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 these masterpieces might lead to disappointment, but fear not! We've curated a list of top picks that, while not necessarily surpassing the bar set by Sony Santa Monica Studio, share and effectively implement key elements found in the recent God of War titles. These games are perfect for fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter in Kratos and Atreus's journey, offering similar thrills through visceral third-person combat, rich world design, compelling narratives, and explorations of Norse mythology.
Check out 2023's 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.
Like Kratos in God of War (2018), Senua embarks on a perilous journey driven by the memory of a lost love, navigating a world steeped in Norse mythology. Her path leads her to Ninja Theory's version of Helheim, a realm familiar to God of War players, with encounters featuring characters like Garmr and Surtr. Echoing Kratos, Senua even converses with a severed head hanging from her belt.
In terms of gameplay, Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice mirrors God of War with its visceral third-person combat and over-the-shoulder camera perspective. Both games also use a continuous, one-shot cinematic approach to heighten immersion.
The narrative focus on character development is enhanced by stellar performances: Melina Juergens as Senua won Best Performance at The Game Awards in 2017, much like Christopher Judge's award-winning portrayal of Kratos in 2022.
For more action, don't miss the sequel, Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2.
The Last of Us Parts 1 & 2
For fans of God of War’s story, immersive world, and/or cinematic qualities.
Though The Last of Us differs from God of War in setting and gameplay, both are exemplary of Sony's prowess in crafting story-rich, technically impressive third-person action-adventure games. They represent the pinnacle of what Sony's first-party studios have achieved over the past two console generations.
Both series boast narratives driven by deeply written characters and emotionally complex relationships. Fans of the father-son dynamic between Kratos and Atreus will appreciate the similar protector-protégé bond between Joel and Ellie, where a morally ambiguous guardian navigates a world of peril with a sharp-witted youth.
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 players to Northern Europe, immersing them in the world of Norse mythology. Familiar figures like Odin, Loki, Thor, Freya, and Tyr await, offering a rich tapestry of lore.
The game's melee combat will resonate with God of War enthusiasts, while those who enjoy the RPG elements of Kratos's adventures will find even more depth here, with extensive skill trees, loot systems, side activities, and upgradeable armor.
See more games like Assassin's Creed if you liked Valhalla.
Jotun
For fans of God of War’s Norse mythology and/or boss fights.
Jotun offers a unique visual take on Norse mythology, featuring hand-drawn environments and characters such as Jormungar, Thor, Freya, Mimir, and Odin.
While the pace is slower and focused more on exploration and puzzles, Jotun delivers intense moments with challenging boss fights against towering Norse giants, providing a thrilling experience akin to God of War.
Rise of the Tomb Raider
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 Metroidvania-style areas that loop and expand with progression. This design perfectly balances combat, puzzles, and exploration, much like God of War.
Although Tomb Raider focuses more on ranged combat, its third-person perspective and snowy environments will feel familiar to God of War fans, as will its narrative centered around strong characters.
See our guide to playing the Tomb Raider games in order.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order & Survivor
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 Star Wars Jedi series, with its explorable hubs and progression-gated areas.
The satisfying melee combat and challenging boss fights in Fallen Order and Survivor will also appeal to God of War players. Both series excel in delivering engaging gameplay within immersive worlds, driven by rewarding exploration and compelling narratives.
This connection is partly due to shared creative DNA; both Star Wars Jedi games were directed by Stig Asmussen, who previously helmed God of War 3.
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 with its choice-based, point-and-click adventure and minimal action through QTEs. While the gameplay mechanics differ significantly from God of War, the emotional depth and narrative resonance are strikingly similar.
Over five episodes, The Walking Dead Season 1 delivers one of gaming's most memorable stories. Much like God of War and The Last of Us, you guide a rugged protagonist seeking redemption while protecting and mentoring a young charge amidst apocalyptic chaos. The relationship between Lee and Clem, though not biological, echoes the poignant parent-child dynamic central to God of War.
What is the best game like God of War (2018)?
- Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
- Star Wars Jedi: Survivor & Fallen Order
- The Last of Us Part 1 & 2
- Assassin's Creed Valhalla
- Jotun
- Rise of the Tomb Raider
- The Walking Dead: Season 1
- Something else (let us know in the comments)
AnswerSee ResultsDon't agree with our picks? Let us know your favorite games like God of War in the comments!
And, if you're new to the God of War series, check out our breakdown of the series’ chronology to discover the best way to play the God of War games in order or sort through our roundup of every IGN God of War review.
Every God of War Review
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