2018's God of War and its sequel, God of War Ragnarok, have set a high standard for immersive, narrative-driven action-adventure games. Comparing any game to this series might seem daunting, yet there are several titles that capture similar elements and can satisfy fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter in Kratos and Atreus's saga. These games, while not surpassing the benchmarks set by Sony Santa Monica Studio, effectively incorporate key design and gameplay features that fans of the recent God of War games appreciate.

While we anticipate updates on Kratos and Atreus's future adventures, here are seven games that might appeal to God of War enthusiasts, whether you're drawn to its intense third-person combat, richly detailed worlds, engaging storytelling, or its exploration of Norse mythology.

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

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 dangerous journey driven by the loss of a loved one, set within a richly detailed Norse mythological world. Her path leads her to Ninja Theory’s version of Helheim, a realm familiar to God of War players, with appearances by shared characters such as Garmr and Surtr. Similarly to Kratos, Senua communicates with a decapitated head that accompanies her.

In terms of gameplay, Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice mirrors God of War with its intense third-person combat, viewed from an over-the-shoulder perspective. Both games also use a continuous, one-shot cinematic approach to enhance immersion.

The narratives in both games are driven by stellar performances: Melina Juergens as Senua won Best Performance at The Game Awards in 2017, while Christopher Judge as Kratos won the same award in 2022.

For more of Senua's journey, 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.

While The Last of Us differs from God of War in setting and gameplay, both fall under the category of meticulously crafted, story-rich, technically impressive, Sony-developed third-person action-adventure games. Sony and its first-party studios have excelled in this genre over the past two console generations, with God of War and The Last of Us series epitomizing this excellence.

Both series feature top-tier narratives 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 relationship between Joel and Ellie, where a morally ambiguous protector guides a witty, vulnerable 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 iconic series to Northern Europe, steeped in Norse mythology. Players will encounter familiar characters from the Nine Realms, such as Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya, and Tyr.

The game's melee combat might appeal to God of War fans, while those who enjoy the RPG elements in God of War will find even more depth in Valhalla with its extensive skill tree, loot system, side activities, and upgradeable armor through resource gathering and crafting.

See more games like Assassin's Creed if you liked 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 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, which might appeal to fans of God of War's epic encounters.

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 Metroidvania-like areas that 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, along with its character-driven narrative, should feel familiar to God of War fans.

See 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 similar satisfaction 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 engaging melee combat and challenging boss fights in the Star Wars Jedi games. Both series share key elements of successful action-adventure games: immersive worlds, rewarding exploration, and compelling narratives.

This shared DNA is partly due to a common lineage; both Star Wars Jedi games were directed by Stig Asmussen, who previously directed God of War 3 for Sony Santa Monica.

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 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 powerful narrative. Like God of War and The Last of Us, you play as a tough protagonist seeking redemption while protecting and mentoring a young child amidst apocalyptic chaos. 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 God of War games in order, or browse through our collection of every IGN God of War review.

Every God of War Review

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