7 God of War Alternatives to Play in 2025

2018's God of War and its sequel, God of War Ragnarok, have set a new standard for immersive, narrative-driven action-adventure games. While comparing any game to these masterpieces might set expectations too high, there are several titles that can satisfy fans of Kratos and Atreus' epic journey. These games may not surpass the achievements of Sony Santa Monica Studio but capture the essence of what makes God of War special, whether it's the visceral combat, rich world-building, compelling storytelling, or the exploration of Norse mythology.

As we eagerly await further developments in Kratos and Atreus' saga, here are seven games that should appeal to God of War enthusiasts, whether you're drawn to its intense third-person combat, meticulously crafted worlds, emotional narratives, or the deep dive into Norse lore.

For more adventures with Kratos and Atreus, 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.

Much 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 world. Senua's journey leads her to Ninja Theory's version of Helheim, a realm familiar to God of War players, featuring characters like Garmr and Surtr. Echoing Kratos, Senua also carries a decapitated head that she converses with throughout her journey.

The gameplay in Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice mirrors God of War's visceral third-person combat, utilizing a tight, over-the-shoulder camera for heightened immersion. Both games also employ a continuous, one-shot cinematic approach to enhance the player's experience. Both narratives are driven by powerful performances, with Melina Juergens (Senua) and Christopher Judge (Kratos) winning Best Performance at The Game Awards in 2017 and 2022, respectively.

For more of Senua's story, 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.

Though The Last of Us and God of War differ in setting and gameplay, they both fall under the umbrella of meticulously crafted, story-driven, technically impressive third-person action-adventure games, a genre Sony and its first-party studios have excelled in over recent console generations. Both series showcase top-tier narratives powered by well-developed characters and emotionally complex relationships.

Fans who appreciated the father-son bond between Kratos and Atreus will find a similar dynamic between Joel and Ellie, as both stories feature a morally ambiguous protector guiding a wise-cracking teenager through a harsh, unforgiving 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 immerses players in 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 should appeal to fans of Kratos' brutal battles, while its extensive RPG elements, including a skill tree, loot, side activities, and customizable armor, cater to those who enjoy the RPG aspects of God of War.

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 presents a unique take on Norse mythology with its hand-drawn art style, featuring characters like Jormungar, Thor, Freya, Mimir, and Odin. Unlike the fast-paced God of War, Jotun focuses on exploration and light puzzle-solving, but it excels in delivering intense boss battles against massive Norse giants, offering a challenge that God of War fans might appreciate.

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, featuring interconnected areas that expand as you progress, similar to Metroidvania games. This design complements the balance of combat, puzzles, and exploration found in both games. While Tomb Raider leans more towards ranged combat, its third-person perspective and snowy settings should feel familiar to God of War fans, as will its character-driven narrative.

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.

Fans of God of War's semi-open-world design will find much to love in Respawn’s Star Wars Jedi series. Both Fallen Order and Survivor feature explorable hubs with areas unlocked by progression-based abilities, much like God of War. The games also offer satisfying melee-based combat and challenging boss fights, set within immersive worlds driven by engaging gameplay and compelling narratives. This similarity is no surprise, as both series were influenced by Stig Asmussen, who directed God of War 3 before moving to Respawn.

For more Star Wars gaming, check out 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 diverges significantly from God of War in terms of gameplay, being a choice-based point-and-click adventure with minimal action. However, the emotional depth of its characters and story resonates similarly to God of War. Over five episodes, the first season delivers a poignant narrative, focusing on Lee, a man seeking redemption, and his protective, parent-like relationship with Clementine, mirroring the dynamic between Kratos and Atreus amidst apocalyptic chaos.

AnswerSee ResultsDon't agree with our picks? Let us know your favorite games like God of War in the comments!

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

Every God of War Review

12 Images