7 God of War Alternatives to Play in 2025

The 2018 release of God of War and its sequel, God of War Ragnarok, set a new standard for immersive, narrative-rich action-adventure games. Comparing any game to these masterpieces can lead to disappointment, but there are several titles that can satisfy fans eager for a similar experience. These games may not surpass the high bar established by Sony Santa Monica Studio, but they effectively incorporate key design and gameplay elements found in the recent God of War titles.

As we eagerly await further news on the adventures of Kratos and Atreus, here are seven games that God of War fans might enjoy. These recommendations cater to various aspects of the series, from its intense third-person combat and meticulously crafted world to its engaging narrative and exploration of Norse mythology.

Check out 2023's God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla DLC for more God of War adventures.

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 harrowing journey driven by the memory of a lost lover, set within a richly detailed Norse world. Her path leads through Ninja Theory's rendition of Helheim, a realm familiar to God of War enthusiasts, featuring iconic figures like Garmr and Surtr. Echoing Kratos, Senua carries and converses with a severed head, adding a unique narrative twist.

The gameplay in Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice mirrors God of War with its visceral third-person combat and over-the-shoulder camera perspective. Both games utilize a seamless, one-shot cinematic approach to enhance immersion.

The emotional depth of each game's narrative is further enriched by stellar performances, with Melina Juergens (Senua) and Christopher Judge (Kratos) winning Best Performance at The Game Awards in 2017 and 2022, respectively.

For more adventures with Senua, 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 IGN's 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 series may not share the same setting or immediate gameplay mechanics as God of War, both fall under the umbrella of Sony's meticulously crafted, story-driven, third-person action-adventure games. They represent the pinnacle of Sony's first-party studio efforts over recent console generations.

Both series feature narratives driven by compelling characters and their emotionally charged relationships. Fans of the father-son bond between Kratos and Atreus will find a similar dynamic in the guardian-ward relationship between Joel and Ellie, where a morally ambiguous protector guides a spirited young companion through a treacherous world.

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, immersing them in the rich tapestry of Norse mythology. Familiar characters such as Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya, and Tyr make appearances, resonating with God of War enthusiasts.

The game's combat, centered around melee weapons, should appeal to fans of God of War, while those who appreciate the RPG elements in God of War will find even more to enjoy in Valhalla, with its extensive skill tree, loot system, side activities, and upgradable armor.

See more games like Assassin's Creed if you liked 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 visual interpretation of Norse mythology, swapping God of War's realism for stunning hand-drawn art. Players will encounter reinterpretations of iconic figures like Jormungandr, Thor, Freya, Mimir, and Odin.

While Jotun is slower-paced and focuses more on exploration and puzzle-solving, it excels in delivering intense, well-crafted boss battles against colossal Norse giants, sure to appeal to fans of God of War's epic encounters.

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 where levels loop back on themselves and expand as you progress. This design is perfect for games that balance combat, puzzles, and exploration, much like God of War and Rise of the Tomb Raider.

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

See 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 IGN's 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 find much to love in Respawn's Star Wars Jedi series. Both Fallen Order and Survivor feature explorable hubs with areas that unlock as you gain new abilities.

God of War enthusiasts may also appreciate the satisfying melee-based third-person combat and challenging boss fights in the Star Wars Jedi games. Both series excel in delivering engaging gameplay within immersive worlds, driven by rewarding exploration and compelling storytelling.

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

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 stands on the opposite end of gaming's interactivity spectrum, offering a choice-based, point-and-click adventure with minimal action via QTEs. While the gameplay differs vastly from God of War, the emotional resonance of its characters and narrative provides a similar experience.

Over five episodes, The Walking Dead: Season 1 delivers one of gaming's most memorable stories. Like God of War and The Last of Us, players control a rugged protagonist seeking redemption while guiding and protecting a young, spirited child amid apocalyptic chaos. Lee and Clem share a bond akin to the parent-child dynamic central to God of War's narrative.

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

Every God of War Review

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