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For a first playthrough, play The Last of Us Part I, then its Left Behind expansion, then The Last of Us Part II. Although Left Behind includes earlier events, PlayStation warns that it spoils the first game’s main story and recommends finishing that story first. Remakes and remasters are alternate editions, not extra chapters.
What order should you play The Last of Us games in?
- Play The Last of Us Part I from beginning to end.
- Play Left Behind after Part I’s main story.
- Play The Last of Us Part II in its original story structure.
This is PlayStation’s recommended sequence for new players. PlayStation’s Part I FAQ says Left Behind contains spoilers for the main story, despite including prequel material, and PlayStation’s Part II FAQ recommends playing the games in that order.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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The Last of Us: Escape the Dark Board Game | $72.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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PlayStation The Last of Us Joel & Ellie 6" Deluxe Figure 2-Pack | $44.57 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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The Art of The Last of Us | $28.60 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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The Art of the Last of Us Part II | $29.70 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Dark Horse Comics The Last of Us Part II: Joel Figure, 9 inches | $59.62 | Buy on Amazon |
Release order: games and editions
Release order can be confusing because the first game has multiple editions. The remaster and remake retell the same first-game story; neither is a separate sequel chapter.
| Release | What it is | How to treat it |
|---|---|---|
| The Last of Us (2013) | The original game. PlayStation describes its setting as 20 years after a pandemic changed civilization. | The original edition of the first game’s main story. |
| The Last of Us: Left Behind | Single-player expansion with Ellie and Riley backstory and story material connected to the main game. Included in all Part I editions. | For a first playthrough, save it until after the main story because it contains spoilers. |
| The Last of Us Remastered (PS4, July 29, 2014) | PS4 edition of the first game that includes Left Behind. | An older edition of the first game’s story. |
| The Last of Us Part II (PS4, June 19, 2020) | The sequel, set five years after Joel and Ellie’s journey in the first game. | Play after Part I and Left Behind. |
| The Last of Us Part I (PS5, September 2, 2022; PC, March 28, 2023) | A ground-up remake of the original game, with Left Behind included. | A straightforward first-game edition for players with PS5 or PC access. |
| The Last of Us Part II Remastered (PS5, January 19, 2024) | Remastered edition of Part II; listed for PS5 and PC. | Play this edition if it is the version you own or choose. |
| The Last of Us Complete (PS5, digital release in 2025) | Package combining Part I and Part II Remastered. A physical Collector’s Edition was announced for July 10, 2025, with discs for both games. | A two-game PS5 package; check current regional availability. |
For details on the first game’s remake and included expansion, see PlayStation’s Part I page. The Complete page describes the PS5 package, while the Part II Remastered page lists that edition for PS5 and PC.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
Where does Left Behind fit in the story?
Left Behind is not simply a prologue to play before Part I. It combines earlier events involving Ellie and Riley with material tied to the first game’s main story. That structure is why the chronological placement of some scenes does not make it the best starting point: the expansion’s spoilers are intended to be experienced after the main story. Play it after Part I and before Part II.
How much time passes between the games?
The first game’s central journey takes place 20 years after a pandemic radically changed civilization, according to PlayStation’s original game page. Part II’s synopsis places Joel and Ellie’s settled life five years after their journey across the United States, according to PlayStation. These are relative story markers; they do not establish exact in-world calendar years.
Rank #2
- 2-PACK JOEL AND ELLIE FIGURES: Brings the iconic duo to life, each figure meticulously crafted with over 190 unique finishes. Experience the grittiness of their survival journey, right in your hands
- 30+ POINTS OF ARTICULATION: Joel and Ellie each feature over 30 points of articulation, allowing for dynamic posing to recreate intense scenes from the PS5 games. Perfect for displaying their stealth and combat skills
- 19 ACCESSORIES: Joel comes ready with his revolver, shotgun, and machete. Ellie is stocked with her bow, arrow, pistol, and switchblade. Each figure includes multiple swappable hand and a tactical backpack for dynamic posing
- OPEN DISPLAY BOX: Showcase Joel & Ellie and additional PlayStation action figures (sold separately) like from Horizon Forbidden West and God of War in this box design, an official licensed product of PlayStation
- TOYS & GAMES FOR ALL: Presented by Spin Master, the creators of kids toys for boys & toys for girls who love collectibles, toy figures & playsets. Ideal holiday gift, or birthday gifts for all ages
Should you play Part II in chronological order?
For your first playthrough, use Part II’s original structure. The game was designed as a nonlinear story that moves among Ellie and Abby’s motivations, flashbacks, and present-day events. Part II Remastered later added an optional Chronological mode for PS5 and PC, which rearranges events by in-world chronology.
In its July 8, 2025 announcement, Naughty Dog Editorial Content Manager Jonathon Dornbush said the team recommends new players experience Part II “as was originally developed,” while describing Chronological mode as another way to enjoy the story. It is best treated as an alternate experience for returning players or people specifically seeking chronological sequencing, not as the newcomer default. Read the PlayStation Blog announcement.
Rank #3
Which edition should you start with?
- PS5 or PC, starting fresh: Choose The Last of Us Part I if you want the ground-up remake. It includes Left Behind.
- Already have the PS4 original or Remastered: Those editions tell the first game’s story; the PS4 Remastered edition includes Left Behind. You do not need to buy a remake to understand the sequel.
- Choosing a Part II edition: Part II Remastered is listed for PS5 and PC. On PS5, The Last of Us Complete packages it with Part I.
PlayStation describes Part I as a ground-up remake and says there is no upgrade path from the PS3/PS4 versions. Check the official Part I FAQ and Complete page for current platform and package details in your region.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- From the popular video game series
- Highly detailed figure
- Expertly painted
- Measures 9” tall
- Packaged in a full color premium box
Rank #4
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