7 God of War Alternatives to Play in 2025

2018's God of War and its sequel, God of War Ragnarok, set a new standard for immersive, narrative-rich action-adventure games. Comparing other games to God of War can lead to disappointment due to the high bar set by Sony Santa Monica Studio. However, there are several titles that share key elements with God of War, offering a similar gaming experience.

While these games may not surpass the achievements of God of War, they incorporate notable design and gameplay features that fans of the series will appreciate. As we eagerly await further developments in the saga of Kratos and Atreus, here are seven games that might satisfy your craving for more of what God of War offers, be it the visceral combat, the rich world design, the compelling narrative, or the exploration of Norse mythology.

For more God of War content, don't miss the 2023 God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla DLC.

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

Image credit: Ninja TheoryDeveloper: 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.

Senua's journey in Hellblade mirrors Kratos' in God of War (2018), as both protagonists embark on quests driven by the loss of loved ones within the rich tapestry of Norse mythology. Senua's path leads her to Helheim, a familiar realm to God of War players, complete with characters like Garmr and Surtr. Both games feature a similar over-the-shoulder third-person combat perspective and a one-shot cinematic approach that enhances immersion. The character-driven narratives are further elevated by the outstanding performances of 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 Hellblade action, be sure to check out the sequel, Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2.

The Last of Us Parts 1 & 2

Image credit: SonyDeveloper: 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 series differs from God of War in setting and gameplay, both fall under the umbrella of Sony-developed third-person action-adventure games known for their thoughtful design, rich stories, and technical excellence. The narratives of both series are driven by complex character relationships, particularly the father-son dynamic of Kratos and Atreus, which echoes the protective bond between Joel and Ellie. Fans of God of War's storytelling will appreciate the emotional depth and character development in The Last of Us.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: 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 immerses players in Norse mythology with familiar characters like Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya, and Tyr. The game's melee combat and RPG elements, such as skill trees, loot, and crafting, will appeal to God of War fans who enjoy those aspects.

Explore more games like Assassin's Creed if you enjoyed Valhalla.

Jotun

Image credit: Thunder Lotus GamesDeveloper: Thunder Lotus Games | Publisher: Thunder Lotus Games | Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Switch, Wii U, PC, Mac, Linus, Stadia | Review: IGN’s Jotun review

For fans of God of War’s Norse mythology and/or boss fights.

Jotun offers a unique visual take on Norse mythology with hand-drawn art, featuring characters like Jormungar, Thor, Freya, Mimir, and Odin. The game focuses on exploration and puzzle-solving, with intense boss battles against massive Norse giants that will satisfy God of War fans.

Rise of the Tomb Raider

Image credit: Square Enix/Microsoft StudiosDeveloper: 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 approach, featuring Metroidvania-like areas that expand as you progress. The game balances combat, puzzles, and exploration, with a third-person perspective and snowy settings that will feel familiar to God of War players.

Discover how to play the Tomb Raider games in order with our guide.

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order & Survivor

Image credit: EADeveloper: 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.

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Survivor share God of War's semi-open-world structure, with explorable hubs and progression-based gating. Fans of God of War's melee combat and challenging boss fights will find a similar experience here. Both series also excel in engaging gameplay, immersive worlds, and compelling stories, partly due to the influence of Stig Asmussen, who directed God of War 3 before joining Respawn.

Check out 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 different kind of gaming experience, focusing on choice-based storytelling and QTEs. However, the emotional depth and character development, particularly the relationship between Lee and Clem, resonate similarly to the father-son bond in God of War. The narrative's emotional impact is comparable to that of God of War and The Last of Us.

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

Every God of War Review

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