5 Best Video Games To Play While Waiting For God Of War Laufey

July 31, 2026 - 11:48

The wait for the next chapter in Kratos' saga is a long one, with God of War Laufey not expected until 2027. That is a lot of empty weekends. If you have already beaten every Valkyrie and collected every artifact in the Norse games, you need something else to sink your axe into. Here are five solid picks that scratch that same itch for brutal combat, epic scale, and a good story.

First up is Devil May Cry 5. This is the gold standard for stylish action. You play as three different characters, each with a completely different fighting style. Nero uses a mechanical arm, Dante has a ridiculous arsenal of weapons, and V commands demon familiars. The combat is fast, flashy, and rewards you for learning combos. It is not as heavy on story as God of War, but the action is unmatched.

Next, consider Nioh 2. This one is tougher. It is a souls-like game set in feudal Japan, but the combat is much more complex. You have stances, ki pulses, and a ton of different weapon types. It is punishing, but when you finally beat a tough boss, you feel like a god. The demon forms you can take on are a great bonus.

For a more cinematic option, try Final Fantasy XVI. It is a full-on action RPG with huge, spectacular boss fights that feel like blockbuster movie scenes. The main character, Clive, uses a variety of Eikon powers to chain together devastating attacks. The story is political and dark, and the combat is much faster than the older turn-based Final Fantasy games. It is a great single-player adventure with a lot of depth.

If you want something a little more grounded, check out Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. This game is all about precision and timing. You have a katana and a grappling hook, and you have to break your enemy's posture to land a killing blow. It is brutally hard, but the sword fights are some of the best ever made. The sense of mastery you get is incredible, and it will definitely keep your reflexes sharp for when Kratos returns.

Finally, do not overlook the latest God of War games themselves. If you have not played God of War Ragnarok's Valhalla DLC, that is a must. It is a free roguelite mode that focuses purely on combat. It gives you new insight into Kratos' past and is a perfect way to get back into the mindset of the character. It is shorter than a full game, but it is the perfect appetizer for the long wait ahead.