Top Lists

The 10 Best Games Like God of War

Published

9 months ago

August 10, 2023

What are the best games like God of War?

God of War has been going strong since 2005, and the series has seen a resurgence in popularity following its 2018 release.

While Kratos has become one of the most iconic characters in gaming history, there are other similar games that are perfect for God of War fans.

Today, we’re looking at the titles you should totally pick up once you’ve finished everything in God of War Ragnarok!

The 10 Best Games Like God of War

The God of War franchise is so unique that it’s difficult to find anything to compete with it, especially given its mythological setting.

However, we’ve rounded up some games that rival the series in terms of action, engagement, narrative, and memorable characters.

So, put down the Blades of Chaos and pick a new adventure from our list of the 10 best games like God of War:

10. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Kicking off our list, we have none other than The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, a game that Todd Howard has been milking for over a decade now!

Now, if you haven’t played Skyrim by now, consider us shocked and impressed because it’s a tough game to avoid!

However, it is also one that is perfect for fans of the God of War series, and it is filled with mythological combat.

Along with the tons of draugr and daedra you can encounter, there are dragons galore in Skyrim just waiting to be slain!

Plus, it has one of the biggest open-world maps in video game history to explore, along with numerous factions and many memorable characters to meet.

If that wasn’t enough to seal the deal, its robust modding community makes it even more enticing with a number of God of War-themed mods.

Seriously, there is even a mod that allows you to play as Kratos in Skyrim, complete with your very own Atreus companion!

The Elder Scrolls Skyrim seriously has everything a GOW fan could want, and it’s still worth playing even a decade after its release.

9. Red Dead Redemption 2

Along with being one of the best open-world PS4 games, Red Dead Redemption 2 rivals God of War with its memorable characters and engaging story.

This game revolves around outlaw Arthur Morgan, who is grappling with the end of the Wild West golden age as a member of the Van der Linde gang.

RDR2 stands out for having a remarkably compelling story that is filled with twists and turns you’ll never see coming.

The characters are also some of the most dynamic and complex in gaming history, and they add an incredible amount of depth to the world.

Sure, you may not be taking down pantheons or slaughtering gods, but you’re hounded by lawmen at every turn and engaging in all manner of shootouts and robberies.

We also have to give props to the gameplay mechanics of RDR2 because they’re some of the most interactive you’ll ever see.

Not only do you have to struggle against the elements, but you also have to watch what you eat, bathe, and keep your hair trimmed as it grows in real time!

Everything about this game is incredibly well-designed, but its story, especially, is what makes it worth playing if you’re a God of War fan.

8. Devil May Cry 5

If you love the action-packed, larger-than-life battles of the God of War franchise, then you’ll definitely enjoy Devil May Cry 5.

DMC5 is all about the hack and slash, and the combat system is one of the franchise’s biggest draws for fans.

The main characters, Dante, Nero, and V are also extremely memorable, and their backstories are absolutely filled with amazing lore.

While there is a ton of action to enjoy in this game, there are also plenty of funny antics and heartfelt moments that really give it a load of depth.

One of the best things we love about this game is that you can jump into it, having never played a previous title.

However, once you experience DMC5, it will definitely make you want to go and play the rest just to spend more time with the characters!

If you love a good story but also want some truly spectacular combat sequences, Devil May Cry 5 is the game for you!

7. Ghost Of Tsushima

From Spartan soldier to Japanese samurai, Ghost of Tsushima is all about fighting off the first Mongol invasion of Japan.

Featuring a large open world, this game gives players the ability to use either stealth or direct confrontation to deal with enemies.

However, because of the samurai code of honor, using stealth is seen as dishonorable, though it does come with incredible benefits, such as “ghost” abilities.

The story is also incredibly well-written, and it highlights a lot of Japanese folklore and traditions that help the world feel authentic and rich.

It has even been praised by Japanese game developers, such as Capcom’s Shinji Mikami and Final Fantasy XVI’s producer Naoki Yoshida.

Moreover, the world’s design is absolutely gorgeous, and its features were inspired by other great games like Shadow of the Colossus.

Ghost of Tsushima is a phenomenal game by all accounts, and it is definitely one that every God of War fan can enjoy!

6. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

If you particularly enjoy the semi-open world design and deep lore of God of War, then you won’t want to miss out on Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.

Easily one of the best Star Wars games, Fallen Order has some amazing world design and a combat system that is dynamic and smooth.

Like God of War, this game revolves around third-person melee-based combat, with some particularly difficult boss fights.

