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Play The Last of Us Part I first, then The Last of Us Part II. Part I tells Joel and Ellie’s original story; Part II takes place years later. PlayStation’s official Part I FAQ puts it plainly: “We recommend playing The Last of Us Part I single-player story first.”
Recommended order: Part I, then Part II
Part II follows the events of the first game, so playing Part I first gives you the characters’ history and the context for the sequel. The recommendation is for first-time players; returning players can choose to revisit either game in any order.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
The Last of Us Part I – PlayStation 5 | $37.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
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 |
For a PS5 single-package purchase, PlayStation lists The Last of Us Complete, which contains Part I and Part II Remastered. Store availability, price, and promotions can vary by region and change over time.
How the stories connect—without spoilers
Part I: Joel and Ellie’s original journey
Part I follows Joel and Ellie across a post-pandemic United States. The remake includes Left Behind, a chapter that explores Ellie’s backstory. It is a retelling of the original single-player story, not a new chapter in the series chronology.
#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.
Part II: a later chapter
Part II begins five years after the earlier journey. Joel and Ellie have settled in Jackson, and a violent event sends Ellie on a journey for justice and closure. The Remastered edition’s official description also foregrounds Abby’s story. These premises are enough to understand the sequel’s place in the series without giving away later plot turns.
Part I remake vs. Part II Remastered
The edition names describe different things. The Last of Us Part I is a ground-up remake of the original single-player story. The Last of Us Part II Remastered is an enhanced release of the 2020 sequel, not a remake of Part I.
| Edition | What it is | Notable inclusions or changes |
|---|---|---|
| The Last of Us Part I | Remake of the original single-player story | Includes Left Behind; does not include the original game’s Factions multiplayer mode. |
| The Last of Us Part II Remastered | Enhanced release of the sequel | Adds No Return, Lost Levels, developer commentary, and PS5 visual and controller enhancements. |
Gameplay and presentation
Part I’s official product description highlights modernized mechanics, improved controls, enhanced exploration and combat, and expanded accessibility. Part II is described as having new and evolved systems, with gameplay built around the high stakes of Ellie’s journey. That supports a broad distinction—a remake that updates the original experience and a sequel that develops its gameplay—but not a claim that one is objectively better or a measured comparison of specific mechanics.
Rank #2
- Flexible design
- High-quality material
- Durable
On PS5, PlayStation describes Part I as rebuilt from the ground up. The Part II Remastered PS5 release lists increased texture resolution, level-of-detail distances, shadow quality, and animation sampling rate. Both PS5 releases use DualSense features. Part I also lists 3D audio, haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and faster loading. A DualSense controller is optional; these are features, not a requirement to buy a new controller.
Accessibility options
Both games offer extensive accessibility settings. Part I’s listing describes options including clear and large text, high-contrast visuals, audio-cue alternatives, directional audio indicators, and visual-comfort controls. PlayStation’s Part II Remastered page lists 30 accessibility features; Naughty Dog’s launch article specifically highlights Speech to Vibrations and Cinematic Descriptions.
Feature availability and names can vary by game version. If you rely on a particular option, check the official listing for the exact edition and platform before buying:
Rank #3
Which edition should you buy?
New to the series on PS5
The Last of Us Complete is the straightforward single-package choice listed by PlayStation for both games in the recommended story order: Part I followed by Part II Remastered. Confirm the contents and current availability on your regional store page.
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Buying separately
Choose Part I first, then Part II Remastered. Check the platform and edition on the store listing: the official pages list Part I and Part II Remastered for PS5 and PC, while the original Part II product page lists PS4. Platform availability can differ by region; consult the store where you plan to buy.
Already own Part II for PS4
PlayStation’s Part II Remastered FAQ explains an upgrade option. Eligibility and price depend on the edition and ownership, so check the current terms there rather than assuming every PS4 copy qualifies on the same terms.
Playing on PC
PlayStation’s cited listings show PC versions of Part I and Part II Remastered. Check the current PC store listings for system requirements and availability; requirements are not specified here.
Quick Recap
At a glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Which should I play first? | Part I, then Part II. |
| Is Part I a remake or a remaster? | A remake of the original single-player story. |
| Is Part II Remastered a remake? | No. It is an enhanced release of the sequel. |
| Does Part I include Factions? | No; the remake does not include the original game’s Factions multiplayer mode. |
| Can I play both on PC? | The cited official listings show PC availability for both; check current regional storefronts and requirements. |
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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