10 best games like God of War

10 best games like God of War

As a seasoned gamer who’s traversed the realms of Midgard and roamed the vast expanses of the 1800s US, I can say with confidence that Red Dead Redemption 2 and God of War share more than just stunning graphics. The heart-wrenching narratives that unfold within these games are what truly bind them together.


1. The rebooted God of War series has become extremely popular, establishing a blueprint for third-person action-adventure games that numerous others have adopted over the following years.

If you can’t wait to discover additional games similar to God of War and its successor, Ragnarok, take a look at these ten options we personally enjoyed. They might be just what you’re looking for!

Best games like God of War

10 – The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

10 best games like God of War

Among games similar to God of War, The Witcher 3 is an excellent choice thanks to numerous shared features. Despite not being based on Norse mythology, The Witcher 3 offers a vast and intriguing map that teems with monsters, warfare, political turmoil, magic, and much more. This world contains stories spanning years that players can delve into for an immersive experience.

In addition to its engaging hack-and-slash gameplay enhanced with magic through signs and runes for an extra layer of diversity, The Witcher 3 shares a similarity with God of War in terms of the richness and complexity of its narratives – large and small. However, it stands out by offering significantly more storylines, such as side quests and Witcher contracts, thanks to its expansive open world.

In another captivating similarity between Witcher 3 and God of War, both games exhibit a characteristic that applies even to those who joined their respective series later on: while they are not the initial installments – number three in the Witcher series and number eight for God of War – they have become the first for many fans, sometimes even remaining the only ones played. This underscores the exceptional writing quality that appeals to both seasoned players and newcomers alike. Furthermore, Geralt makes a compelling protagonist to follow if you haven’t delved into The Witcher series yet. He is an accomplished, lethal warrior with a tough exterior, but his tender emotions are only revealed to those he deeply cares for, providing a contrast that could make Kratos seem even more formidable.

9 – Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

10 best games like God of War

If you’re open to trying something unique within the genre, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice offers an intriguing blend of puzzle-solving and psychological horror, while drawing inspiration from Norse mythology and Celtic culture.

In the footsteps of Pict warrior Senua, the game Hellblade will seem familiar as she embarks on her journey to Helheim, a place depicted in God of War, to reclaim the soul of her deceased lover from Hela, the goddess. The game shares similarities with God of War through its close-quarters combat, boss fights, and inclusion of other Norse characters. However, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice distinguishes itself by delving more deeply into a highly personal story – addressing mental health struggles and the suffering they can cause.

8 – The Last of Us Part 1

10 best games like God of War

As a devoted gamer, I can attest that diving into games like God of War often brings a sense of déjà vu at first; however, as you delve deeper, you uncover hidden depths that set it apart from the crowd. Taking on this PS5 remake of the 2013 classic, The Last of Us – which undeniably ranks among the finest games ever for the PS3 – I found myself drawn into a world that shares striking similarities with God of War, albeit for reasons distinctly different from its peers. Both share the familiar third-person exploration and melee combat, but their core experiences prove to be remarkably dissimilar.

In the same vein, Ellie means more to Joel than merely a supportive AI ally. Initially, they maintained a distant bond similar to Atreus and Kratos. However, as time unfolded, these paternal characters progressively lowered their defenses, allowing their children to draw closer and serve as a beacon of hope in the midst of darkness, ensuring their past experiences didn’t dominate their lives.

Indeed, the emotional narrative arc in both games seems remarkably similar when viewed side by side. If you were deeply moved by the father-son bond portrayed in God of War, then brace yourself for an equally heartwarming and heartbreaking journey between Joel and his surrogate daughter Ellie in The Last of Us, set against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic zombie outbreak.

7 – Elden Ring

10 best games like God of War

The action role-playing game Elden Ring has become one of the most widely sold video games ever, with over 16.6 million copies purchased since its debut in February 2022. This is due in part to its captivating dark fantasy setting, fearsome enemies, and demanding gameplay that’s characteristic of developer FromSoftware. It’s no wonder why it’s so popular.

As a seasoned gamer, I’d wholeheartedly recommend Elden Ring to fellow God of War veterans seeking a fresh challenge. This game doesn’t just push you to your limits during its epic boss fights, but also within its expansive open world. If you’ve already vanquished Baldur and the Valkyrie Queen, Elden Ring offers even tougher adversaries to test your skills against. And with such a rapidly growing player base in a short span of time, it’s clear that Elden Ring is more than just a great choice for those seeking a challenge – it’s a solid recommendation for gamers everywhere.

