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"Top 7 God of War Alternatives for 2025"

by Adam May 21,2025

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. Comparing any game to these masterpieces might seem like setting it up for failure, potentially leading to disappointment. However, there are several games that can satisfy your craving for a similar experience. We've selected our top picks, which may not surpass the benchmark established by Sony Santa Monica Studio, but they certainly share and effectively utilize key design and gameplay elements found in the recent God of War titles.

While we eagerly await updates on the next adventures of Kratos and Atreus, here are seven games that God of War fans might find appealing, whether you're drawn to the series for its intense third-person combat, intricate world design, engaging storytelling, or exploration of Norse mythology.

Don't miss out on the 2023 God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla DLC for more God of War action.

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 dangerous journey driven by the loss of a loved one, set within the rich tapestry of Norse mythology. Her journey 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 as a companion, adding a unique twist to her narrative.

The gameplay in Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice mirrors God of War with its visceral third-person combat from an over-the-shoulder perspective. Both games use a continuous, one-shot cinematic approach to heighten immersion. The compelling narratives are enhanced by standout performances: Melina Juergens as Senua won Best Performance at The Game Awards in 2017, and Christopher Judge as Kratos in 2022.

For more of Senua's journey, don't miss out on 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.

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-centric, 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 exemplifying their mastery.

Both series feature narratives propelled by well-developed characters and their emotionally charged relationships. Fans of the father-son dynamic between Kratos and Atreus will appreciate the similar dynamic between Joel and Ellie, where a morally ambiguous protector guides a witty, vulnerable teenager 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 the series to Northern Europe, steeped in Norse mythology. Familiar characters such as Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya/Freyja, and Tyr will resonate with God of War enthusiasts.

The game's melee combat could appeal to God of War fans, while those who appreciate the RPG elements in GoW will find Valhalla packed with even more, including a skill tree, extensive loot systems, side activities, and customizable armor that can be upgraded through crafting and resource gathering.

Discover more games similar to Assassin's Creed if you enjoyed 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 visually distinct take on Norse mythology, opting for hand-drawn art instead of the realistic graphics seen in God of War. You'll encounter familiar figures such as Jormungar, Thor, Freya, Mimir, and Odin.

While Jotun is slower-paced and focuses on exploration and puzzles, it ramps up the excitement with intense boss battles against enormous 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 interconnected Metroidvania-like areas that expand as you progress. This design suits games that blend combat, puzzles, and exploration effectively, a balance both Rise of the Tomb Raider and God of War achieve.

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

Explore our guide on 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 also appreciate Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Survivor. These games are structured around explorable hubs with areas unlocked by gaining new abilities.

The melee combat and challenging boss fights in the Star Wars Jedi series will likely appeal to GoW fans. Both series share key elements of a successful action-adventure game: engaging gameplay, immersive worlds, rewarding exploration, and compelling narratives. This connection is partly due to their shared creative lineage; Stig Asmussen, who directed God of War 3, also directed both Star Wars Jedi games.

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 is on the opposite end of the interactivity spectrum, being a choice-based point-and-click adventure with limited action sequences via QTEs. While the gameplay differs significantly from God of War, the emotional impact of its characters and story is comparable.

Spanning five episodes, The Walking Dead Season 1 delivers a poignant narrative. Similar to God of War and The Last of Us, you guide a gruff protagonist seeking redemption while protecting a young child amidst apocalyptic chaos. Though Lee and Clementine aren't related by blood, their bond quickly evolves into a touching parent-child relationship, echoing the heart of God of War's story.

Don't agree with our picks? Share your favorite games like God of War in the comments!

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 God of War games in order, or delve into our collection of every IGN God of War review.