Naughty Dog has officially announced that The Last of Us Part II will be remastered for the PlayStation 5. The studio is introducing a range of technological enhancements, new game modes, and additional features to make this remaster appealing. Originally released in 2020 for the PS4, the sequel already supports backwards compatibility on Sony’s current-gen console and received a 60fps update in 2021. Set to launch on January 19, 2024, The Last of Us Part II Remastered aims to redefine the gaming experience on the PS5.
The announcement came after the remaster was inadvertently revealed on PlayStation Network. On November 17, Naughty Dog shared details about the project in a blog post, which was accompanied by an announcement trailer. The studio declared this remaster to be the “definitive way to experience” the game. A highlight of this update is the introduction of a new roguelike survival mode named No Return, where players will engage in randomized combat scenarios against various foes. Not only will they play as series protagonists Joel and Ellie, but the mode will also feature new playable characters, each possessing unique abilities tailored to different gameplay styles. “Players will chart their own course on each run, selecting between various stealth and combat challenges, while facing a range of enemies and unexpected twists,” noted Naughty Dog in the announcement.
The ‘No Return’ roguelike survival mode will include several playable characters
Photo Credit: Naughty Dog
Each session in the No Return mode will allow players to make decisions regarding rewards and character upgrades as they navigate through encounters. Progress will unlock new characters and skins.
The remastered title will also receive significant visual enhancements. Players can expect native 4K output in Fidelity Mode, 1440p upscaled to 4K in Performance Mode, and an Unlocked Framerate option for compatible TVs. Additional improvements include higher texture resolutions, greater Level-of-Detail distances, improved shadow quality, and a better animation sampling rate. The update aims to boost immersion through quicker load times alongside haptic feedback and adaptive triggers support on the DualSense controller.
This new version will also feature content that was cut from the original game. Players can look forward to exploring a selection of unfinished ‘Lost Levels’ that provide a behind-the-scenes look at the game’s development. These levels will feature embedded developer commentary that sheds light on elements that did not make the final version.
Moreover, The Last of Us Part II Remastered will introduce a Guitar Free Play mode, allowing players to showcase their musical skills with various unlockable instruments. This mode will provide a selection of characters and in-game locations for players to enjoy their musical expressions. An unlockable Speedrun Mode will be included, along with new character and weapon skins and enhancements to the photo mode.
Pre-orders for The Last of Us Part II Remastered are set to begin on December 5, offering both a standard edition and a special W.L.F. Edition featuring a steelbook case and additional in-game items. Those who own the original PS4 game will be eligible for a $10 (approximately Rs. 833) upgrade to the remastered version. Players will also have the option to transfer their PS4 saves to the remastered edition.
Prior leaks had hinted at the existence of this remaster, including an accidental mention by a developer at the studio on LinkedIn last October.
Previously, Naughty Dog released The Last of Us Part I, a full remake of the 2013 game, for the PS5 in September 2022, priced at $70 (Rs. 4,999 in India). This title was later made available on PC in March 2023 but faced various performance and graphical issues upon launch.
