7 God of War Alternatives to Play in 2025

The 2018 release of God of War and its sequel, God of War Ragnarok, set new standards for immersive, narrative-driven action-adventure games. Comparing any game to this iconic series might seem daunting, but fear not—there are several titles that can satisfy fans of Kratos and Atreus's epic journey. While these games may not surpass the high bar set by Sony Santa Monica Studio, they share and effectively implement many of the design and gameplay elements that made the recent God of War games so beloved. As we eagerly await updates on Kratos and Atreus's future adventures, here are seven games that God of War enthusiasts might enjoy, whether you're drawn to the series for its intense third-person combat, stunning world design, captivating narrative, or its deep dive into Norse mythology.

For more adventures in the God of War universe, 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.

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 world. Her path leads her through Ninja Theory's rendition 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, adding a unique twist to her journey.

In terms of gameplay, Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice mirrors God of War with its visceral third-person combat, viewed from a tight, over-the-shoulder perspective. Both games utilize a continuous, one-shot cinematic approach to enhance immersion. The character-driven narratives in both titles are elevated by standout performances: Melina Juergens as Senua won Best Performance at The Game Awards in 2017, while Christopher Judge as Kratos took the same award in 2022.

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.

While The Last of Us may not share the same setting or gameplay mechanics 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 the past two console generations, with God of War and The Last of Us series epitomizing this mastery.

The compelling narratives in both series are driven by well-developed characters and their emotionally charged relationships. Fans of the father-son dynamic between Kratos and Atreus will appreciate the similar parent-child bond between Joel and Ellie. Both games feature a morally ambiguous protector guiding a sharp-witted 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 flagship series to Northern Europe, steeped in Norse mythology. Players will encounter familiar characters from the Nine Realms, such as Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya/Freyja, and Tyr.

The game's melee combat may appeal to God of War fans, while those who enjoy the RPG elements of GoW will find even more depth in Valhalla—with a comprehensive skill tree, loot system, numerous side activities, and upgradable armor that impacts stats through resource gathering and crafting.

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, Linux, 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 art that contrasts with the realistic graphics of God of War. Players will encounter beautifully rendered versions of Jormungandr, Thor, Freya, Mimir, and Odin.

While Jotun is slower-paced and focuses on exploration and light puzzle-solving, it ramps up the intensity with challenging boss battles against massive Norse giants, providing a thrilling experience for fans of epic confrontations.

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 on themselves and expand as you progress. This design is ideal for games that blend combat, puzzles, and exploration, which both titles excel at.

Although 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 character-driven narrative.

For a complete experience, see our guide on how to play 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.

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

This shared DNA is no coincidence; both Star Wars Jedi games were directed by Stig Asmussen, who previously directed God of War 3 for Sony Santa Monica.

For more Star Wars gaming, 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 different kind of interactivity, focusing on choice-based point-and-click adventure with minimal action sequences via QTEs. While the gameplay differs significantly 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 protagonist seeking redemption while protecting and guiding a young child through an apocalyptic world. The bond between Lee and Clem, though not biological, mirrors the parent-child dynamic central to God of War's story.

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 games in order, or browse through our collection of every IGN God of War review.

Every God of War Review

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