News about 7 God of War Alternatives to Play in 2025

The 2018 release of God of War and its sequel, God of War Ragnarok, have set a high standard for immersive, narrative-driven action-adventure games. Comparing other titles to these masterpieces often leads to disappointment, but there are several games that can still satisfy fans looking for similar experiences. These games may not surpass the benchmarks set by Sony Santa Monica Studio, but they effectively incorporate key elements of design and gameplay found in the recent God of War titles.

As we eagerly await further developments on Kratos and Atreus's journey, here are seven games that God of War enthusiasts might enjoy, whether they're drawn to the series for its visceral third-person combat, richly designed worlds, compelling narratives, or exploration of Norse mythology.

For more God of War content, don't miss the 2023 God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla DLC.

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

For fans of God of War’s combat, Norse setting/mythological exploration, and/or story.

Senua's journey in Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice mirrors Kratos's in God of War (2018), as both characters navigate perilous paths driven by the loss of loved ones within a mythology-rich Norse world. Senua explores Ninja Theory’s version of Helheim, encountering familiar characters like Garmr and Surtr, and even carries a talking head, echoing Kratos's companion Mimir. The visceral third-person combat and continuous, one-shot cinematic approach enhance immersion, much like God of War. Both games are driven by powerful character performances, with Melina Juergens and Christopher Judge winning Best Performance at The Game Awards in 2017 and 2022, respectively. For more, explore 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 diverges from God of War in setting and gameplay, both series fall under the umbrella of meticulously crafted, story-rich, technically impressive, Sony-developed third-person action-adventure games. These titles exemplify the genre's mastery, showcasing compelling narratives driven by complex character relationships. Fans of Kratos and Atreus’s dynamic will appreciate the similar bond between Joel and Ellie, as both games feature a protector guiding a vulnerable yet sharp-witted teenager through treacherous worlds.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

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 with familiar characters like Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya, and Tyr. The game’s melee combat and RPG elements, such as skill trees, loot, and upgradable armor, will appeal to God of War fans. Those who enjoyed the exploration and side activities in God of War will find even more to engage with here.

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 visually distinct take on Norse mythology, featuring hand-drawn environments and characters like Jormungar, Thor, Freya, Mimir, and Odin. While slower-paced and focused on exploration and puzzles, the game escalates with intense, challenging boss fights against massive Norse giants, resonating with God of War fans.

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 Metroidvania-like areas that expand as players progress. While it emphasizes ranged combat, the third-person perspective and character-driven narrative will feel familiar to God of War enthusiasts, especially in its snowy settings.

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.

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Survivor offer explorable hubs and progression-based abilities that echo God of War's design. Fans will also appreciate the satisfying melee combat and challenging boss fights, alongside the immersive worlds and compelling narratives. The shared DNA between these series is evident, as both Star Wars Jedi games were directed by Stig Asmussen, who previously directed God of War 3.

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 offers a different type of interactivity, focusing on choice-based storytelling and point-and-click adventure with QTEs. While the gameplay differs greatly, the emotional depth of its narrative and characters, particularly the parent-child dynamic between Lee and Clem, mirrors the heart of God of War's storytelling.

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

Every God of War Review

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