It also helps that Fallen Order was directed by Stig Asmussen, the game director of God of War III and former artist for God of War and God of War II.

You can definitely see a lot of inspiration from GOW in Fallen Order, such as the explorable hubs and progression-based ability system.

Even if you’re not a die-hard fan of the Star Wars series, it’s worth checking this game out if you love God of War.

Despite not playing as an angry Spartan, Fallen Order is a ton of fun, and slicing through enemies with a lightsaber feels incredibly rewarding!

5. Horizon Zero Dawn

God of War is known for giving players the ability to take on some pretty large enemies, such as Kronos, Poseidon, and the Hydra.

Now, if these huge boss fights are one of the things you love most, you’ll want to check out Horizon Zero Dawn.

Set in the far future, the world of Zero Dawn has been ravaged by machines bringing about an apocalypse that has forced humanity into primitive tribes.

However, the juxtaposition between primitive humans and advanced machinery makes for a very interesting story.

This game is jam-packed with huge mechanical monsters to fight, such as the Stormbird, Rockbreaker, and Thunderjaw.

If the huge monsters aren’t enough to pique your interest, you should know that the story is surprisingly engaging as well.

Zero Dawn definitely brings a new twist to the usual post-apocalyptic setting, and its world-building is incredibly unique.

It is certainly not something you could mistake for any other title, and we strongly recommend it for anyone who loves God of War.

4. Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is a game for anyone who particularly enjoyed God of War 2018 and God of War Ragnarok.

Steeped in Norse mythology and Celtic culture, this game revolves around Senua and her journey into Helheim.

Now, Helheim will be very familiar to God of War fans by now, but the version depicted here isn’t the frozen land you’re used to.

While the hack-and-slash combat system is reminiscent of GOW, the goal in the Hel is to rescue the soul of Senua’s dead lover from the goddess Hela.

Along the way, players have to fight but also solve complex puzzles and deal with a number of psychological horror elements, including psychosis.

In fact, the developers worked closely with psychologists and neuroscientists in order to accurately represent this condition.

Senua’s Sacrifice also stands out for being one of the saddest video games of all time, and the story can very easily move you to tears.

All in all, this game is very much a transformative story about love and loss, as well as struggling with mental health, and it’s an absolute must-play in our book!

3. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Like Kratos, Geralt of Rivia is one of the most popular video game characters of all time, and we feel like the pair would get along well.

While the first two games in the Witcher series are good, Wild Hunt is an absolute masterpiece that has earned over 200 Game of the Year awards.

Witcher 3 revolves around Geralt searching for his adoptive daughter Ciri as she becomes the target of the deadly Wild Hunt.

However, along the way, there are tons of monsters to slay, asses to kick, and memorable characters to meet!

This game has all the intense combat a God of War fan could want, coupled with a fantastic story that has different endings depending on the choices you make.

In total, there are 36 possible endings you can get if you include the minute differences that your choices can cause.

Suffice it to say that this is one game that every fan of God of War should play for themselves, at least once!

2. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

Like God of War Ragnarok, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is all about the Norse world, particularly the Viking incursion of England.

While you play as a Viking raider trying to establish their clan, there is also a mythological element to this game that will feel familiar to God of War fans.

During certain parts of the game, players can take on the role of Havi, better known as Odin, and explore the realms of Asgard, Jotunheim, Svartalfheim, and Nifelheim.

You can also find legendary weapons, including Odin’s spear Gungnir and Thor’s iconic hammer, Mjolnir!

Speaking of weapons, the combat in this game is extremely smooth, and some of the boss fights can be extremely challenging.

There is also no shortage of things to do, as side quests and puzzle-solving mini-games are dotted all across the map!

If you’re someone who really enjoyed the Nordic theme in the latest God of War games, AC Valhalla is definitely worth picking up!

1. The Last Of Us Part 1

Taking our number one spot is The Last of Us, a game that is widely considered to be one of the greatest ever made.

Now, a fungal zombie apocalypse may not sound like it would have much in common with God of War, but hear us out.

This game excels at creating tense situations that really keep you on the edge of your seat, but its storytelling is what really makes it shine.

If the relationship and character growth between Kratos and Atreus is something you love from the most recent God of War games, then you’ll love TLOU.

Like Kratos, Joel starts off this game as an unwilling escort of Ellie, a young girl immune to the infection that’s caused the apocalypse.

However, as they journey together, their relationship grows into one of the most iconic pairings in video game history.

While The Last of Us II was divisive among fans, there is no denying that Part 1 remains a phenomenal game and a must-play for any God of War fan!