So it was only a given that most fans wouldn’t be satisfied with just one title addition in the franchise, and have been clamoring for a God Of War 2 ever since. While this game is surely on the horizon, gamers who need something to scratch that Kratos itch can choose to play any one of the games on this list, which feel like God Of War in the best ways possible.
Updated June 10, 2022 by Ritwik Mitra: God of War’s return was nothing short of a monumental success. The folks over at Santa Monica Studios absolutely knocked it out of the park with this title, bringing Kratos back into the new generation of gaming in a resounding fashion. Controlling this rageaholic is still a blast, even though Kratos has reigned in his primal instincts to serve as a role model for his child, Atreus. Players who love the story, gameplay, and overall vibe of this title will find the other games to be right up their alley.
25 Elden Ring
Where to Play: PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, and PC
FromSoftware’s latest title has been the studio’s biggest success. Elden Ring has gone mainstream more than any other FromSoftware title, and this open-world game is a blast from start to finish.
Elden Ring might seem challenging, but patient players who learn the combat system will soon realize why this game is in a class of its own. Of course, the other pillars of Elden Ring’s gameplay are also pretty neat in their own right, be it the open-ended exploration, the character customization options, or the boss fights.
24 Grand Theft Auto 5
Where to Play: PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and Series S, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox 360, and PC
Speaking of grand open-world adventures, it would be impossible to not mention Grand Theft Auto 5. The fact that this title is still relevant even after a decade since its release shows why it’s revered by so many as one of the most legendary games of all time.
Grand Theft Auto 5might be known more for its multiplayer component nowadays, but players should obviously check out the expertly-crafted single-player mode in this game. Controlling multiple protagonists and raising hell has never been more fun. GTA 5’s gameplay and story are not similar to 2018’s God of War in any shape or form, but Rockstar’s masterpiece is such a landmark release in the open-world genre that it is almost a must-play for anyone who enjoys that type of game.
23 X-Men Origins: Wolverine
Where to Play: PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 2, PC, Xbox 360, Wii, Nintendo DS, and Mobile
A big part of what makes God of War such a fun game is the visceral nature of its combat. This is something that is replicated in a highly underrated title — X-Men Origins: Wolverine.
This game flew under many people’s radar due to the lackluster nature of its movie counterpart. However, players only need to check out a bit of X-Men Origins: Wolverine to realize that its high-octane action gameplay and brutal combat is a blast that’s highly reminiscent of God of War’s glory years.
22 Alice: Madness Returns
Where to Play: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC
American McGee’s Alice was one of the weirdest yet most fascinating games around. Sure, the gameplay might not have aged that well, but the nightmarish nature of the world and its characters is something that still sticks with players long after they’re done playing this game.
This title received a sequel in the form of Alice: Madness Returns. While the gameplay might be slightly simplistic at times, the amazing narrative and characters more than make up for this.
21 Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance
Where to Play: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC
Leave it to PlatinumGames when it comes to making ultra-stylish action-adventure titles. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance had no business being as good as it is, with many people considering it to be one of the better games in the series!
Controlling a cyborg Raiden and slashing enemies to bits never gets tiring. It helps that the game always goes over the top with its set pieces, making each and every moment with this title an absolute blast.
20 Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Where to Play: PlayStation 5
The latest Sony exclusive to hit stores is Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. The game is nothing short of an absolute masterpiece and is easily the best game in the Ratchet & Clank series by a country mile.
RiftApart features the PlayStation 5 working at its very best, with a whole host of new features and a gripping story mode that is bound to excite most fans. Sony faithfuls will be glad to play a game like God of War in terms of its technical achievements and excellent combat.
19 Final Fantasy 7 Remake
Where to Play: PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5
For the longest time, players were worried that the Final Fantasy 7 Remake would besmirch the legacy of the original game. The information that came prior to the game’s release certainly didn’t help things.
However, Final Fantasy 7 Remake managed to surpass all expectations and established itself as one of the best action RPGs on the PlayStation 4. Players looking for games similar to God of War will be more than happy with Square Enix’s latest entry in the Final Fantasy series.
18 Monster Hunter: World
Where to Play: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows
The Monster Hunter series was wildly underrated in the gaming landscape. Thankfully, the advent of Monster Hunter: World has completely flipped that concept over its head.
Now, a wide swath of players have been able to engage with the addictive gameplay loop that is Monster Hunter: World. With its Iceborne expansion, the title is even more of an easy recommendation for players who were on the prowl for games similar to God of War.
17 Yakuza 0
Most people might find it odd to see Yakuza 0 mentioned on this list. However, once players strip away the bulk of the side content that the series is famous for, the high-octane combat and gripping story make for an experience that is incredibly reminiscent of God of War.
It certainly helps that Yakuza 0 is a great starting point for players who wish to get into the Yakuza series. Players seeking out games like God of War will have a field day with this title.
16 Shadow Of The Tomb Raider
Where to Play: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, macOS, Linux, Google Stadia, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S
Shadow of the Tomb Raider is an open-world adventure full to the brim with excellent combat, mind-bending puzzles, and gorgeous set pieces to boot. It might not be the first title that comes to mind when thinking of games like God of War, but it’s still a great shout-out regardless.
Lara Croft’s latest adventure might not have turned too many heads upon its release. However, any gamer worth their salt should definitely check out one of the greatest Tomb Raider games ever made.
