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7 God of War Alternatives to Play in 2025

by Ellie May 06,2025

The 2018 release of *God of War* and its sequel, *God of War Ragnarok*, have set a new 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 fans of the *God of War* series. These games may not surpass the benchmark set by Sony Santa Monica Studio, but they incorporate key design and gameplay elements that echo the essence of the recent *God of War* titles. As we eagerly await updates on Kratos and Atreus's future adventures, here are seven games that *God of War* enthusiasts might enjoy, whether it's for the intense third-person combat, captivating world-building, engaging storytelling, or the 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.**

Much like Kratos in *God of War* (2018), Senua embarks on a perilous journey driven by the loss of her lover, set within a rich tapestry of Norse mythology. Senua's 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 talking severed head as her companion.

The gameplay in *Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice* mirrors the visceral third-person combat of *God of War*, seen from an immersive over-the-shoulder perspective. Both games utilize a continuous, one-shot cinematic approach to enhance player immersion.

Both titles boast character-driven narratives enhanced by stellar performances; Melina Juergens (Senua) and Christopher Judge (Kratos) won **Best Performance at The Game Awards** in 2017 and 2022, respectively.

For more action, 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.**

Although *The Last of Us* differs from *God of War* in setting and gameplay, both fall under the umbrella of meticulously crafted, narrative-driven, technically impressive third-person action-adventure games—a genre Sony has perfected over recent console generations. Both series excel in storytelling, 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 bond between Joel and Ellie, as both stories involve a morally complex protector guiding a sharp-witted youth through a treacherous world.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

**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. Familiar characters like Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya, and Tyr will resonate with *God of War* players. The game's melee combat might appeal to fans of Kratos's battles, while those who enjoy *God of War*'s RPG elements will find an even richer experience in *Valhalla*, with its expansive skill tree, loot system, side activities, and upgradeable armor.

*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, 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 with its hand-drawn art style, featuring characters like Jormungandr, Thor, Freya, Mimir, and Odin. While slower-paced and focused on exploration and puzzles, *Jotun* delivers intense boss battles against massive Norse giants, appealing to fans of *God of War*'s 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 structure, featuring Metroidvania-like areas that loop and expand as you progress. This design suits games that blend combat, puzzles, and exploration, which both titles excel at. While *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.

*Discover 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.**

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. The melee combat and challenging boss fights in the *Jedi* series will also appeal to *God of War* enthusiasts, as will the engaging gameplay, immersive world, and compelling narrative. 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.

*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* 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 depth of its characters and story resonates similarly. Over five episodes, *The Walking Dead* Season 1 delivers a poignant narrative. Like *God of War* and *The Last of Us*, you guide a gruff protagonist, Lee, seeking redemption while protecting and mentoring a young girl, Clem, in a world ravaged by apocalypse. Their bond, though not of blood, mirrors the parent-child dynamic central to *God of War*'s narrative.

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