The 2018 release of God of War and its sequel, God of War Ragnarok, have set new standards for immersive, narrative-rich action-adventure games. While it's tough for any game to live up to the benchmark set by Sony Santa Monica Studio, there are several titles that capture the essence of what makes God of War so captivating. These games may not surpass the God of War series, but they certainly share and effectively implement key design and gameplay elements that fans of the series will appreciate. As we eagerly await updates on the next chapter in Kratos and Atreus's saga, here are seven games that should satisfy your God of War cravings, whether you're drawn to its intense combat, rich world-building, compelling storytelling, or exploration of Norse mythology.
*For an additional dose of God of War, don't miss out on 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.
Like Kratos in God of War (2018), Senua embarks on a harrowing journey driven by the loss of a loved one, set within a richly detailed Norse mythology-inspired world. Her journey leads her to Ninja Theory's version of Helheim, a realm familiar to God of War players, featuring characters such as Garmr and Surtr. In a striking parallel to Kratos, Senua also carries a decapitated head that she interacts with throughout her journey.
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice mirrors God of War's visceral third-person combat, viewed from an over-the-shoulder perspective. Both games utilize a seamless, one-shot cinematic approach that enhances immersion. The narratives of both games are anchored by standout performances, with Melina Juergens (Senua) and Christopher Judge (Kratos) each earning Best Performance at The Game Awards in 2017 and 2022, respectively.
For more immersive experiences, 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 may not share the same setting or gameplay mechanics as God of War, both fall under the category of meticulously crafted, story-driven, technically impressive third-person action-adventure games. Sony and its first-party studios have honed this genre over the past two console generations, and no titles exemplify this more than God of War and The Last of Us Parts 1 and 2.
Both series boast narratives propelled by richly developed characters and the emotionally charged relationships they form. Fans of the father-son dynamic between Kratos and Atreus will appreciate the similar protector-and-child dynamic between Joel and Ellie. Both pairs navigate a treacherous world, with the protector guiding the young companion through trials and tribulations.
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 immerses players in the world of Norse mythology set in Northern Europe. Fans of God of War will recognize characters like Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya/Freyja, and Tyr. The game's melee combat and bloody battles may appeal to those who enjoy God of War's combat system. Moreover, Valhalla expands on the RPG elements with a detailed skill tree, loot system, numerous side activities, and upgradable armor that requires resource gathering and crafting.
*Explore more games similar to 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 presents a unique take on Norse mythology with its hand-drawn art style, showcasing characters like Jormungandr, Thor, Freya, Mimir, and Odin. While slower-paced than God of War, Jotun focuses on exploration and light puzzle-solving, punctuated by intense, challenging boss battles against towering 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 structure, featuring Metroidvania-style areas that interconnect and expand as you progress. This design complements games that blend combat, puzzles, and exploration seamlessly. While Tomb Raider leans more towards ranged combat, its third-person perspective and snowy environments will feel familiar to God of War fans, as will its character-driven narrative.
*For a complete experience, 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 Star Wars Jedi: Survivor review
For fans of God of War’s semi-open-world design and/or combat.
For those who enjoy God of War's semi-open-world exploration, Respawn’s Star Wars Jedi series is a must-try. Both Fallen Order and Survivor feature expansive hubs with areas unlocked by progression-based abilities. Fans of God of War will also find the melee combat and challenging boss fights in the Star Wars Jedi series satisfying. Both series excel in creating engaging gameplay within immersive worlds, driven by exploration and compelling narratives.
This shared essence is no coincidence; both Star Wars Jedi games were directed by Stig Asmussen, who previously directed God of War 3 for Sony Santa Monica.
*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 stark contrast to God of War's gameplay, being a choice-driven point-and-click adventure with limited action sequences executed via QTEs. However, its emotional depth and storytelling resonate similarly to God of War. 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), you play as a gruff protagonist seeking redemption while guiding a young companion through an apocalyptic world. The bond between Lee and Clem evolves into a poignant parent-child dynamic, mirroring the heart of God of War's narrative.
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If you're new to the God of War series, explore our guide to the series' chronology to find the best way to play the God of War games in order, or browse through our comprehensive collection of every IGN God of War review.
Every God of War Review
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