly anticipate further developments in the saga of Kratos and Atreus, here are seven games that God of War enthusiasts might find appealing. Whether you're drawn to the series for its visceral third-person combat, intricate world-building, emotionally charged narrative, or its dive into Norse mythology, these titles offer something special.

For those looking for more from the God of War universe, don't miss out on 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.

Much like Kratos, Senua embarks on a poignant journey through a mythology-infused Norse world, driven by the loss of a loved one. Her path leads her through Ninja Theory's rendition of Helheim, a realm familiar to God of War players, complete with iconic figures like Garmr and Surtr. Echoing Kratos, Senua also converses with a severed head that she carries, adding a unique narrative layer.

Combat in Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice mirrors the visceral, third-person style of God of War, enhanced by a cinematic, one-shot camera technique that heightens immersion. The game's narrative is deeply personal, with Melina Juergens' portrayal of Senua winning Best Performance at The Game Awards in 2017, echoing Christopher Judge's acclaimed performance as Kratos in 2022.

For more adventures with Senua, consider diving into 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 IGN's 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 franchises excel in crafting emotionally charged, story-driven experiences. Sony's mastery in developing third-person action-adventure games is evident in both series, with narratives propelled by compelling characters and their intricate relationships. Fans of Kratos and Atreus's dynamic might find the guardian-child relationship between Joel and Ellie equally captivating, navigating a world fraught with danger and moral dilemmas.

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, immersing them in Norse mythology with familiar deities like Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya, and Tyr. Its melee combat and expansive RPG elements, including skill trees, loot, and crafting, will resonate with God of War enthusiasts.

If you enjoyed Valhalla, explore our list of other 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 distinct interpretation of Norse mythology through its hand-drawn art style, featuring iconic figures like Jormungandr, Thor, Freya, Mimir, and Odin. While slower-paced with an emphasis on exploration and puzzles, it offers intense boss battles against towering Norse giants that challenge players' skills.

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, with areas that loop back and expand as you progress, reminiscent of Metroidvania games. Its emphasis on combat, puzzles, and exploration aligns well with God of War's gameplay style, despite its focus on ranged combat.

For a chronological journey through the series, see our guide on how to play 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 IGN's 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 appreciate the explorable hubs in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Survivor, with areas unlocked by progression-based abilities. The melee-focused combat and challenging boss fights offer a satisfying gameplay experience, while the engaging story and immersive world echo the God of War formula. Notably, both games share a creative lineage through director Stig Asmussen, who also directed God of War 3.

For more Star Wars gaming, check out 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.

The Walking Dead: Season 1 stands on the opposite end of the interactivity spectrum with its choice-based narrative and point-and-click gameplay. While the gameplay differs significantly from God of War, the emotional depth and character development resonate similarly. Over five episodes, the series unfolds a poignant story of redemption and survival, with a guardian-child dynamic akin to that of Kratos and Atreus.

What is the best game like God of War (2018)?

We want to hear from you! Which of these games do you think best captures the spirit of God of War (2018)?

• Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
• Star Wars Jedi: Survivor & Fallen Order
• The Last of Us Part 1 & 2
• Assassin's Creed Valhalla
• Jotun
• Rise of the Tomb Raider
• The Walking Dead: Season 1
• Something else (let us know in the comments)

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, explore our guide to the series' chronology to find the best way to experience the games in order, or browse through our collection of every IGN God of War review.

Every God of War Review

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