2018's God of War and its sequel, God of War Ragnarök, have set a high standard for immersive, narrative-driven action-adventure games. It's tough to match the excellence of Sony Santa Monica Studio, but there are several games that can satisfy fans looking for similar experiences. While these games may not surpass God of War, they capture and successfully implement key elements such as compelling design, engaging gameplay, and rich storytelling.
As we eagerly await news on the next chapter of Kratos and Atreus's journey, here are seven games that God of War fans might enjoy, whether you're drawn to its intense third-person combat, intricate world design, captivating narrative, or its deep dive into Norse mythology.
For more God of War content, be sure to explore the God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla DLC released in 2023.
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 embarks on a perilous journey driven by the loss of a loved one, set within a richly detailed Norse mythology. Senua's path leads her through Ninja Theory’s version of Helheim, a realm familiar to God of War players, featuring characters like Garmr and Surtr. Just like Kratos, Senua interacts with a severed head that accompanies her.
The gameplay in Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice mirrors the visceral third-person combat of God of War, with a similar over-the-shoulder camera angle. Both games utilize a continuous, one-shot cinematic technique to enhance immersion.
The narrative of each game is elevated by stellar performances: Melina Juergens as Senua and Christopher Judge as Kratos both won Best Performance at The Game Awards in 2017 and 2022, respectively.
For more of Senua's story, don't miss 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, both fall under the umbrella of meticulously crafted, narrative-heavy, technically impressive third-person action-adventure games. Sony and its first-party studios have honed this genre over the past two console generations, and God of War and The Last of Us series exemplify this expertise.
Both series are driven by rich narratives featuring well-developed characters and complex relationships. Fans of the father-son dynamic between Kratos and Atreus will appreciate the similar mentor-protégé relationship between Joel and Ellie, as both stories explore the journey of a morally ambiguous protector guiding a young, sharp-witted companion through a world of peril.
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, delving into Norse mythology. Familiar characters from the Nine Realms, such as Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya, and Tyr, make appearances, resonating with God of War fans.
The game's melee-based combat may appeal to those who enjoy God of War's battles, while its RPG elements, including a detailed skill tree, abundant loot, side quests, and upgradeable armor, cater to fans of the RPG aspects in God of War.
Explore more games similar to Assassin’s Creed if you enjoyed Valhalla.
Jotun
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, showcasing characters like Jormungandr, Thor, Freya, Mimir, and Odin.
Although Jotun is slower-paced, focusing on exploration and light puzzle-solving, it ramps up the intensity with challenging boss battles against massive Norse giants, appealing to God of War fans who relish 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 approach, featuring Metroidvania-like areas where levels interconnect and expand as you progress. This design is ideal for games that blend combat, puzzles, and exploration, a balance both games strike well.
While Tomb Raider focuses more on ranged combat, its third-person perspective and snowy environments will feel familiar to God of War enthusiasts, as will its character-driven narrative.
For a comprehensive experience, see our guide on playing 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 also enjoy the Star Wars Jedi series. Both Fallen Order and Survivor feature explorable hubs with areas unlocked through ability progression.
God of War enthusiasts may find the melee-based third-person combat and challenging boss fights in Star Wars Jedi games appealing. Both series excel in delivering engaging gameplay, immersive worlds, and rewarding exploration, all driven by compelling narratives.
This shared essence is partly due to a common creative thread: both Star Wars Jedi games were directed by Stig Asmussen, who previously directed God of War 3 at Sony Santa Monica before moving to Respawn.
Discover our top 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 stands at the opposite end of gaming's interactivity spectrum as a choice-based point-and-click adventure with minimal action via QTEs. While the gameplay differs greatly from God of War, the emotional depth of its characters and story aligns closely with what fans appreciate in God of War and The Last of Us.
Over five episodes, The Walking Dead's first season delivers a memorable narrative. Like God of War and The Last of Us, you guide a rugged protagonist seeking redemption while protecting a young, clever child amidst apocalyptic chaos. The bond between Lee and Clem, though not by blood, evolves into a poignant parent-child relationship, echoing the core narrative of God of War.
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 games in order, or dive into our collection of every IGN God of War review.
Every God of War Review
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