One of the most eagerly anticipated games coming in 2027 is “God of War Laufey,” with everything we know pointing to it being an appropriately epic sequel. The game is set to follow Krato’s wife Faye through the afterlife following her passing in 2018’s “God of War.” The announcement of “God of War Laufey” was met by controversy, with some fans bristling against the idea of a new protagonist. But based on what Santa Monica Studio has unveiled so far, the game looks like it will bring plenty of hack-and-slash fury as only Faye can deliver it.
With the release of “God of War Laufey” still months away, fans are getting anxious to see where this bold new direction for the franchise goes. In the meantime, there are plenty of games that we can recommend to tide you over during the wait. Highlighting other modern third-person hack-and-slash titles, each adding their own flair to the genre, these are the five best video games to play while waiting for “God of War Laufey” and its February 2027 launch.
Bayonetta 2
After debuting as a multiplatform title in 2009, the “Bayonetta” series went Nintendo-exclusive, starting with its 2014 sequel “Bayonetta 2.” Originally released for the Wii U before being remastered for the Switch in 2018, the game has the titular protagonist travel to the gates of Hell to rescue her friend. This sends Bayonetta on an adventure through time, dialing up the Norse mythological elements as details from her past come into focus. The game also features a two-person cooperative multiplayer mode that has players take on waves of enemies.
A crucial chapter in the entire “Bayonetta” story, “Bayonetta 2” ups the ante from its predecessor and is still arguably the best game in the series. The visual presentation has been enhanced considerably and the combat system feels like it’s been subtly revamped to make it much more intuitive. The series’ signature sense of humor is still front and center, but with a more ambitious story to tell this time around. One of the best hack-and-slash titles ever published for a Nintendo console, “Bayonetta 2” brings the stylish action to a crescendo.
Devil May Cry 5
The “Devil May Cry” series has been a staple in the hack-and-slash genre since its debut in 2001 on the PlayStation 2. The “Devil May Cry” series passed a major milestone not long ago, with its most recent entry becoming the best-selling title in the franchise to date. 2019’s “Devil May Cry 5” brings back the classic continuity after the divisively received 2013 reboot “DmC: Devil May Cry,” including the original iteration of the demon hunter Dante. The game has Dante team up with Nero and a mysterious new character named V to stop a resurgent demon king from conquering the world.
“Devil May Cry 5” is both a return to form for the series and the biggest swing that the Capcom franchise has taken yet. With four playable characters, including the addition of Dante’s brother Vergil through DLC and later versions of the game, there are many distinct ways to cut through waves of monsters. The 2019 title is also the longest “Devil May Cry” game in the series, giving fans a truly epic experience. While the franchise has been dormant for years, “Devil May Cry 5” definitely sets a new high for the series.
God of War Ragnarök
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We could have easily filled this list with nothing but “God of War” games but, for the sake of variety, we’re keeping it to the direct predecessor of “God of War Laufey.” 2022’s “God of War Ragnarök” continued the story of Kratos and Atreus, his young son with Faye, after the events of the 2018 “God of War” for PlayStation 4. The story has Kratos and Atreus working to prevent Ragnarök, the prophesied end of the nine realms, spinning out of the events of the preceding game. This places the father and son on a collision course with Odin and Thor, as well as other figures and beasts from Norse mythology, over the fate of reality.
With its clear setup for the events of “Laufey,” largely through flashback sequences featuring Faye, “God of War Ragnarök” is primed for a revisit. The 2022 game ups the ante with its scope and bombastic action, while going emotionally deeper with its main characters than its own predecessor did. We’re personally hoping that the biggest unanswered questions from “God of War Ragnarök” finally get addressed by “Laufey.” In the meantime, the 2022 game should be at the top of any list of titles to play while waiting for “God of War Laufey.”
Stellar Blade
Shift Up/Sony Interactive Entertainment
If “God of War” and many of the other games on this list revel in bringing their hack-and-slash action to fantasy settings, “Stellar Blade” embraces its possibilities in science fiction. The 2024 game depicts a future where humanity has largely been driven off Earth by an invading extraterrestrial race known as the Naytibas. The story’s protagonist is Eve, a specialized soldier who travels to the last human city on Earth intent on retaking the planet from its otherworldly conquerors. The game features a wide scope, with plenty of side quests to keep players occupied along the main story as they cut down waves of enemies.
With its absolutely gorgeous visuals and smooth combat mechanics, “Stellar Blade” gives the PlayStation 5 its first must-have hack-and-slash title. While the gameplay places a strong emphasis on timing and countering incoming enemy attacks, “Stellar Blade” is not a soulslike title, but rather something more conventionally action-oriented. The challenge is there, but not to the point where players will constantly feel like the difficulty is too cheap. As visually sumptuous as it is a thoroughly intense ride, “Stellar Blade” definitely has got the goods.
Black Myth: Wukong
While the “God of War” games have largely revolved around Greek and Norse mythology so far, “Black Myth: Wukong” takes its cues from Chinese folklore. The game has players control a staff-wielding monkey, known simply as the Destined One, who sets out to recover relics across a medieval fantasy realm. These objects correspond with the six senses of Sun Wukong, the mythical Monkey King, who remains sealed in a mountain. Battling various demigods drawn directly from Chinese mythology, the Destined One learns the true nature of their connection to Sun Wukong.
While the emphasis on timing creates a strong sense of challenge, “Black Myth: Wukong,” like “Stellar Blade,” isn’t quite a soulslike experience. Instead, the game is more of an action RPG with heightened difficulty, rewarding players who learn enemy patterns and grind to improve the Destined One’s capabilities. Upon its debut in 2024, “Black Myth: Wukong” blew everyone away with its detailed visual presentation and tightly executed combat gameplay. An intense experience that still keeps players coming back for more, “Black Myth: Wukong” offers an exciting deep dive into Chinese folklore.
