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 iconic series can be daunting, but there are several titles that capture the essence of what makes God of War so compelling. These games may not surpass the benchmark established by Sony Santa Monica Studio, but they effectively incorporate similar design and gameplay elements found in the recent God of War titles.

As we eagerly await further developments in the saga of Kratos and Atreus, here are seven games that fans of God of War might enjoy. Whether you're drawn to the series for its intense third-person combat, richly crafted worlds, engaging narratives, or deep dives into Norse mythology, these games offer something to satisfy your God of War cravings.

For more adventures with Kratos and Atreus, don't miss the 2023 God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla DLC.

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 memory of a lost love, set within a richly detailed Norse mythological world. Her journey leads her through Ninja Theory’s rendition of Helheim, a realm familiar to God of War players, featuring characters such as Garmr and Surtr. Echoing Kratos, Senua also interacts with a severed head that she carries with her.

The gameplay in Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice mirrors the visceral third-person combat of God of War, presented from a similar over-the-shoulder perspective. Both games utilize a continuous, one-shot camera technique to enhance immersion. The narratives are deeply character-driven, with standout performances by Melina Juergens (Senua) and Christopher Judge (Kratos), each earning Best Performance at The Game Awards in 2017 and 2022, respectively.

For more of Senua's story, be sure to explore 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 third-person action-adventure games developed by Sony. These titles represent the pinnacle of Sony's first-party offerings across recent console generations.

Both series are renowned for their compelling narratives, driven by well-developed characters and the complex relationships they forge. Fans of the father-son dynamic between Kratos and Atreus will find a similar bond in the guardian-child relationship between Joel and Ellie, where a morally ambiguous protector guides a witty young charge 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 renowned series to Northern Europe, immersing players in the world of Norse mythology. Familiar characters from the Nine Realms, including Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya/Freyja, and Tyr, will resonate with God of War fans.

The game's melee-based combat system may appeal to those who enjoy God of War's visceral battles, while its RPG elements—ranging from skill trees and loot systems to side activities and customizable, upgradeable armor—offer even more depth for fans of God of War's RPG mechanics.

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, 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 through its hand-drawn art style, featuring reinterpretations of characters such as Jormungandr, Thor, Freya, Mimir, and Odin. While Jotun is slower-paced and focused more on exploration and puzzle-solving, it ramps up the intensity with challenging boss battles against massive Norse giants.

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 where levels interconnect and expand as you progress. This design is ideal for games that blend combat, puzzles, and exploration, which both Rise of the Tomb Raider and God of War excel at.

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

Check out our guide on how to play 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 appreciate the explorable hubs in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Survivor, which are unlocked as you gain new abilities. Additionally, God of War enthusiasts might enjoy the satisfying melee-based combat and challenging boss fights in these Star Wars titles. Both series masterfully blend engaging gameplay with immersive worlds, compelling stories, and rewarding exploration.

The shared DNA between these games can be traced back to Stig Asmussen, who directed God of War 3 before leading the Star Wars Jedi series at Respawn.

Discover 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 is a choice-driven point-and-click adventure game with limited action sequences, contrasting sharply with God of War's gameplay. However, it resonates with God of War fans through its emotionally charged narrative and character development.

Over five episodes, The Walking Dead's first season delivers a poignant story. Similar to God of War (and The Last of Us), you guide a gruff protagonist, Lee, on a journey of redemption while protecting and mentoring a young girl, Clem, amidst an apocalyptic setting. Their relationship, though not familial by blood, mirrors the powerful parent-child dynamic central to God of War's narrative.

What is your favorite game that feels like God of War (2018)? Let us know in the comments!

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 God of War review from IGN.

Every God of War Review

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