7 God of War Alternatives to Play in 2025 %v

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 these titles can often lead to disappointment, but there are several games that capture similar elements and can satisfy fans awaiting the next chapter in Kratos and Atreus's saga. These games may not surpass the achievements of Sony Santa Monica Studio, but they excel in aspects such as design, gameplay, and thematic elements found in the recent God of War titles.

As we eagerly anticipate further developments in the God of War series, here are seven games that fans of Kratos and Atreus might enjoy, whether drawn to the series for its intense third-person combat, rich world design, gripping narrative, or exploration of Norse mythology.

For more God of War content, check out 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.

In Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, Senua embarks on a journey driven by the loss of her lover, much like Kratos in God of War (2018). Her quest unfolds within a Norse mythology-rich world, including a visit to Helheim, familiar to God of War players, and encounters with shared characters like Garmr and Surtr. Like Kratos, Senua interacts with a decapitated head she carries with her.

The game shares God of War's visceral third-person combat, using a tight, over-the-shoulder perspective. Both games enhance immersion through a continuous, one-shot cinematic approach. The performances of Melina Juergens as Senua and Christopher Judge as Kratos both earned them the Best Performance award at The Game Awards in 2017 and 2022, respectively.

For more in the series, explore 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 under the umbrella of meticulously designed, story-centric, technically impressive, Sony-developed third-person action-adventure games. Both series showcase Sony's mastery in this genre over recent console generations.

The compelling narratives of both series are driven by well-developed characters and their emotionally charged relationships. Fans of the father-son dynamic between Kratos and Atreus will appreciate the similar dynamic between Joel and Ellie, as both games feature a morally ambiguous protector guiding a sharp-witted teenager through a dangerous 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 players to Northern Europe, steeped in Norse mythology. Characters like Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya, and Tyr will be recognizable to God of War players.

The game's melee-based combat may appeal to fans of God of War, while those who enjoy RPG elements will find a robust system in Valhalla, featuring a skill tree, loot, side activities, and upgradable armor through crafting and resource gathering.

Explore 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 offers a unique take on Norse mythology with its hand-drawn art style, featuring characters like Jormungandr, Thor, Freya, Mimir, and Odin. The game focuses on exploration and puzzle-solving but ramps up intensity with challenging boss battles against massive 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 Metroidvania-like areas that expand as you progress. This design is ideal for games that blend combat, puzzles, and exploration, which both Rise of the Tomb Raider and God of War execute excellently.

While Tomb Raider emphasizes ranged combat, its third-person perspective and snowy setting will feel familiar to God of War fans, as will its character-driven narrative.

Discover 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.

The Star Wars Jedi series offers a similar semi-open-world design with explorable hubs and areas unlocked by progression-based abilities. Fans of God of War will appreciate the satisfying melee combat and challenging boss fights.

Both series share the formula for a successful action-adventure game: engaging gameplay, immersive worlds, rewarding exploration, and compelling narratives. This connection is partly due to Stig Asmussen, who directed God of War 3 before leading the Star Wars Jedi games.

See 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 style of gameplay, focusing on choice-driven narratives and point-and-click adventure with occasional action sequences via QTEs. However, the emotional depth of its characters and story resonates similarly to God of War.

Across five episodes, The Walking Dead delivers a powerful story. Like God of War and The Last of Us, you guide a gruff protagonist seeking redemption, protecting and mentoring a young child amidst an apocalyptic setting. The relationship between Lee and Clem mirrors the parent-child dynamic central to God of War.

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

Every God of War Review

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