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If you want another game with a strong story and characters who stay with you, the best next pick depends on what you want to change: a close parent-child relationship and mythic action, a sprawling outlaw ensemble, a supernatural mystery, or a science-fiction adventure. These four games offer distinct narrative experiences rather than a single objective ranking.
Choose by the kind of story you want
| Game | Story and tone | Best fit if you want | How it compares in shape |
|---|---|---|---|
| God of War (2018), then God of War Ragnarök | Mythic action centered on an ongoing character relationship | A cinematic journey with a relationship at its heart | Play the 2018 game first; Ragnarök is its sequel |
| Red Dead Redemption 2 | Grounded outlaw crime story with a gang and a broad open-world setting | A wider ensemble and time to inhabit a world | A broader story rather than a tightly directed survival narrative |
| Alan Wake 2 | Supernatural mystery with horror elements | A dual-character investigation and a darker, frightening atmosphere | Two playable characters shape the story |
| Horizon Forbidden West | Science-fiction adventure focused on character development and changing understanding of the world | Exploration, sci-fi ideas, and character growth | A different setting and kind of adventure from grounded survival drama |
God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarök: a relationship that continues
Start with God of War (2018) if you want a character-led action story that grows into a larger continuing saga. Santa Monica Studio has described the creative goals behind the 2018 game’s new direction in its retrospective. The relationship at the center gives the adventure an emotional anchor amid its mythic action.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
The Last of Us Part II (Remastered) (Nordic) | $41.75 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
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 |
Then continue with God of War Ragnarök, which PlayStation identifies as the sequel to the 2018 game. Its product page also lists a 2022 Best Narrative award. Because Ragnarök follows the earlier story, playing the 2018 game first provides the context for the characters and their relationship.
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Red Dead Redemption 2: a broad outlaw story
If you are ready to leave a tightly directed survival story for a much broader setting, Red Dead Redemption 2 follows Arthur Morgan and a gang of outlaws in an immersive, narrative-driven action game. Its appeal here is the contrast: a crime story with an ensemble and an open world, rather than the same kind of focused, survival-centered journey as The Last of Us Part II.
#1 Best Overall
Choose it if you want to spend time with a group of characters and are comfortable with a more expansive presentation. The change in scale and tone is the point; this is a recommendation based on narrative shape, not a claim that the games have identical pacing or emotional effects.
Alan Wake 2: a supernatural mystery with horror
Alan Wake 2 is the clearest choice here if you want your next story to be a mystery. PlayStation’s description follows FBI agent Saga Anderson and writer Alan Wake, and notes that you play as both characters. That dual perspective makes it a different kind of character-driven narrative from a single-protagonist survival drama.
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.
There is an important tonal trade-off: the story is supernatural and the game is for readers who are comfortable with horror. If you want emotional storytelling but not a frightening atmosphere, one of the other recommendations may be a better fit.
Horizon Forbidden West: science fiction and character growth
For a change of setting, Horizon Forbidden West offers a science-fiction adventure whose characters develop as their understanding of the world changes. PlayStation’s feature on the game focuses on that character development, making it a suitable pick if you want a story that combines personal growth with a larger world and its mysteries.
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
Whether it works as a starting point without the earlier Horizon game is not established here, so do not assume it is a standalone introduction. If continuity matters to you, check the series order before choosing it.
Which one should you play next?
- For a central relationship and cinematic action: begin with God of War (2018), then play Ragnarök.
- For an outlaw ensemble and a sprawling world: choose Red Dead Redemption 2.
- For a two-character supernatural investigation: choose Alan Wake 2 if horror suits you.
- For science fiction and character development: consider Horizon Forbidden West, keeping its series context in mind.
Platform coverage, current prices, editions, and subscription availability are not established for all four recommendations here. Check the relevant store or publisher page for the version that applies to your platform and region.
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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