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. While comparing any game to these masterpieces might lead to disappointment, there are several titles that can satisfy fans looking for similar experiences. These games may not surpass the benchmarks 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 updates on the next adventures of Kratos and Atreus, here are seven games that God of War fans might enjoy, whether drawn to the series for its intense third-person combat, richly designed worlds, compelling narratives, or exploration of Norse mythology.

For even more God of War content, 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.

In Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, Senua embarks on a harrowing journey inspired by a lost love, much like Kratos in God of War (2018). The game is set in a richly detailed Norse world, including Ninja Theory's version of Helheim, where players encounter familiar figures like Garmr and Surtr. Senua, akin to Kratos, interacts with a severed head that accompanies her, enhancing the narrative depth.

The gameplay mirrors God of War's visceral third-person combat, utilizing an over-the-shoulder perspective and a continuous, one-shot cinematic approach that boosts immersion. Both games feature strong character-driven narratives, with standout performances by Melina Juergens as Senua and Christopher Judge as Kratos, both of whom won Best Performance at The Game Awards in 2017 and 2022, respectively.

For more from the series, 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.

While The Last of Us shares fewer gameplay elements with God of War, both fall under the category of meticulously crafted, story-centric, technically impressive third-person action-adventure games, a genre Sony and its first-party studios have excelled in. Both series are renowned for their compelling narratives, driven by richly developed characters and emotionally charged relationships. Fans of the father-son bond between Kratos and Atreus may find the parent-child dynamic between Joel and Ellie similarly compelling, as both stories feature a morally ambiguous protector guiding a witty teenager through a harsh 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, steeped in Norse mythology. Familiar deities such as Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya, and Tyr appear, offering a connection for God of War enthusiasts. The game's melee combat and RPG elements, including a skill tree, loot, and upgradable armor, may appeal to those who enjoy God of War's mechanics.

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. While slower-paced and focused on exploration and puzzle-solving, Jotun delivers intense boss battles against massive Norse giants, appealing to fans of God of War's combat and mythology.

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 mirrors God of War's semi-open-world design with its Metroidvania-like areas that loop and expand as players progress. The game balances combat, puzzles, and exploration, appealing to God of War fans. While it leans more on ranged combat, its third-person perspective and snowy setting, along with a narrative driven by well-developed characters, will feel familiar.

Learn more about 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, like God of War, offers explorable hubs with areas unlocked through progression. Fans will appreciate the engaging third-person melee combat and challenging boss fights. The games share a similar DNA, partly due to Stig Asmussen, who directed God of War 3 before working on the Star Wars Jedi series.

Discover 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 type of gameplay with its choice-based, point-and-click adventure and minimal action through quick-time events. Yet, the emotional storytelling and character development parallel God of War. Over five episodes, the first season delivers a poignant narrative centered on Lee and Clementine, reflecting the parent-child dynamics seen in God of War.

And, if you're new to the God of War series, check out our breakdown of the series’ chronology to discover the best way to play the God of War games in order or sort through our roundup of every IGN God of War review.

Every God of War Review

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