7 God of War Alternatives to Play in 2025
2018's *God of War* and its sequel, *God of War Ragnarok*, have set a high standard for immersive, narrative-driven action-adventure games. While it's tough to match the brilliance of these titles, there are several games that can satisfy your craving for similar experiences. These games may not surpass the benchmark set by Sony Santa Monica Studio, but they capture and effectively implement key design and gameplay elements found in the recent *God of War* titles.
As we eagerly await updates on the future adventures of Kratos and Atreus, here are seven games that *God of War* enthusiasts might find appealing. Whether you're drawn to the series for its intense third-person combat, rich world design, engaging story, or exploration of Norse mythology, these titles offer something for every fan. And don't forget to dive into the 2023 *God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla* DLC for more epic adventures.
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
For fans of God of War’s combat, Norse setting/mythological exploration, and/or story.
Like Kratos in *God of War* (2018), Senua's journey in *Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice* is driven by the loss of a loved one, set against the backdrop of a Norse mythology-rich world. Her path leads her into Ninja Theory's rendition of Helheim, a realm that *God of War* players will recognize, complete with familiar characters like Garmr and Surtr. Similar to Kratos, Senua communicates with a severed head that accompanies her.
The gameplay of *Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice* mirrors *God of War* with its visceral third-person combat viewed from an over-the-shoulder perspective. Both games utilize a seamless, one-shot camera approach to enhance immersion. The compelling narratives are elevated by standout performances, with Melina Juergens and Christopher Judge winning Best Performance at The Game Awards in 2017 and 2022, respectively, for their roles as Senua and Kratos.
For more of Senua's story, check out the sequel, *Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2*.
The Last of Us Parts 1 & 2
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 mechanics, both fall under the category of meticulously crafted, story-driven, technically impressive third-person action-adventure games. Sony and its first-party studios have excelled in this genre over the past two console generations, with *God of War* and *The Last of Us* standing as prime examples of this mastery.
Both series boast narratives driven by well-developed characters and the emotionally charged relationships between them. Fans of the father-son dynamic between Kratos and Atreus will likely appreciate the similar guardian-child relationship between Joel and Ellie, as both games feature a morally complex protector guiding a sharp-witted teenager through a perilous 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 Ubisoft's iconic series to Northern Europe, steeped in Norse mythology. Players familiar with *God of War* will recognize many characters from the Nine Realms, including Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya/Freyja, and Tyr.
The game's melee combat, centered around blood-soaked battles, should appeal to *God of War* enthusiasts. Additionally, those who appreciate the RPG elements in *God of War* will find *Valhalla* offers even more depth, with an extensive skill tree, loot system, numerous side activities, and customizable, stat-boosting armor that can be upgraded through resource gathering and crafting.
If you enjoyed *Valhalla*, explore our list of games similar to *Assassin's Creed*.
Jotun
For fans of God of War’s Norse mythology and/or boss fights.
*Jotun* offers a unique take on Norse mythology, featuring hand-drawn visuals that contrast with *God of War*'s realistic graphics. The game includes characters like Jormungar, Thor, Freya, Mimir, and Odin, providing a different visual interpretation of these mythological figures.
While *Jotun* is slower-paced and focuses more on exploration and light puzzle-solving, it ramps up the excitement with challenging boss battles against towering Norse giants, offering a thrilling experience for fans of *God of War*'s epic confrontations.
Rise of the Tomb Raider
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 interconnected 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* excel at.
Although *Tomb Raider* emphasizes ranged combat, its third-person perspective and engaging narrative, set in a snowy environment, will resonate with *God of War* fans. For a comprehensive experience, see our guide on how to play the *Tomb Raider* games in order.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order & Survivor
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 a similar experience in Respawn’s *Star Wars Jedi* series. Both *Fallen Order* and *Survivor* feature explorable hubs with areas that open up as you gain new abilities.
The satisfying melee-based third-person combat and challenging boss fights in the *Star Wars Jedi* games should also appeal to *God of War* enthusiasts. Both series share the core elements of engaging gameplay, immersive worlds, rewarding exploration, and compelling storytelling. This similarity is no coincidence, as both *Star Wars Jedi* games were directed by Stig Asmussen, who previously directed *God of War 3* for Sony Santa Monica.
Explore our list of the best *Star Wars* games of all time for more galactic adventures.
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 stark contrast to *God of War* in terms of gameplay, being a choice-based point-and-click adventure with minimal action sequences executed through quick-time events. However, the emotional depth of its characters and story rivals that of *God of War*.
Over five episodes, *The Walking Dead* Season 1 delivers a memorable narrative. Like *God of War* (and *The Last of Us*), you play as a hardened protagonist seeking redemption while protecting and mentoring a young child amidst an apocalyptic setting. Lee and Clem's relationship evolves into a powerful parent-child dynamic, echoing the heart of *God of War*'s storytelling.
Don't agree with our selections? Share your favorite games like *God of War* in the comments below! If you're new to the series, explore our guide on the best way to play the *God of War* games in order or check out our collection of every IGN *God of War* review.
Every God of War Review
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