The 2018 release of God of War and its follow-up, God of War Ragnarok, have set a new standard for immersive, narrative-driven action-adventure games. It's no surprise that comparing other games to these masterpieces can lead to disappointment. However, there are several titles that can satisfy your cravings for a similar experience. Here, we've curated a list of top picks that don't necessarily surpass the achievements of Sony Santa Monica Studio but share and effectively implement key design and gameplay elements found in the recent God of War titles.

While we eagerly await updates on the future adventures of Kratos and Atreus, here are seven games that God of War fans might find enjoyable, whether you're drawn to the series for its visceral third-person combat, meticulously crafted world, compelling narrative, or 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

**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.**

Senua's journey in Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice mirrors Kratos' in God of War (2018), driven by the loss of a loved one and set in a richly detailed Norse world. Her adventure leads her to Ninja Theory’s take on Helheim, featuring familiar mythological figures like Garmr and Surtr, and she even carries a talking head reminiscent of Kratos' companion Mimir.

The game's combat is similarly visceral and third-person, played from an over-the-shoulder perspective that enhances immersion through a continuous, one-shot cinematic approach. Both games are anchored by stellar performances, with Melina Juergens and Christopher Judge winning Best Performance at The Game Awards for their roles as Senua and Kratos, respectively, in 2017 and 2022.

For more Hellblade, check out the sequel, Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2.

The Last of Us Parts 1 & 2

**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 series doesn't share the same setting or gameplay mechanics as God of War, both fall under the umbrella of thoughtfully designed, narrative-rich, technically impressive, Sony-developed third-person action-adventure games. Sony and its first-party studios have excelled in this genre, and God of War and The Last of Us series are prime examples of this mastery.

The narratives in both series are driven by well-developed characters and emotionally complex relationships. Fans of the father-son dynamic between Kratos and Atreus will appreciate the similar bond between Joel and Ellie, where a morally ambiguous protector guides a vulnerable, witty teenager through a world of peril and betrayal.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

**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 immerses players in Northern Europe, steeped in Norse mythology, featuring familiar deities like Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya, and Tyr. Its melee-based combat may appeal to God of War enthusiasts, while those who enjoy the RPG elements will find Valhalla rich with skill trees, loot, side activities, and customizable, upgradable armor.

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

Jotun

**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 through its beautifully hand-drawn art style, featuring characters like Jormungandr, Thor, Freya, Mimir, and Odin. Though slower-paced and focused on exploration and puzzles, Jotun intensifies with challenging boss battles against towering Norse giants.

Rise of the Tomb Raider

**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 mirrors God of War’s semi-open-world approach with its Metroidvania-like areas that expand as you progress. This design effectively balances combat, puzzles, and exploration. While more focused on ranged combat, its third-person perspective and snowy environments will feel familiar to God of War fans, as will its narrative-driven storytelling.

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

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order & Survivor

**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.**

The Star Wars Jedi series shares God of War's semi-open-world design, with explorable hubs and areas unlocked through progression-based abilities. Fans of God of War will appreciate the melee-focused third-person combat and challenging boss fights, along with the engaging gameplay, immersive world, and rewarding exploration that both series offer. Both games also benefit from the creative direction of Stig Asmussen, who previously directed God of War 3.

*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.**

The Walking Dead: Season 1 by Telltale Games offers a starkly different gameplay experience with its choice-based point-and-click adventure and minimal action sequences. However, it resonates emotionally through its characters and story, much like God of War. Over five episodes, it tells a poignant tale of redemption and protection, with the protagonist, Lee, forming a parent-child-like bond with Clementine amidst apocalyptic chaos, echoing the themes found in God of War and The Last of Us.

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

Every God of War Review

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