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 new standard for immersive, narrative-driven action-adventure games. These titles have raised expectations so high that comparing any other game to them might lead to inevitable disappointment. However, there's a selection of games that can satisfy your cravings for experiences similar to *God of War*. These games may not surpass the benchmarks established by Sony Santa Monica Studio, but they effectively incorporate key design and gameplay elements that resonate with what made the recent *God of War* games stand out.

As we eagerly await further developments in the saga of Kratos and Atreus, here are seven games that fans of *God of War* might find appealing. Whether you're drawn to the series for its intense third-person combat, intricately designed worlds, compelling narratives, or the exploration of Norse mythology, these games have something to offer.

*For more adventures in the world of Kratos, 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 sets out on a perilous journey driven by the loss of a loved one, navigating a richly detailed Norse world. Her path leads her through Ninja Theory's rendition of Helheim, a realm familiar to *God of War* players, featuring characters such as Garmr and Surtr. Echoing Kratos, Senua too converses with a decapitated head that accompanies her.

In terms of gameplay, *Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice* mirrors *God of War* with its visceral third-person combat from an over-the-shoulder perspective. Both games utilize a continuous, one-shot cinematic approach to enhance immersion. The narratives of both are powerfully supported by standout performances, with Melina Juergens (Senua) and Christopher Judge (Kratos) each earning the **Best Performance** award at The Game Awards in 2017 and 2022, respectively.

For those eager for more, 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 immediate gameplay as *God of War*, both fall under the category of meticulously crafted, story-rich, technically impressive third-person action-adventure games. Sony and its first-party studios have honed this genre over recent console generations, with *God of War* and *The Last of Us* epitomizing their excellence.

Both series feature top-tier narratives driven by well-developed characters and emotionally charged relationships. Fans of the father-son dynamic between Kratos and Atreus will appreciate the parent-child-like bond between Joel and Ellie, where a morally complex protector guides a spirited teenager through a treacherous 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* transports Ubisoft's renowned series to Northern Europe, steeped in Norse mythology. Fans of *God of War* will recognize familiar characters like Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya, and Tyr. The game's intense melee combat might appeal to *God of War* enthusiasts, while those who appreciate the RPG elements will find even more depth in *Valhalla*, with its expansive skill tree, loot system, side activities, and upgradeable armor.

*For more games similar to *Assassin’s Creed Valhalla*, check out our recommendations.*

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 beautifully hand-drawn art style, featuring characters such as Jormungandr, Thor, Freya, Mimir, and Odin. While slower-paced than *God of War*, *Jotun* focuses on exploration and light puzzle-solving, punctuated by intense, 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 interconnected areas that expand as you progress, akin to Metroidvania games. This design complements the balance of combat, puzzles, and exploration, which both games execute masterfully. Though *Tomb Raider* focuses more on ranged combat, its third-person perspective and snowy settings will feel familiar to *God of War* fans, as will its narrative-driven gameplay.

*For a comprehensive guide on how to play the *Tomb Raider* series in order, see our dedicated article.*

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 enjoy in Respawn’s *Star Wars Jedi* series. Both *Fallen Order* and *Survivor* offer explorable hubs with areas that unlock as you gain new abilities. The melee-based third-person combat and challenging boss fights in *Jedi* will resonate with *God of War* enthusiasts, as will the engaging gameplay, immersive worlds, rewarding exploration, and compelling narratives. The connection is further strengthened by the shared lineage, with both *Star Wars Jedi* games directed by Stig Asmussen, who previously directed *God of War 3* for Sony Santa Monica.

*For more *Star Wars* gaming experiences, check out 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 starkly different interactive experience, being a choice-based point-and-click adventure with limited action sequences via QTEs. While the gameplay differs vastly from *God of War*, the emotional depth of its characters and story parallels the experience of playing *God of War*. Over five episodes, *The Walking Dead*'s first season delivers one of gaming's most memorable narratives. Players guide Lee, a man seeking redemption, as he protects and educates Clementine, a young girl, amidst apocalyptic chaos. Their relationship, though not by blood, mirrors the poignant parent-child dynamic central to *God of War*'s story.