"Top 7 God of War Alternatives to Play in 2025"

The 2018 release of God of War, followed by its sequel, God of War Ragnarok, set a new standard for immersive, narrative-driven action-adventure games. Comparing any game to God of War might seem daunting, but there are several titles that can satisfy fans looking for similar experiences. These games may not surpass the benchmark set by Sony Santa Monica Studio, but they effectively capture and implement key design and gameplay elements from the recent God of War titles. As we eagerly await further developments on Kratos and Atreus, here are seven games that God of War enthusiasts might enjoy, whether drawn to the series for its intense third-person combat, richly crafted world, engaging narrative, or its deep dive into Norse mythology.

For more God of War content, 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 in the 2018 God of War, Senua embarks on a journey driven by the loss of a loved one, set against a backdrop of Norse mythology. Her path leads her through Ninja Theory's version of Helheim, a realm familiar to God of War players, featuring characters like Garmr and Surtr. Like Kratos, Senua also carries a decapitated head as a companion, enhancing the narrative parallels between the two games.

The combat in Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice mirrors the visceral, third-person action found in God of War, with a tight, over-the-shoulder camera perspective. Both games use a continuous, one-shot cinematic approach to heighten immersion. The compelling performances by Melina Juergens as Senua and Christopher Judge as Kratos, both awarded Best Performance at The Game Awards in 2017 and 2022 respectively, further elevate the storytelling.

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 may not share the same setting or gameplay as God of War, both titles fall under the genre of meticulously crafted, narrative-rich, technically impressive third-person action-adventure games, a genre mastered by Sony and its studios over recent console generations. Both series are known for their outstanding narratives driven by complex characters and emotionally charged relationships. Fans of the father-son dynamic between Kratos and Atreus will appreciate the similar protector and protégé relationship between Joel and Ellie, as both stories navigate a world fraught with danger and moral ambiguity.

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, steeped in Norse mythology. Familiar figures like Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya, and Tyr from the Nine Realms will resonate with God of War fans. The game's melee combat may appeal to those who enjoy God of War's battles, and its RPG elements, including a skill tree, loot, and extensive side activities, provide a deeper dive into the genre's mechanics than God of War offers.

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, Linus, Stadia | Review: IGN’s Jotun review

**For fans of God of War’s Norse mythology and/or boss fights.**

Jotun presents Norse mythology through beautifully hand-drawn art, featuring characters like Jormungandr, Thor, Freya, Mimir, and Odin. While slower-paced and focused on exploration and puzzles, Jotun intensifies with challenging boss battles against massive Norse giants, appealing to fans of God of War's epic confrontations.

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 structure, featuring Metroidvania-like areas that loop back and expand with progression. This design complements games that blend combat, puzzles, and exploration effectively. While Tomb Raider focuses more on ranged combat, its third-person perspective and snowy settings will feel familiar to God of War players, as will its narrative driven by character development.

For the complete 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.**

The Star Wars Jedi series, like God of War, features explorable hubs with areas that unlock as you gain new abilities. Fans of God of War's combat will appreciate the melee-focused, third-person action and challenging boss fights in these games. Both series excel in providing engaging gameplay within immersive worlds, driven by rewarding exploration and compelling narratives. This similarity stems partly from shared creative DNA; Stig Asmussen, who directed God of War 3, also directed both Star Wars Jedi titles.

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 different kind of interactivity, focusing on choice-based decisions and QTEs rather than action. Yet, its narrative and character development resonate deeply, much like God of War and The Last of Us. Over five episodes, the first season delivers a poignant story of redemption and protection, with the protagonist, Lee, forming a surrogate parent-child relationship with Clementine amidst an apocalyptic setting, echoing the heart of God of War's narrative.

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

If you're new to the God of War series, check out our guide on the series' chronology to find the best way to play the God of War games in order, or explore our collection of every IGN God of War review.

Every God of War Review

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