Top 7 God of War Alternatives to Play in 2025

2018's *God of War* and its sequel, *God of War Ragnarok*, have redefined the standards for immersive, narrative-driven action-adventure games. While it's tough to match the excellence set by Sony Santa Monica Studio, there are numerous games that can satisfy fans looking for similar experiences. These games may not surpass *God of War*, but they effectively incorporate elements of its design and gameplay that fans cherish. As we eagerly await further news on Kratos and Atreus, here are seven games that should appeal to *God of War* enthusiasts, whether you're drawn to its intense third-person combat, rich world design, captivating narrative, 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.

Like Kratos in God of War (2018), Senua embarks on a perilous journey motivated by a deceased lover, set within a similarly mythology-rich Norse world. Senua’s journey takes her to Ninja Theory’s rendition of Helheim, a mythological realm familiar to God of War players, with shared characters like Garmr and Surtr. Senua, like Kratos, also carries and communicates with a decapitated head that swings from her hip.

The gameplay in Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice shares the visceral third-person combat of God of War, played from a tight, over-the-shoulder perspective. Both games use a continuous, one-shot cinematographic approach to enhance immersion. The narratives of both games are elevated by stellar performances: Melina Juergens (Senua) and Christopher Judge (Kratos) each 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: 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 differs in setting and gameplay from God of War, both fall under the umbrella of meticulously crafted, narrative-rich, technically impressive, Sony-developed third-person action-adventure games. Sony and its first-party studios have perfected this genre over the last two console generations, and no games exemplify this mastery better than God of War and The Last of Us series.

Both series feature top-tier storytelling driven by well-developed characters and their emotionally charged relationships. Fans of the father-son dynamic between Kratos and Atreus will appreciate the parent-child-like bond between Joel and Ellie, where a morally ambiguous protector guides a witty, vulnerable 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 the series to Northern Europe, steeped in Norse mythology. Characters like Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya/Freyja, and Tyr will be familiar to God of War players. The game's melee-based combat might appeal to God of War fans, while those who enjoy the RPG elements in God of War will find even more depth in Valhalla with its extensive skill tree, loot system, numerous side activities, and upgradeable armor through resource gathering and crafting.

For more games like Assassin's Creed, check out our recommendations 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 beautifully hand-drawn visuals, featuring characters such as Jormungandr, Thor, Freya, Mimir, and Odin. While Jotun is slower-paced and focuses on exploration and light puzzle-solving, it ramps up the intensity with well-crafted, challenging boss fights against massive 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 echoes God of War with its semi-open-world design, featuring Metroidvania-like areas where levels loop back and expand with progression. This design is ideal for games that blend combat, puzzles, and exploration, a mix that both Rise of the Tomb Raider and God of War excel in. While Tomb Raider focuses more on ranged combat, its third-person perspective and snowy setting will feel familiar to God of War fans, as will its character-driven narrative.

Discover the best way to play the Tomb Raider series with our guide.

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.

Fans of God of War's semi-open-world will appreciate Respawn's Star Wars Jedi series. Both Fallen Order and Survivor feature explorable hubs with areas locked behind progression-based abilities. The melee-focused third-person combat and challenging boss fights in the Star Wars Jedi series will also resonate with God of War enthusiasts. Both franchises excel in delivering engaging gameplay within immersive worlds, driven by rewarding exploration and compelling narratives.

This shared DNA stems from a common lineage; both Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Survivor were directed by Stig Asmussen, who previously directed God of War 3 for Sony Santa Monica before moving to Respawn.

Explore 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 vastly different gameplay experience, being a choice-based point-and-click adventure with limited action sequences via QTEs. Yet, the emotional impact of its characters and story aligns closely with God of War. Over five episodes, The Walking Dead's first season delivers a poignant narrative. You play as Lee, a gruff man seeking redemption, who forms a protective, parent-like bond with Clementine, echoing the dynamic between Kratos and Atreus amidst apocalyptic turmoil.

And, if you're new to the God of War series, check out our guide on the series' chronology to find the best way to play the God of War games in order, or explore our collection of every IGN God of War review.

Every God of War Review

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