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 games. It's natural to feel that any comparison to these titles might lead to disappointment, but fear not! We've compiled a list of games that, while not necessarily surpassing the achievements of Sony Santa Monica Studio, embody many of the design and gameplay elements that made God of War such a standout series.
As we eagerly await further developments on Kratos and Atreus's journey, here are seven games that should satisfy fans of God of War, whether you're drawn to its intense third-person combat, intricate world design, engaging storytelling, or the exploration of Norse mythology.
*For more God of War content, be sure to check out 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 God of War (2018), Senua embarks on a deeply personal journey driven by the loss of a loved one, set against the backdrop of a richly detailed Norse mythology. Her path leads her through Ninja Theory's rendition of Helheim, a realm familiar to God of War players, featuring iconic characters like Garmr and Surtr. Senua's companion, a talking head she carries, mirrors Kratos's interactions with Mimir.
Combat in Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice echoes the visceral, third-person style of God of War, using a close, over-the-shoulder camera for a more immersive experience. Both games utilize a seamless, one-shot cinematic approach that enhances player engagement.
The narrative depth of both games is underscored by standout performances, with Melina Juergens winning Best Performance at The Game Awards in 2017 for her role as Senua, just as Christopher Judge did in 2022 for Kratos.
For more of Senua's story, don't miss 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.**
Although The Last of Us series differs from God of War in setting and gameplay mechanics, both fall under the category of meticulously crafted, narrative-centric, technically impressive third-person action-adventure games. Sony and its first-party studios have honed this genre over the past two console generations, with God of War and The Last of Us as prime examples of this mastery.
Both series boast compelling narratives driven by complex characters and their intricate relationships. Fans who appreciated the father-son dynamic between Kratos and Atreus will find a similar emotional resonance in the protector-protégé relationship between Joel and Ellie, navigating a world fraught with peril 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, featuring familiar deities such as Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya, and Tyr. The game’s melee combat system should appeal to God of War enthusiasts, while its robust RPG elements — including a skill tree, loot system, side activities, and upgradable armor — cater to those who enjoy the RPG aspects of God of War.
*For more games like Assassin's Creed, check out 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, Linux, Stadia | Review: IGN’s Jotun review
**For fans of God of War’s Norse mythology and/or boss fights.**
Jotun presents a unique visual take on Norse mythology with its hand-drawn art style, featuring characters like Jormungandr, Thor, Freya, Mimir, and Odin. While slower-paced and focused on exploration and puzzle-solving, Jotun delivers intense boss battles against massive Norse giants, providing 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 structure, featuring interconnected Metroidvania-like areas that expand as you progress. This design suits games that balance combat, puzzles, and exploration, and both Rise of the Tomb Raider and God of War excel in this regard.
While Tomb Raider emphasizes ranged combat, its third-person perspective and snowy environments, along with its character-driven narrative, should feel familiar to God of War fans.
*Explore 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 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 approach will appreciate the exploration in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Survivor, which also feature hubs with areas locked behind progression-based abilities. The melee-focused third-person combat and challenging boss fights should appeal to God of War fans, as both series emphasize engaging gameplay within an immersive world driven by exploration and a compelling narrative.
The shared DNA between these games can be traced back to Stig Asmussen, who directed God of War 3 before leading the Star Wars Jedi series at Respawn.
*Discover 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 offers a vastly different gameplay experience, being a choice-driven point-and-click adventure with minimal action sequences. However, the emotional depth and narrative impact it delivers are on par with God of War. Over its five episodes, Season 1 tells a poignant story of redemption and protection, with protagonist Lee Everett forming a surrogate parent-child bond with young Clementine amidst a zombie apocalypse, much like Kratos and Atreus's journey.
Don't agree with our picks? Share your favorite games like God of War in the comments section!
If you're new to the God of War series, explore our guide on the chronology of the series 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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