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For a first playthrough, play The Last of Us Part I, then Left Behind, then The Last of Us Part II. Although Left Behind includes events that happen before Part I, it contains spoilers for the main story, so save it until after finishing that game.
Recommended play order
- The Last of Us Part I: Play the main single-player story first. It establishes the series’ central story and characters.
- The Last of Us: Left Behind: Play this chapter after Part I. It explores Ellie and Riley’s backstory and includes events set before the main game, but PlayStation warns that it contains spoilers for Part I. All editions of Part I include Left Behind, according to PlayStation’s Part I page.
- The Last of Us Part II: Play the sequel after Left Behind. PlayStation says Part II can be played as a standalone, complete story, while noting that details, characters, and themes have more meaning if you start with Part I. Its official recommendation is to begin with Part I, continue with Left Behind, and then play Part II (PlayStation franchise FAQ).
Why not play Left Behind first?
Chronologically, some of Left Behind takes place before the events of Part I. But story chronology and first-playthrough order are not the same: the chapter also revisits the main story and reveals information that can spoil it. Finish Part I before starting the expansion to experience those moments as intended.
| # | 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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The Last of Us: Escape the Dark Board Game | $72.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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The Last of Us Remastered Hits - PlayStation 4 | $19.93 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![PS4 THE LAST OF US REMASTERED (US) [video game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51O7ojkZu4L._SL160_.jpg)
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PS4 THE LAST OF US REMASTERED (US) [video game] | $21.88 | Buy on Amazon |
Which editions do you need?
You do not need to buy both the original first game and its remake to follow the story. The Last of Us Part I is a ground-up remake, and PlayStation says every edition includes Left Behind. PlayStation lists Part I for PS5 and PC; its franchise page lists Part II for PS4 and Part II Remastered for PS5 and PC. The platform and edition listings can vary by region and change over time, so check your local store for current availability and contents.
The Last of Us Part II Remastered is an edition of Part II, not another story chapter to insert into the sequence. PlayStation also describes The Last of Us Complete as bringing together definitive editions of the two main stories. Check the collection’s listing for your platform and region before buying. The PS5 remake of Part I has no upgrade path from the PS3 or PS4 versions, according to PlayStation’s Part I FAQ.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- 20 years after a pandemic has radically changed known civilization, infected humans run wild and survivors are killing each other for food, weapons; Whatever they can get their hands on
- Explore a brutal post pandemic world, fully realized with the power of PlayStation 4 system
- Delve into Ellie’s past in left ehind, the single player prequel chapter
- Eight new multiplayer maps in the abandoned and reclaimed territories packs
Rank #2
- BASED ON AWARD-WINNING FRANCHISES: Experience the treacherous world of The Last of Us, now a major HBO TV series and a beloved video game from Naughty Dog, in an immersive board game format.
- RICH, NARRATIVE GAMEPLAY: Join iconic characters like Joel and Ellie on a harrowing journey from a Quarantine Zone to Jackson, navigating through iconic locations filled with challenges.
- DYNAMIC CHALLENGE SYSTEM: Powered by the latest evolution of the Escape the Dark system, featuring large, narrative-rich chapter cards that introduce complex scenarios including encounters with FEDRA agents, hunters, and the infected.
- STRATEGIC DECISION-MAKING: Survival hinges on crafting and weapon upgrades directly inspired by the video game’s mechanics, requiring players to make strategic use of dice and item cards.
- COLLECTOR'S ITEM: A must-have for fans with high-quality components and detailed artwork that bring the hauntingly beautiful atmosphere of The Last of Us to life. Ideal for 1-5 players, offering 60-90 minutes of engaging gameplay per session.
#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.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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