Home News > 7 Must-Play Games Similar to God of War in 2025

7 Must-Play Games Similar to God of War in 2025

by Nicholas May 26,2025

The groundbreaking success of 2018's God of War and its sequel, God of War Ragnarok, set a new standard for immersive, narrative-driven action-adventure games. It's natural to think that comparing any game to this iconic series might lead to disappointment. However, there are several games that can satisfy your craving for the God of War experience. We've carefully selected top picks that echo the design and gameplay elements found in the recent God of War titles, without necessarily surpassing the bar set by Sony Santa Monica Studio.

While we eagerly await updates on the future adventures of Kratos and Atreus, these seven games offer a similar thrill for God of War enthusiasts, whether you're drawn to its intense third-person combat, richly detailed world, engaging narrative, or exploration of Norse mythology.

*For even more God of War content, don't miss out on the 2023 God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla DLC.*

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

**For fans of God of War’s combat, Norse setting/mythological exploration, and/or story.**

Much like Kratos in God of War (2018), Senua sets out on a perilous journey driven by the memory of a lost lover, traversing a world steeped in Norse mythology. Her journey leads her through Ninja Theory’s version of Helheim, a realm familiar to God of War players, featuring characters like Garmr and Surtr. Echoing Kratos, Senua also interacts with a severed head that hangs from her belt.

In terms of gameplay, Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice shares God of War's visceral third-person combat, utilizing a similar over-the-shoulder perspective. Both games masterfully use a continuous, one-shot cinematic approach to heighten immersion.

The narrative of each game is elevated by standout performances: Melina Juergens (Senua) and Christopher Judge (Kratos) both won Best Performance at The Game Awards in 2017 and 2022, respectively.

For more action in this gripping series, make sure to 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 may differ from God of War in setting and immediate gameplay, both belong to the genre of meticulously crafted, story-centric, visually stunning, third-person action-adventure games developed by Sony. This genre has been perfected by Sony and its first-party studios over recent console generations, with God of War and The Last of Us Parts 1 and 2 epitomizing this excellence.

The narratives in both series are propelled by well-developed characters and their emotionally charged relationships. Fans of Kratos and Atreus's father-son dynamic will likely appreciate the parental bond between Joel and Ellie, as both stories feature a morally ambiguous guardian guiding a sharp-witted young companion through a perilous world.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

**For fans of God of War’s Norse setting/mythological exploration, combat, and/or RPG mechanics.**

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla transports the series to Northern Europe, immersing players in Norse mythology. Fans of God of War will recognize characters like Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya/Freyja, and Tyr from the Nine Realms.

The game's brutal, melee-focused combat may appeal to God of War fans, while those who enjoy the RPG elements in GoW will find an expanded set of features in Valhalla, including a detailed skill tree, abundant loot, numerous side activities, and customizable armor that can be upgraded through crafting and resource collection.

*Explore more games like Assassin's Creed if Valhalla caught your interest.*

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 presents a visually distinct take on Norse mythology, featuring hand-drawn environments and characters such as Jormungar, Thor, Freya, Mimir, and Odin.

While Jotun is slower-paced and focuses on exploration and light puzzle-solving, it can deliver intense moments with its meticulously designed, challenging boss battles against enormous 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 mirrors God of War's semi-open-world approach, offering multiple areas with Metroidvania-like design where levels interconnect and expand as you advance. This layout is perfect for games that blend combat, puzzles, and exploration, a combination that both Rise of the Tomb Raider and God of War execute brilliantly.

Although Tomb Raider leans more towards ranged combat, its third-person perspective will feel familiar to God of War enthusiasts, as will its snowy landscapes and character-driven narrative.

*For a comprehensive 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.**

Fans of God of War's semi-open-world design will also find much to enjoy in Respawn’s Star Wars Jedi series. Both Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Survivor feature expansive hubs with areas that unlock as you gain new abilities.

God of War aficionados might appreciate the engaging melee combat and challenging boss battles in the Jedi series. Both franchises share key elements of a successful action-adventure game: compelling moment-to-moment gameplay, immersive worlds, and rewarding exploration supported by a strong narrative.

This similarity is no coincidence; both Star Wars Jedi games were directed by Stig Asmussen, who previously helmed God of War 3 for Sony Santa Monica before joining Respawn.

*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 represents the other end of the gaming spectrum, offering a choice-driven point-and-click adventure with limited action sequences controlled through QTEs. While playing it doesn't feel like God of War, the emotional depth of its characters and story does.

Over the course of five episodes, The Walking Dead's first season delivers one of gaming's most unforgettable narratives. Similar to God of War (and The Last of Us), you guide a hardened man seeking redemption as he protects and mentors a clever child amidst an apocalyptic setting. The bond between Lee and Clem, though not biological, quickly evolves into a poignant parent-child relationship akin to that of Kratos and Atreus.

If you're new to the God of War series, delve into our chronology guide to find the best way to play the games in order, and explore our comprehensive collection of every IGN God of War review.