The 2018 release of *God of War* and its sequel, *God of War Ragnarok*, have set a new standard for action-adventure games with their immersive narratives and rich gameplay. Comparing any game to these titles might lead to high expectations and potential disappointment. However, there are numerous games that capture similar elements and can satisfy fans of the series while we await further developments in Kratos and Atreus's saga. Here, we present seven games that share key design and gameplay features with the recent *God of War* titles, offering visceral combat, engaging world design, compelling stories, and explorations of Norse mythology.
*For more adventures with Kratos and Atreus, don't miss 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, Senua embarks on a journey driven by the loss of a loved one, set within a richly detailed Norse world. Her path leads her through Ninja Theory's version of Helheim, a realm familiar to God of War players, featuring characters like Garmr and Surtr. Senua, much like Kratos, interacts with a severed head, adding a unique twist to her narrative. The game's combat is similarly visceral, presented in a tight, over-the-shoulder perspective, and both titles use a continuous, one-shot cinematic approach to enhance immersion. The performances of Melina Juergens as Senua and Christopher Judge as Kratos have both been recognized with Best Performance awards at The Game Awards in 2017 and 2022, respectively. For more, 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 are exemplary of Sony's mastery in crafting story-rich, technically impressive third-person action-adventure games. The narratives in both series are driven by complex characters and their relationships. Fans of Kratos and Atreus's dynamic will appreciate the similar protector-protégé relationship between Joel and Ellie, navigating a world fraught with danger and moral ambiguity.
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 Norse mythology, featuring familiar deities like Odin, Loki, and Thor. Its combat, centered around melee weapons, and extensive RPG elements, including skill trees and loot systems, will appeal to God of War enthusiasts looking for a similar experience with added depth.
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, 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 with its hand-drawn art style, featuring characters like Jormungar and Thor. While slower-paced and focused on exploration and puzzles, it delivers intense boss battles against massive Norse giants, appealing to fans of God of War's epic encounters.
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 approach, with interconnected areas that expand as you progress. Its focus on combat, puzzles, and exploration, combined with a third-person perspective and a snowy setting, will feel familiar to God of War fans.
For a complete experience, see our guide on 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.
The Star Wars Jedi series, directed by Stig Asmussen, who also directed God of War 3, offers a similar semi-open-world experience with explorable hubs and progression-based abilities. Fans will enjoy the melee combat and challenging boss fights, all set within an immersive world driven by a compelling narrative.
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 different gameplay experience with its choice-based, point-and-click format, but its emotional storytelling and character development resonate similarly to God of War. The relationship between Lee and Clem mirrors the parent-child dynamic of Kratos and Atreus, set against a backdrop of apocalyptic survival.
AnswerSee ResultsDon't agree with our picks? Let us know your favorite games like God of War in the comments!And, 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 God of War games in order or sort through our roundup of every IGN God of War review.
Every God of War Review
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