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 any game to this series can lead to high expectations and potential disappointment. However, there are several titles that capture the essence of what makes God of War special, even if they don't surpass it. These games share key design and gameplay elements with the recent God of War titles, offering a similar experience for fans.

While we eagerly await updates on Kratos and Atreus's future adventures, here are seven games that God of War fans might enjoy, whether you're drawn to its intense third-person combat, richly designed worlds, engaging narratives, or exploration of Norse mythology.

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 navigate a perilous path through a mythology-rich Norse world. Senua's trek leads her to a version of Helheim, familiar to God of War players, with encounters involving characters like Garmr and Surtr. Both protagonists even carry a decapitated head as a companion.

The combat in Hellblade is as visceral and third-person as God of War, with a cinematic, continuous one-shot approach enhancing immersion. The narrative of both games is elevated by stellar performances, with Melina Juergens (Senua) and Christopher Judge (Kratos) each winning Best Performance at The Game Awards in 2017 and 2022, respectively.

For more, 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 differs from God of War in setting and gameplay, both fall into the category of meticulously crafted, story-centric, technically impressive third-person action-adventure games developed by Sony. They represent the pinnacle of what Sony's first-party studios have achieved over the past two console generations.

The compelling narratives of both series are driven by well-developed characters and their intricate relationships. Fans of Kratos and Atreus's father-son dynamic will appreciate the similar protector-mentee bond between Joel and Ellie, as both pairs navigate treacherous worlds.

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 brings the series to Northern Europe, steeped in Norse mythology, featuring familiar characters like Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya, and Tyr. The game's melee combat and RPG elements, including a skill tree, loot, side activities, and upgradable armor, will appeal to God of War enthusiasts.

Discover more games like Assassin's Creed 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, Linux, Stadia | Review: IGN’s Jotun review

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

Jotun presents a unique take on Norse mythology with its hand-drawn visuals, featuring characters like Jormungar, Thor, Freya, Mimir, and Odin. While slower-paced and focused on exploration and puzzles, it offers intense, challenging boss battles against 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, featuring areas that loop back on themselves and expand with progression. It balances combat, puzzles, and exploration effectively. Though more focused on ranged combat, its third-person perspective and snowy setting will resonate with 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.

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Survivor feature semi-open-world hubs with areas unlocked by progression-based abilities, similar to God of War. Fans will appreciate the melee-based third-person combat, challenging boss fights, and the immersive world driven by engaging gameplay and a compelling story. Both series share a creative lineage, with Stig Asmussen directing God of War 3 before leading the Star Wars Jedi games.

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.

Telltale’s The Walking Dead is a choice-based point-and-click adventure with minimal action, yet it shares the emotional depth of God of War. Over five episodes, it delivers a poignant story of redemption and protection, with the protagonist, Lee, forming a parent-child bond with Clem amidst an apocalypse, echoing the core narrative of God of War.

If you're new to the God of War series, take a look at our guide on the series' chronology to find the best way to play 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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