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No—you can watch HBO’s The Last of Us without playing the game first. Series co-creator Neil Druckmann said, “You don’t have to play the game to enjoy the show; you don’t have to watch the show to enjoy the game.”
Can you follow the series without knowing the game?
Yes. The show adapts a story that began in the game, but prior game knowledge is not a prerequisite. Druckmann, who co-created the television adaptation, has said viewers do not need to play the game to enjoy the series. Sony Interactive Entertainment’s interview with Druckmann and Asad Qizilbash gives the same direct guidance.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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The Last of Us Part I – PlayStation 5 | $37.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Sony Interactive Entertainment The Last of Us Part 1 Standard PlayStation 5 | $45.06 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
The Last of Us: Part I and Part II Scripts | $31.06 | Buy on Amazon |
That makes the series a reasonable starting point if you are interested in the television version or simply do not want to play a game. You can begin without studying the story or characters in advance.
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There is no required order; the choice depends on which format you want to experience first. Naughty Dog’s official feature puts both options on equal footing: “Play the game, then watch the show, or watch the show, and then play the game.” The feature discusses The Last of Us Part I as the game behind the adaptation.
#1 Best Overall
- Enhanced visuals: Completely rebuilt from the ground up using Naughty Dog’s latest PS5 engine technology to improve every visual detail, The Last of Us experience has been faithfully enhanced with more realistic lighting and atmosphere, more intricate environments and creative reimaginings of familiar spaces.
- Fast loading: Initial loading times are near instant, and seamless after the first instance thanks to the PS5 console’s SSD – so you can pick up where you left off in the story and load specific encounters and chapters more quickly.
- Haptic feedback: DualSense wireless controller haptic feedback support for every weapon elevates combat encounters, and environments are brought to life through DualSense wireless controller haptic sensations of subtle falling rain, the crunch of stepping on snow and more.
- Adaptive triggers: All The Last of Us iconic weapons, including Joel’s revolver and Ellie’s bow, now deliver dynamic DualSense wireless controller trigger resistance and kickback on firing for deeper combat immersion.
- 3D Audio: Designed to make use of the PS5 console’s Tempest 3D AudioTech, Naughty Dog’s newly upgraded audio engine delivers richer soundscapes, bigger explosive moments and more visceral gameplay through compatible stereo headphones (analogue or USB) or TV speakers.
- Play first if you want to encounter the original game story before seeing its television adaptation.
- Watch first if the series is what interests you most; the creators say you do not need prior game experience.
- Try both, but have no preference if you like: Naughty Dog explicitly endorses either sequence.
Neither the creator guidance nor the official game-side recommendation establishes that one order is universally more suspenseful, emotional, or satisfying. Treat “play first” as a personal preference, not a requirement.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to play if you want the original story
If the series makes you curious about the game it adapts, The Last of Us Part I is the title identified in Naughty Dog’s official coverage. It is an optional way to experience the source story, not homework you need to complete before watching.
Rank #2
- Flexible design
- High-quality material
- Durable
PlayStation.Blog describes the HBO project as a television retelling of a story beloved by game fans, shaped for the television format. You can watch the adaptation on its own, then decide whether you want to explore that original version.
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Quick Recap
Rank #3
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