6 – Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

10 best games like God of War

In the same style as The Witcher 3, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla shares many similarities with God of War, leading some to claim that it is imitating God of War. Given its setting in a vast world influenced by Norse mythology, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla might as well be named “‘Vikings: The Video Game'”. Featuring battles with axes, skill trees, sailing, and raids to expand your settlement, the game initially feels similar to God of War before surprising you with its broader scope.

For the most bang for your buck, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla offers over a hundred hours of engaging content. If you’re drawn to the mystical elements of Norse legend, the Ragnarok expansion in Valhalla will immerse you deeply, as your character, Eivor, embarks on a journey to fulfill their destiny as Odin.

5 – Horizon Forbidden West

10 best games like God of War

In 2022, one of the standout releases has been Horizon Forbidden West, a visually stunning game set in a post-apocalyptic world dominated by machines. Its predecessor, Horizon Zero Dawn, was equally impressive in terms of graphics and gameplay when it was first released. However, the sequel refined the gameplay to provide a more satisfying gaming experience, much like scratching an itch for a God of War-style adventure.

In Horizon Forbidden West, developed by Guerrilla Games, combat offers an engaging blend that resembles a combination of Atreus’ and Kratos’ abilities from God of War, but with a futuristic twist, making it an enjoyable fusion of ranged and melee skills. This visually stunning game, much like the beauty found in God of War, is one of the most breathtaking action-adventure titles you can experience.

4 – Devil May Cry 5

10 best games like God of War

If you enjoyed executing seamless hack-and-slash combos in God of War, Devil May Cry 5 could be the next game that showcases an impressive style. While it’s the fifth installment in the series, fear not if you’re new to it; the story is easy to grasp once you get a handle on the overall fast-paced lore.

Despite this, the rapid, sword-wielding, firearm-firing battles against hordes of both large and small demons found in Devil May Cry 5 is what makes it an enticing choice for fans of God of War who enjoy fast-action hack-and-slash gameplay.

3 – Red Dead Redemption 2

10 best games like God of War

In a different yet engaging manner: The open-world game, Red Dead Redemption 2, set in the year 1899 U.S., may leave some pondering its similarities to God of War. Although both games share stunning visuals and immersive environments, it’s not their gameplay that mirrors each other, but rather their narratives. Like God of War (2018), Red Dead Redemption 2 offers a deep, nuanced personal story that unfolds through the journey of its protagonist, Arthur Morgan, making it an introspective character-driven tale.

Just like Kratos eventually acknowledges his past as a beast, Arthur in Red Dead Redemption 2 comes to terms with his own history, particularly towards the end of the game, and this self-discovery intensifies based on your moral decisions. Red Dead Redemption 2 demands a significant time commitment, but the rewards are well worth it. (Without revealing any spoilers)

2 – Ghost of Tsushima

10 best games like God of War

While God of War-like games may exist, their shared traits might be limited in certain aspects. In Ghost of Tsushima, the similarity lies primarily in its combat and most notably, the theme of tragedy. The death of Kratos’ wife, Faye, serves as a catalyst for his journey, causing him to confront various enemies along the way. Similarly, Jin Sakai from Ghost of Tsushima is driven by revenge following the deaths of his people and fellow Samurai, with the Mongol invaders being his primary targets.

Similar to God of War, Ghost of Tsushima also features an open world, yet its map isn’t expansive enough to make story-driven exploration tiresome. The game offers a good number of side quests that, while not essential, are hard to resist due to their intriguing insights into the captivating history and culture of Tsushima Island.

Absolutely, if you’re looking for more action packed with Kratos-style violence and gore, Jin offers a variety of weapons and abilities as both a Samurai and Ninja, providing you with similar experiences against Mongols and rogue bands.

The best game like God of War

1 – Final Fantasy 7 Remake

10 best games like God of War

In terms of captivating third-person adventures, few come close to matching the allure of God of War, but the Final Fantasy 7 Remake certainly gives it a run for its money. For those who have just finished God of War, FF7 offers more of what you crave: extravagant combat that allows you to wield massive swords and attack with abandon. Similar to God of War, your arsenal can be customized by enhancing stats and perks through accessories and magical materia – allowing you to adapt the vast array of combat abilities to suit your preferred style.

In contrast to the original Final Fantasy 7, the remake offers an expanded roster of AI-controlled companions, each with distinct abilities, to customize your gameplay experience. Additionally, you can summon monsters during combat to assist you. Engaging these enemies is simply part of the exciting challenge when confronting the numerous mainline and optional bosses. With the enhanced version, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade available on PS5 and PC, there’s no better moment to delve into this game that’s reminiscent of God of War.

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2024-08-26 12:13