7 God of War-Like Games to Play in 2025

The 2018 release of *God of War* and its sequel, *God of War Ragnarok*, have set new standards for immersive, narrative-driven action-adventure games. While comparing any game to these masterpieces might lead to inevitable disappointment, there are numerous titles that can satisfy fans looking for similar experiences. These games may not surpass the benchmarks established by Sony Santa Monica Studio, but they share and effectively implement key design and gameplay elements found in the recent *God of War* titles.

As we eagerly await updates on the next chapter of Kratos and Atreus's journey, here are seven games that *God of War* enthusiasts might find appealing, whether drawn to the series for its intense third-person combat, intricately designed worlds, compelling narratives, or the exploration of Norse mythology.

*For more *God of War* action, be sure to explore 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 richly mythological Norse world. Senua's journey leads her to Ninja Theory’s version of Helheim, a realm familiar to *God of War* players, with appearances by shared characters like Garmr and Surtr. Similar to Kratos, Senua also carries and communicates with a decapitated head that swings from her hip.

In terms of gameplay, *Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice* and *God of War* both feature visceral third-person combat from a close, over-the-shoulder perspective. Cinematically, they use a continuous, one-shot approach to enhance immersion.

The character-driven narratives in both games are elevated by standout performances: Melina Juergens (Senua) and Christopher Judge (Kratos) each won **Best Performance at The Game Awards** in 2017 and 2022, respectively.

For more action, 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 moment-to-moment gameplay as *God of War*, both fall under the category of meticulously crafted, story-rich, technically impressive, Sony-developed third-person action-adventure games. Sony and its first-party studios have honed this genre over the last two console generations, with *God of War* and *The Last of Us* Parts 1 and 2 epitomizing this mastery.

Both series boast top-tier narratives driven by well-developed characters and emotionally complex relationships. Fans of the father-son dynamic between Kratos and Atreus will likely appreciate the parent-child-like bond between Joel and Ellie, as both games feature a morally ambiguous protector guiding a vulnerable, witty teenager through a world fraught with danger and deceit.

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 Ubisoft's flagship series to Northern Europe, steeped in Norse mythology. Characters from the Nine Realms, such as Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya/Freyja, and Tyr, will be familiar to *God of War* players.

The game's melee combat may appeal to *God of War* fans, while those who enjoy the RPG elements of *GoW* will find an even richer experience in *Valhalla*, with a comprehensive skill tree, loot system, numerous side activities, and upgradeable armor influenced by resource gathering and crafting.

*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, Linus, 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, featuring hand-drawn environments and characters, including versions of Jormungar, Thor, Freya, Mimir, and Odin.

While *Jotun* is slower-paced than *God of War*, focusing on exploration and light puzzle-solving, it can intensify with well-crafted, challenging boss battles 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* shares *God of War*'s semi-open-world design, featuring multiple Metroidvania-like areas where levels loop back and expand as you progress. This design is ideal for games that blend combat, puzzles, and exploration, a balance both *Rise of the Tomb Raider* and *God of War* achieve excellently.

Although *Tomb Raider* focuses more on ranged combat, its third-person perspective and snowy setting, along with its character-driven narrative, will feel familiar to *God of War* fans.

*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.**

Fans of *God of War*'s semi-open-world design will also appreciate Respawn’s *Star Wars Jedi* series. Both *Fallen Order* and *Survivor* feature explorable hubs with areas unlocked by progression-based abilities.

*God of War* enthusiasts may also enjoy the satisfying, melee-based third-person combat and challenging boss fights in the *Star Wars Jedi* games. Both series share the essential elements of a successful action-adventure game: engaging gameplay, immersive worlds, rewarding exploration, and compelling stories.

This shared DNA is partly due to 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 joining Respawn.

*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* sits at the opposite end of gaming's interactivity spectrum: it's a choice-based point-and-click adventure with minimal action sequences via QTEs. While playing *The Walking Dead* differs vastly from *God of War*, the emotional impact of its characters and story resonates similarly.

Over five episodes, *The Walking Dead*'s first season delivers one of the most memorable narratives in gaming. Like *God of War* (and *The Last of Us*), you play as a gruff man seeking redemption, tasked with protecting and guiding a precocious child through apocalyptic chaos. Though Lee and Clem are not related by blood, their relationship quickly evolves into the parent-child dynamic central to *God of War*'s narrative.

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 browse through our collection of every IGN *God of War* review.

Every God of War Review

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