The 2018 God of War and its sequel, God of War Ragnarok, set a high standard for story-driven action-adventure games with rich narratives. Comparing any title to God of War often leads to unmet expectations, but several games capture similar elements, delivering thrilling experiences.

We’ve curated a list of top games that echo the essence of God of War. These titles may not surpass Sony Santa Monica Studio’s benchmark but excel in shared design and gameplay features, such as intense combat, immersive worlds, and compelling stories.

While awaiting updates on Kratos and Atreus, here are seven games God of War fans will likely enjoy, whether drawn to visceral third-person combat, captivating world design, gripping narratives, or Norse mythology exploration.

Explore 2023’s God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla DLC for more Kratos action.

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

Ideal for fans of God of War’s combat, Norse mythology, and storytelling.

Senua, like Kratos in God of War (2018), embarks on a harrowing quest driven by the loss of a loved one, set in a Norse mythology-inspired world. Her journey leads to Ninja Theory’s Helheim, featuring familiar figures like Garmr and Surtr. Senua also carries a severed head, echoing Kratos’ companion dynamic.

Gameplay mirrors God of War with intense, close-up third-person combat and a cinematic, single-shot camera that heightens immersion. Both games deliver emotionally charged stories, with standout performances by Melina Joergens (Senua) and Christopher Judge (Kratos), each earning Best Performance at The Game Awards in 2017 and 2022.

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

The Last of Us Parts 1 & 2

Perfect for fans of God of War’s narrative depth, immersive worlds, and cinematic flair.

While The Last of Us differs in setting and gameplay, it aligns with God of War as a masterfully crafted, story-driven, Sony-backed third-person action-adventure. Both series shine through emotionally complex characters and relationships, with Joel and Ellie’s guardian-ward bond mirroring Kratos and Atreus’ father-son dynamic, navigating treacherous worlds filled with moral ambiguity.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

Suited for fans of God of War’s Norse mythology, combat, and RPG elements.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla immerses players in a Norse mythology-infused Northern Europe, featuring familiar figures like Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya/Freyja, and Tyr. Its brutal melee combat appeals to God of War fans, while its deep RPG mechanics—skill trees, loot, side quests, and upgradable gear—offer a robust experience.

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

Jotun

Great for fans of God of War’s Norse mythology and epic boss battles.

Jotun reimagines Norse mythology with stunning hand-drawn visuals, featuring characters like Jormungar, Thor, Freya, Mimir, and Odin. Unlike God of War’s fast-paced action, Jotun emphasizes exploration and puzzles but delivers thrilling, large-scale boss fights against towering Norse giants.

Rise of the Tomb Raider

Ideal for fans of God of War’s semi-open-world exploration.

Rise of the Tomb Raider shares God of War’s semi-open-world structure, with interconnected areas that expand as players progress, blending combat, puzzles, and exploration. While favoring ranged combat, its third-person perspective, snowy setting, and character-driven story feel familiar to God of War fans.

Check our guide to playing the Tomb Raider games in order.

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order & Survivor

Perfect for fans of God of War’s semi-open-world design and combat.

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Survivor feature explorable hubs with progression-gated areas, much like God of War. Their satisfying melee combat and challenging boss fights resonate with God of War fans, enhanced by immersive worlds and engaging stories. Both series share a creative lineage through director Stig Asmussen, who helmed God of War 3.

Explore our picks for the best Star Wars games of all time.

The Walking Dead: Season 1

Suited for fans of God of War’s emotional storytelling.

The Walking Dead: Season 1 is a narrative-driven, choice-based adventure with minimal action, contrasting God of War’s gameplay. Yet, its emotional depth mirrors God of War’s, focusing on a gruff protector, Lee, guiding a young girl, Clem, through an apocalyptic world, echoing Kratos and Atreus’ bond.

Not sold on our choices? Share your favorite God of War-like games in the comments!

New to the God of War series? Explore our guide to the series’ timeline for the best play order or browse our collection of every IGN God of War review.

Every God of War Review