The highly anticipated remaster of The Last of Us Part II is set to launch on January 19 for the PlayStation 5, bringing with it a host of new features and enhancements, including refreshed bonus content. Among the most notable additions is the new game mode called ‘No Return,’ which introduces a roguelite experience. Players will confront challenging randomized scenarios against waves of Infected, Clickers, and other foes, with each death resulting in a return to the beginning. This mode consists of 12 levels drawn from iconic locations in the Seattle-based narrative, culminating in intense boss battles.
Naughty Dog has unveiled a new overview trailer showcasing gameplay and cinematic elements captured on the PS5, highlighting one such encounter where Abby, the game’s antagonist, rushes into a mass of zombies in Jackson City, only to be bitten and sent back to the start. In the No Return mode, players can select from familiar characters like Ellie, Dina, Jesse, and Lev, each equipped with unique advantages. For instance, Lev is noted for using a bow and arrow rather than firearms, while Dina excels at crafting devices such as trap mines and stun bombs. Playing as Jesse offers the benefit of increased currency rewards per room and access to exclusive items at trading posts.
Players will also come across special modifications and temporary power-ups during their runs, which are randomized for each new attempt. The remastered edition promises permanent weapon upgrades and various character skins — including a distinctive spacesuit for Ellie — that can be earned through repeated gameplay. Notably, iconic characters such as Joel, Tommy, and Mel will initially be locked but can be unlocked over time. Judging by the gameplay trailer, all runs kick off in the Hardware Store and guide players through familiar spots like the Forest, State Street, and Hospital, ultimately leading to a showdown against the Rat King in the Hospital Basement.
In each level, players will encounter enemy waves that progressively shift from human opponents to infected creatures, with specific objectives assigned for completion. Additionally, the mode will feature gameplay modifiers to diversify the experience on each run, including one that makes zombies invisible and another that allows players to execute flaming punches.
Moreover, this remaster provides ‘Lost Levels’ as bonus content — a collection of early development levels that never made it into the original release. The inclusion of a Guitar Free Play mode allows players to unwind by strumming along with their favorite melodies during breaks, accompanied by minor graphical enhancements.
The remaster takes full advantage of the PS5’s capabilities, leveraging haptic feedback and adaptive triggers from the DualSense controller and benefiting from the console’s SSD for expedited load times.
The Last of Us Part II Remastered is scheduled for release on January 19 for the PlayStation 5.
