2018's God of War and its sequel, God of War Ragnarok, have set a high standard for immersive, narrative-rich action-adventure games. Comparing any game to these masterpieces might lead to disappointment, but there are several titles that can satisfy your cravings for similar experiences. These games may not surpass the benchmark established by Sony Santa Monica Studio, but they incorporate design and gameplay elements that resonate well with fans of the God of War series.

While we eagerly await updates on Kratos and Atreus's future adventures, here are seven games that God of War fans might enjoy. Whether you're drawn to the series for its intense third-person combat, richly crafted worlds, captivating narratives, or deep dives into Norse mythology, these games have something to offer.

Check out 2023's God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla DLC for more God of War.

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

Image credit: Ninja TheoryDeveloper: 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's journey is fueled by the loss of a loved one and unfolds within a richly detailed Norse mythology. Her path leads her to Ninja Theory's rendition of Helheim, a familiar realm to God of War players, featuring characters like Garmr and Surtr. Senua, akin to Kratos, also interacts with a severed head that accompanies her.

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice mirrors God of War in its visceral third-person combat, utilizing a close, over-the-shoulder perspective. Both games enhance immersion through a continuous, one-shot cinematic approach.

The narratives of both games are elevated by stellar performances: Melina Juergens as Senua and Christopher Judge as Kratos each won Best Performance at The Game Awards in 2017 and 2022, respectively.

For more Hellblade action, don't miss the sequel, Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2.

The Last of Us Parts 1 & 2

Image credit: SonyDeveloper: 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.

Although The Last of Us and God of War differ in setting and gameplay, they both fall under the category of meticulously crafted, story-driven, technically impressive, third-person action-adventure games. Sony's first-party studios have excelled in this genre, with God of War and The Last of Us standing as prime examples.

Both series boast top-tier narratives driven by well-developed characters and their emotionally charged relationships. Fans of Kratos and Atreus's father-son dynamic will appreciate the similar guardian-child relationship between Joel and Ellie, as both stories feature a morally complex protector guiding a sharp-witted youth through a treacherous world.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

Image credit: UbisoftDeveloper: 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 iconic series to Northern Europe, steeped in Norse mythology. Characters like Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya, and Tyr will be recognizable to God of War enthusiasts.

The game's brutal melee combat and robust RPG elements, including skill trees, loot, side activities, and upgradable armor, should appeal to those who enjoy God of War's combat and RPG features.

See more games like Assassin's Creed if you liked Valhalla.

Jotun

Image credit: Thunder Lotus GamesDeveloper: 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 aesthetics, featuring characters like Jormungandr, Thor, Freya, Mimir, and Odin. Unlike the fast-paced God of War, Jotun focuses on exploration and light puzzle-solving but ramps up the intensity with its challenging boss battles against massive Norse giants.

Rise of the Tomb Raider

Image credit: Square Enix/Microsoft StudiosDeveloper: 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 structure, featuring Metroidvania-like areas that loop back and expand as you progress. This design complements the balance of combat, puzzles, and exploration found in both games.

While Tomb Raider focuses more on ranged combat, its third-person perspective and snowy settings, along with a character-driven story, will resonate with God of War fans.

See our guide to playing the Tomb Raider games in order.

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order & Survivor

Image credit: EADeveloper: 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 similar enjoyment in Respawn’s Star Wars Jedi series. Both games feature explorable hubs with areas unlocked through progression-based abilities.

The satisfying melee combat and challenging boss fights in the Star Wars Jedi games should appeal to God of War fans, as should the immersive worlds, rewarding exploration, and compelling narratives. Notably, both series share a creative lineage, with Stig Asmussen directing God of War 3 before helming the Star Wars Jedi series.

See 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 stands in contrast to God of War's gameplay, being a choice-based, point-and-click adventure with minimal action. However, the emotional depth of its characters and story mirrors the experience of playing God of War.

Across five episodes, The Walking Dead's first season delivers a poignant narrative. Like God of War and The Last of Us, you guide a tough protagonist seeking redemption while protecting a young child amid apocalyptic chaos. The bond between Lee and Clem, though not familial, evolves into a protective, parent-child relationship akin to that of Kratos and Atreus.

What is the best game like God of War (2018)?

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor & Fallen Order

The Last of Us Part 1 & 2

Assassin's Creed Valhalla

Jotun

Rise of the Tomb Raider

The Walking Dead: Season 1

Something else (let us know in the comments)

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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