Naughty Dog details new features for The Last of Us Part II Remastered

Sony Interactive Entertainment and Naughty Dog have announced a remastered version of the acclaimed 2020 action-adventure game The Last of Us Part II, scheduled for release on PlayStation 5. The upgraded edition, titled The Last of Us Part II Remastered, is set to launch on January 19, 2024, and will be available both as a digital upgrade for existing PS4 owners and as a standalone physical release.

The remastered edition brings the game to the current generation of hardware with a native PS5 build. Players who already own the PS4 version will be able to upgrade to the digital version for a fee. Naughty Dog has positioned the release as a comprehensive package that includes the full single-player campaign along with a new roguelike survival mode called No Return.

Visual and performance upgrades

The Last of Us Part II Remastered takes advantage of the PS5's hardware to deliver improved graphical fidelity and performance. The game targets a 4K resolution output and supports 60 frames per second in performance mode. The remaster also includes support for the DualSense controller's haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, which were not available in the original PS4 release. Visual enhancements include improved texture resolution, increased draw distances, and enhanced lighting and shadow rendering. The game also supports the PS5's fast loading times, reducing the time players spend waiting between sections.

Naughty Dog has stated that the remastering process was undertaken to ensure the game meets the technical standards of the current generation. The studio has not introduced changes to the game's story, characters, or core gameplay mechanics. The remaster is primarily a technical update designed to offer a smoother and more visually polished experience.

No Return mode

The most significant new feature in The Last of Us Part II Remastered is the addition of No Return, a roguelike survival mode. In this mode, players control characters from the game's story in procedurally generated encounters. Each run offers different challenges, enemy types, and environmental conditions. The mode includes a leaderboard system that tracks performance, allowing players to compare scores with others. No Return is designed to provide replayability beyond the single-player campaign and gives players a reason to revisit the game's combat systems in a new context.

The mode includes a variety of unlockable characters, each with unique abilities and starting equipment. Players can also unlock new skins and cosmetics for characters as they progress through the mode. No Return is a separate experience from the main campaign and does not require completion of the story to access.

Additional content and features

Beyond the visual upgrades and No Return mode, The Last of Us Part II Remastered includes a number of additional features. The game includes a new Guitar Free Play mode that allows players to play music using the game's guitar mechanic outside of the main story. This mode is a light addition intended for relaxation and experimentation with the game's audio system.

The remaster also includes a set of brand-new unlockable skins for characters, as well as a new photo mode with expanded features. Players can now use a wider range of filters, frames, and effects to capture their favourite moments. The game also includes the full suite of accessibility options that were added through post-launch updates to the original game, such as high-contrast display modes, screen reader support, and extensive controller remapping.

Upgrade path and pricing

Owners of The Last of Us Part II on PlayStation 4 can upgrade to the digital version of The Last of Us Part II Remastered for a fee. The upgrade is available exclusively through the PlayStation Store. Players who purchase the physical edition of the remaster on disc will also receive the full game. The digital upgrade path means that existing owners do not need to repurchase the game at full price to access the new features.

The remaster is also available as a standalone purchase for players who did not own the original game. The physical version includes a disc with the full game data and does not require a download code for the single-player campaign. The No Return mode and Guitar Free Play are included in all versions of the game.

Critical reception and legacy

The original release of The Last of Us Part II was met with widespread critical acclaim, earning numerous Game of the Year awards and selling over 10 million copies by 2022. The game's narrative, character development, and technical execution were widely praised, though its story choices also generated significant discussion among players and critics. The remastered edition arrives at a time when interest in the franchise remains high, with the HBO television adaptation of the first game having introduced the series to a broader audience.

The remaster is seen by some as a way to bring the game to a new audience on current hardware, particularly for players who may have skipped the PS4 generation. The inclusion of No Return mode provides fresh content for returning players, while the technical upgrades ensure that the game performs optimally on the PS5. The remaster does not include any changes to the game's controversial narrative elements, and Naughty Dog has been clear that the story remains exactly as it was in the original release.

Availability and future support

The Last of Us Part II Remastered is set to launch exclusively on PlayStation 5. There has been no official announcement regarding a PC version, though Naughty Dog and Sony have brought several first-party titles to PC in recent years. The game is available for pre-order now through the PlayStation Store and major retailers. Pre-ordering the game grants access to a set of in-game unlockable items, including skins for the No Return mode and a bonus for the Guitar Free Play mode.

Naughty Dog has confirmed that the remaster will receive post-launch support, including patches to address any issues and potential future content additions. The studio has not detailed specific plans for additional modes or expansions beyond what has been announced. The remaster represents the definitive version of the game on console hardware, and players who have not yet experienced the story are advised to start with this edition.

The release of The Last of Us Part II Remastered underscores the continued investment by Sony in its first-party catalog, ensuring that major titles remain accessible on current-generation hardware. The remaster joins a growing list of PlayStation 5 upgrades for games originally released on PlayStation 4, including titles such as Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut and Horizon Forbidden West.