15 Far Cry Primal
Where to Play: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows
In a departure from the usual gun-toting gameplay from the Far Cry series, Far Cry Primal takes players back to the stone age for some old-fashion onslaughts. Learning to wield and fell foes with a bow, spear, and a plethora of other primitive weapons may at first seem bland, however, the mechanics and environment lend themselves greatly to the usage of these ancient weapon types.
Planning and strategy are crucial as one cannot simply mow down the opposition with automatic firearms. A calm, yet fierce, fighting style is required to succeed. Such gameplay leaves most gamers satisfied with the balanced and unique combat.
14 Dark Souls 3
Where to Play: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows
The Dark Souls franchise revolutionized the ARPG genre. It put way more significance on patience and timing in a genre where things were getting more attack spam-heavy. The newest God of War game is another that likely took inspiration from this notion, opting to give Kratos a shield and a one-handed ax instead of starting the player off with the dual chain-blades.
Players in Dark Souls 3 have plenty of opportunities to come up with their ideal build. Swords, spears, and shields are found under every rock and each has its own method for felling foes. One can even create a Kratos-themed build and hack adversaries apart with weapons similar to those found in God of War.
13 The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Where to Play: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch
Those seeking more Norse-themed gameplay should definitely check out The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim if they haven’t yet. Although not set in a parallel of the real world like God of War, Skyrim includes many references that make it clear that the northernmost province of Tamriel was inspired, at least in part, by Norse culture and legends.
There is also an epic scale to this game that matches God of War in that the player is thrown into a world where they hold the power to change the course of time. Dealing with deities, slaying immortal enemies, and traversing bizarre fantasy worlds are but some of the aspects that fans of Kratos’ adventures will enjoy.
12 Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Where to Play: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Google Stadia
If one is seeking a challenge on a similar footing, if not a greater one, than those faced in God of War, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is the title to pick up. It is not advisable to face all foes with the same tactics, as some resist certain attacks or weapons.
One will need to take as much consideration of their battle strategy when controlling Wolf as they used when in Kratos’ large boots, for enemies will not go easy on the player. Thankfully, the fluid movement makes it easy for one to avoid the majority of enemy attacks. It’s also very convenient when traveling the world; one full of beauty and danger.
11 Devil May Cry 5
Where to Play: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5
If hacking and slashing foes out of the way is what a player desires, Devil May Cry 5 is a great choice. Though, one of the biggest draws of this franchise, in conjunction with the stellar combat, is the vivid cast and deep storytelling. Dante and Nero’s histories are steeped in fascinating lore, which allows the game to put forth unique and relevant kinds of enemies; all of which are a joy to ravage with a flurry of devastating attacks.
As the journey progresses, players will begin to empathize with the characters through charming dialogue, understandable motivations, and heartfelt moments profound enough that even a devil may cry. Also, there’s a ton of hilarious meme-worthy moments to enjoy.
10 Bloodborne
Where to Play: PlayStation 4
Players who are used to the tight and responsive nature of Soulsborne combat will find massive similarities between this combat system and God Of War’s, although one can argue that FromSoftware’s combat is generally harder and more unforgiving when it comes to mistakes.
Bloodborne is perhaps the best recommendation for anyone who loved God Of War. Not only is it also a PlayStation exclusive, but it also features some of the best visuals and combat on the system by a country mile. Any player who loves Gothic and Lovecraftian influences in their video games will definitely fall in love with Bloodborne’s haunting beauty.
9 NieR: Automata
Where to Play: PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, and Xbox One
A hack-and-slash that put the genius of Yoko Taro on the map, NieR: Automata is a must-play for anyone who loves diverse gameplay, tight combat, and a unique story, unlike anything they’ve probably experienced before.
The story of 2B and her android buddies as they travel through a world that feels mysterious yet jam-packed with lore, collectibles, and whatnot is engrossing and entertaining in every sense of the words.
8 Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
Where to Play: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Google Stadia
The Assassin’s Creed series might’ve transformed from what used to be a unique parkour adventure into a poor man’s The Witcher 3, but one can’t deny that Ubisoft certainly brought everything to the table with Odyssey.
This role-playing epic features a massive open-world that’s full to the brim with content — perhaps too much content, in fact — and has a combat system that, while feeling notably inferior to its inspirations, still managed to get the job done.
7 Ghost Of Tsushima
Where to Play: PlayStation 4
Sucker Punch’s latest offering, Ghost Of Tsushima, is an incredibly beautiful romp through the lovely landscapes of Japan during the first Mongol invasion, which is as captivating a title as can be.
The combat system is wholly unique, the story gets the job done, and the visuals of the title are truly breathtaking in every sense of the word, making for a wholly unique experience from start to end.
6 Horizon Zero Dawn
Where to Play: PlayStation 4 and Microsoft Windows
With Horizon Zero Dawn’s release on the PC, there’s no better time than right now to play this absolute gem of a title. Featuring a unique world where robotic dinosaurs roam the land, Horizon’s world is as unique as can be.
Of course, it certainly helps that the story is surprisingly in-depth, and the combat is incredibly engaging at times. Horizon Zero Dawn is a must-play for anyone who’s looking for a jam-packed action RPG to play through — just like God Of War.
