Norse mythology has inspired a number of games throughout the years, whether they’re critically acclaimed indies or blockbuster AAA titles from big companies like Ubisoft. The epic narratives about fascinating figures like Odin and Thor have been weaved into RPGs, puzzle games, and more.
From Thora’s epic quest in Jotun to Kratos’ gripping journey in God of War, there’s a good selection of Norse mythology-inspired titles for players to choose from. These creative retellings of myths about gods and goddesses will transport players to another world. Depending on how fans play through the games, salvation could be waiting for them in Valhalla or they could meet a more sinister fate in Hel.
Munin
Munin is a game that’s heavily inspired by Norse mythology. Players are tasked with helping the titular character, Munin, who has the important job of being Odin’s messenger. After an unfortunate encounter with Loki, she’s forced to travel through Yggdrasil’s nine realms and collect feathers to regain her power of flight.
It’s a side-scrolling title that gives players one challenging puzzle after another, as they’ll have to rotate pieces to figure out the best path forward. The realistic physics, impressive level designs, and unique art style make Munin worth checking out.
Jotun
When Thora finds herself in front of the gods in Jotun, she learns that her inglorious death has not earned her the right to enter Valhalla. Players must help her make the most of her second chance by traveling through the nine realms and surviving the Norse Purgatory.
Thora has to collect Runes and take down tough elemental giants to advance, with each level designed to be bigger and harder than the last. The game has an impressive mix of interesting puzzles, exciting boss fights, and unlockable lore that keep players entertained from start to finish.
Kari: Stranded On The Shores Of Vanaheim
Players looking for a combat-free gaming experience will likely enjoy Kari: Stranded on the Shores of Vanaheim. It’s a story-driven adventure-puzzle game that follows the story of a young Viking girl named Kari who encounters a magical storm that sends her to an unfamiliar island.
Kari must convince the mighty gods who inhabit the island to help her find her way through realms like Uller and Njord. The challenges presented by the NPCs won’t be easy, but players will probably find themselves determined to overcome them for the sake of the endearing protagonist.
Song Of Iron
A devastating event spurs the protagonist of Song of Iron into action and he sets off on a quest for vengeance. As players go deeper into his homeland, they’ll encounter hundreds of enemies determined to stop him and will have to masterfully use his ax and shield to get through each one.
The dark atmosphere, haunting soundtrack, and compelling story of the game will be more than enough to keep players hooked. The locations, characters, and special abilities are all heavily inspired by Norse mythology, which adds an extra level of beauty and mystery to the title.
The Frostrune
The Frostrune thrusts players into a historically accurate Norse environment, complete with objects recreated from archeological artifacts. It’s a classic point-and-click mystery title that sends its protagonist through an eerie island with a forest full of enigmatic runes.
It becomes obvious soon enough that the people in the tiny village left in a hurry, but it’s unclear why. As players uncover details about the islands’ inhabitants, they’ll also learn more about the magic surrounding the runes and the hidden power they protect. It’s a spellbinding adventure chockfull of references to Norse myths and figures.
Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
Players take on the role of one of the most powerful women in recent video games, Senua, as she courageously travels to Helheim to rescue her lover’s soul. She’ll encounter nightmarish creatures and hellish landscapes on her quest to reach Hela.
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice has been praised for its raw and brutal depiction of its dark Norse-inspired world and intriguing protagonist. The descent into the horrifying levels of hell is not for the faint of heart, as Senua’s journey only becomes more dangerous the farther she goes. Her remarkable story and personality are actually a thoughtful portrayal of psychosis. Developers consulted with neuroscientists and mental health experts to accurately represent the condition in the game.
Oddmar
Sunned by his community and rejected by the gods, Oddmar’s protagonist of the same name must find his own way to salvation in the action-adventure platformer. The Viking must travel through towns and dungeons, defeating magical creatures and overcoming obstacles along the way.
The charming 2D game has a vibrant art style to go with its impressive cutscenes, which are animated as a motion comic. Oddmar’s bold journey will take him to treacherous locations and it’s up to players to solve puzzles and take down enemies to keep him alive.
Valheim
Set in the stunning procedurally-generated Norse world of Valheim, there are endless possibilities for players who have to conquer purgatory to reach Valhalla. Valheim is an exploration and survival game that allows for co-op, letting players fight Odin’s servants with their friends.
There are a ton of things to do beyond battling, as resource management, crafting, and even sailing to discover new islands are all part of the game. There’s even a fun base-building system that lets players build settlements, farms, and castles. The vast environment and assortment of activities are exciting elements that are a testament to how Valheim elevates the survival co-op genre.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
It’s easy to see why Odyssey lets players control the Viking raider Eivor, as he leads his people’s expansion into the British Isles.
He finds himself embroiled in the ancient conflict between Templars and Assassins, which complicates their plans for invasion. Meanwhile, Layla struggles to find a way to prevent the annihilation of the earth in the 21st century by reliving Eivor’s memories. Fans must bravely venture through the open-world game to complete quests, advance skill trees, and fight enemies to ultimately reach the point where Eivor and Layla’s fates intersect. Valhalla is a game that expertly weaves Norse mythology into its complex narrative of time travel, aliens, and the long-standing conflict between the Assassins and the Templars.
God Of War
The critically-acclaimed 2018 title, God of War, is the first of a two-part saga that takes Kratos from the Greek world and brings him to the realms of the Norse gods. Players must go on an arduous journey with Kratos’ son, Atreus, as they attempt to reach Faye’s home high up in Jotunheim.
Kratos will encounter both familiar and new gods along the way who can aid him in his quest or attempt to stop him in his tracks. Like many games in the franchise, the story-driven title has several tragic narratives that are adapted from actual myths about gods and goddesses. There’s no telling exactly how the overarching story will end, at least until the release of the highly-anticipated sequel, God of War Ragnarök.