The release of 2018's God of War and its sequel, God of War Ragnarok, set a new standard for immersive, narrative-rich action-adventure games. While comparing other games to God of War might set them up for failure, there are numerous titles that can satisfy fans looking for similar experiences. These games may not surpass the achievements of Sony Santa Monica Studio, but they effectively incorporate design and gameplay elements that echo the recent God of War titles. As we eagerly await news on the next chapter of Kratos and Atreus' journey, here are seven games that fans of God of War might find appealing, whether you're drawn to its visceral third-person combat, detailed world design, compelling narrative, or exploration of Norse mythology.

*For more God of War content, check out 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.**

Like Kratos in God of War (2018), Senua embarks on a perilous journey motivated by a deceased lover, set within a richly detailed Norse world. Senua’s quest leads her to Ninja Theory’s version of Helheim, a realm familiar to God of War players, featuring shared characters like Garmr and Surtr. Similar to Kratos, Senua communicates with a decapitated head that hangs from her hip.

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

The narratives of both games are driven by outstanding performances: Melina Juergens (Senua) and Christopher Judge (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

**For fans of God of War’s story, immersive world, and/or cinematic qualities.**

While The Last of Us doesn't share the same setting or gameplay as God of War, both fall under the category of meticulously crafted, story-driven, technically impressive third-person action-adventure games developed by Sony. Over the last two console generations, Sony and its first-party studios have perfected this genre, with God of War and The Last of Us Parts 1 and 2 as prime examples.

Both series are propelled by narratives centered on well-developed characters and their emotionally complex relationships. Fans of the father-son dynamic between Kratos and Atreus will appreciate the similar parent-child dynamic between Joel and Ellie, where a morally ambiguous protector guides a wise-cracking teenager through a perilous 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 series to Northern Europe, steeped in Norse mythology. Players familiar with God of War will recognize characters such as Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya, and Tyr from the Nine Realms.

Valhalla's melee combat may appeal to God of War fans, while those who enjoy the RPG elements will find even more to explore with a skill tree, loot, numerous side activities, and upgradable, stat-affecting armor crafted through resource gathering.

*Discover more games like Assassin's Creed if you enjoyed Valhalla.*

Jotun

**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 Jormungar, Thor, Freya, Mimir, and Odin. While slower-paced and focused on exploration and light puzzle-solving, Jotun ramps up the intensity with challenging boss battles against massive Norse giants.

Rise of the Tomb Raider

**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 loop back on themselves and expand as you progress. This design suits games that balance combat, puzzles, and exploration, which both Rise of the Tomb Raider and God of War excel at.

While Tomb Raider focuses more on ranged combat, its third-person perspective and snowy setting, along with its character-driven narrative, will feel familiar to God of War fans.

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

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order & Survivor

**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 appreciate Respawn’s Star Wars Jedi games. Both Fallen Order and Survivor feature explorable hubs with areas unlocked by progression-based abilities.

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

This similarity is partly due to shared creative lineage; both Star Wars Jedi games were directed by Stig Asmussen, who previously directed God of War 3 for Sony Santa Monica before joining Respawn.

*Explore 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, being a 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's first season delivers a memorable narrative. Like God of War and The Last of Us, you play as a gruff protagonist seeking redemption, tasked with protecting and guiding a young child through an apocalyptic world. The relationship between Lee and Clem, though not biological, mirrors the parent-child dynamic central to God of War's narrative.

If you're new to the God of War series, explore our breakdown of the series’ chronology to find the best way to play the God of War games in order, or browse through our collection of every IGN God of War review.

Every God of War Review

12 Images