If you want another game that puts its characters and story at the center, start with God of War (2018) and continue with God of War Ragnarök. For a sprawling outlaw saga, try Red Dead Redemption 2; for supernatural mystery and horror, choose Alan Wake 2; and for science-fiction adventure, consider Horizon Forbidden West. Each offers a different kind of emotional investment rather than a repeat of The Last of Us Part II.
Choose by the kind of story you want next
| Game | Story shape and tone | Best fit if you want | Context to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| God of War (2018), then God of War Ragnarök | A continuing central relationship in mythic action adventures | Cinematic action and character development across two games | Ragnarök is a sequel to the 2018 game |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | A broad outlaw story about Arthur Morgan and his gang, set in an open world | A large-scale crime drama rather than a tightly directed survival story | The recommendation is about its narrative shape, not a claim that its pacing or tone matches The Last of Us Part II |
| Alan Wake 2 | A supernatural mystery featuring FBI agent Saga Anderson and writer Alan Wake | Playing as two characters and engaging with a horror story | Choose it only if you are comfortable with horror |
| Horizon Forbidden West | Science-fiction adventure with character growth and changing understanding of the world | A different setting and a story that develops its characters | The available information here does not establish whether it works well without the first Horizon game |
For a relationship at the center: God of War
God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarök offer the clearest choice if you want a character relationship to anchor a cinematic action adventure. Santa Monica Studio’s retrospective on the 2018 game discusses the creative goals behind its new direction: the studio’s account of a new beginning for God of War.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
The Last of Us Part II (Remastered) (Nordic) | $41.75 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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The Last of Us Part I – PlayStation 5 | $37.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Last of Us Part II Collector's Edition for PS4 PS5 | Buy on Amazon |
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Play the 2018 entry first. PlayStation describes Ragnarök as its sequel, so the earlier game provides context for the continuing story. The official PlayStation page for God of War Ragnarök also lists a 2022 Best Narrative award. That accolade is a useful signal of its narrative focus, not a guarantee that every player will find its characters memorable.
For a sprawling outlaw story: Red Dead Redemption 2
If you are ready to leave a tightly focused survival story for a broader, open-world crime drama, Red Dead Redemption 2 is a strong alternative. Its narrative follows Arthur Morgan and a gang of outlaws; TechRadar’s story-game guide describes it as an immersive, narrative-driven action game.
#1 Best Overall
This is a change of scale and story shape, not a promise of the same pacing or emotional tone as The Last of Us Part II. It may suit you if you want to spend time with a wider group and a story unfolding across an open world.
For a supernatural mystery: Alan Wake 2
Alan Wake 2 is the pick for a mystery with a supernatural-horror edge. The PlayStation Store description follows FBI agent Saga Anderson and writer Alan Wake and calls out play as two characters. TechRadar also includes the game among its story-game recommendations.
Rank #2
- Enhanced visuals: Completely rebuilt from the ground up using Naughty Dog’s latest PS5 engine technology to improve every visual detail, The Last of Us experience has been faithfully enhanced with more realistic lighting and atmosphere, more intricate environments and creative reimaginings of familiar spaces.
- Fast loading: Initial loading times are near instant, and seamless after the first instance thanks to the PS5 console’s SSD – so you can pick up where you left off in the story and load specific encounters and chapters more quickly.
- Haptic feedback: DualSense wireless controller haptic feedback support for every weapon elevates combat encounters, and environments are brought to life through DualSense wireless controller haptic sensations of subtle falling rain, the crunch of stepping on snow and more.
- Adaptive triggers: All The Last of Us iconic weapons, including Joel’s revolver and Ellie’s bow, now deliver dynamic DualSense wireless controller trigger resistance and kickback on firing for deeper combat immersion.
- 3D Audio: Designed to make use of the PS5 console’s Tempest 3D AudioTech, Naughty Dog’s newly upgraded audio engine delivers richer soundscapes, bigger explosive moments and more visceral gameplay through compatible stereo headphones (analogue or USB) or TV speakers.
Its horror is a meaningful distinction from the other options here. If you want character-driven mystery but do not enjoy horror, the other recommendations are a safer fit.
For science-fiction adventure: Horizon Forbidden West
Horizon Forbidden West offers science-fiction adventure and character growth rather than crime, mythic action, or supernatural horror. PlayStation’s feature on the game’s character development discusses how its characters’ understanding of their world changes over the story.
Rank #3
- Game: The Last of Us Part II, SteelBook, 48-Page Art Book, Ellie Statue, Ellie’s bracelet, Four stickers, 6 Pins, Digital Art Book, Digital Soundtrack
The information available here does not establish whether newcomers can follow it comfortably without playing the first Horizon. If continuity matters to you, look into the earlier game before choosing this as your next step.
How to make the choice
- Pick God of War (2018) if you want a central relationship, mythic action, and a sequel to continue with afterward.
- Pick Red Dead Redemption 2 if you want a broad outlaw ensemble and open-world setting.
- Pick Alan Wake 2 if a two-character supernatural mystery appeals to you and horror is welcome.
- Pick Horizon Forbidden West if you want science-fiction adventure and character growth, and are prepared to check whether you want the first game’s context.
There is no objective “most memorable” choice: the best fit depends on whether you want a close relationship, an ensemble, a mystery, or a new science-fiction world. Platform coverage, editions, current prices, and availability vary and are not established for every recommendation here.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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