The God Of War series was dormant for the longest time, with people wondering whether the series had finally been discarded by Sony altogether. However, all these rumors were dashed with the new God Of War, which looked and played differently than any God Of War game up to that point. The story had also been refined to a whole new level, allowing for the player to empathize with a once-bloodthirsty Kratos and understand his character's development.
Related: Every Game In The God Of War Series Ranked On Campaign Length (& How Many Hours They Take)
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 December 29th, 2020, by Reyadh Rahaman: Action RPGs are games that place the player in a specific character role with a focus on action-packed gameplay. Quick reflexes, deft judgment, and suitable equipment are all important factors in such games, therefore gamers will need to bring their best if they wish to succeed, as well as enjoy, this genre. God of War encompasses these traits with great precision and polish. Those seeking more of such incredible gameplay won't need to look far.
Updated August 5th, 2021, by Ritwik Mitra: God of War is easily one of the best exclusives on the PlayStation 4. Not only is the game a technical marvel that needs to be seen to be believed, but the title also marks a massive evolution of a franchise that had been dormant for a long time. Watching Kratos carve his legacy in the Norse realm is a fascinating experience, and players who want to try out other such titles can check out the following games like God of War.
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.
Rift Apart 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 VII Remake
- Where to Play: PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5
For the longest time, players were worried that the Final Fantasy VII 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 VII 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
- Where to Play: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, and Amazon Luna
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.
Related: Yakuza 0: The Best Ways To Earn Money
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, there are 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.
Related: Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice – The Most Difficult Mini-Bosses
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.
Related: The Hardest Bosses In Ghost Of Tsushima
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 Windown
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.
5 Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
- Where to Play: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Nintendo Switch
The parallels that can be drawn between Hellblade and God Of War are pretty obvious. Both games have hack-and-slash combat, are steeped in Norse mythology, and feature a brilliant story-driven experience.
There's one big difference between both games, however — Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice featured a tale that is more personal and, at times, uncomfortable to see unfold. The depiction of mental health is done excellently in Hellblade, making it a unique experience in every way.
4 Marvel's Spider-Man
- Where to Play: PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5
The PlayStation 4 was firing off on all cylinders during its undisputed reign as the top of the console hierarchy, releasing one amazing exclusive after another. Marvel's Spider-Man is one such title that is considered by many to be the greatest Spider-Man game ever released — a statement that is not made lightly.
Swinging around as Spider-Man feels as amazing as it should, and a slew of great elements — such as the story, combat, and open-world design, to name a few — help this title ascend to greatness.
3 Red Dead Redemption 2
- Where to Play: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, and Google Stadia
Rockstar Games blew everyone out of the water with Grand Theft Auto V, and everyone wondered how they would top such an amazing experience. Well, the studio managed to answer this question in a resounding fashion with the release of Red Dead Redemption 2.
Related: Hidden Secrets Many Still Haven't Found In Red Dead Redemption 2
It goes without saying that Red Dead Redemption 2 is easily one of the best open-world titles of all time, fully embracing all its strengths — and faults — to craft an engrossing narrative that would cement Rockstar's reputation as one of the best open-world developers of all time.
2 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Where to Play: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch
It would be impossible to talk about story-driven action RPGs without mentioning the masterpiece that is The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Geralt's story had been slowly building up over the last two games, and this game offers up a fitting conclusion to the witcher's engrossing tale.
The base game was enough of a great experience as is, but CD Projekt Red truly went above and beyond with the release of two expansion packs that could be considered standalone games in their own right. Hearts of Stone and Blood & Wine are easily two of the best DLCs ever released for any game, further cementing The Witcher 3's reputation as one of the best games of all time.
1 The Last Of Us Part II
- Where to Play: PlayStation 4
The Last Of Us Part II might be one of the most controversial video game releases of all time, but one can't deny the technical excellence on display in this title. Ellie's story truly comes into its own in a great sequel to one of the best video games ever made.
While The Last Of Us Part II is not a role-playing game per se, it has enough RPG elements to put it a cut above the rest of the cookie-cutter action games that have come out.
Next: God Of War PS4 Fan Theories That Could Be True (& Other Theories We Hope Aren’t)
