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The Last of Us Part II Remastered keeps the original Ellie and Abby campaign, but adds new modes and behind-the-scenes content alongside PS5 technical, accessibility, and controller enhancements. Its biggest new gameplay addition is No Return, a replayable survival mode. The remaster is available on PS5 and PC; PC adds its own graphics and input options. The original release is the PS4 version.
What’s new in the remaster?
The core campaign remains the same story. The differences are supplemental modes and development material, plus platform-specific improvements. PlayStation describes the remaster as an enhanced way to play the story; that is the publisher’s characterization, not an independent performance comparison. (PlayStation)
No Return: the main new gameplay mode
No Return is a randomized survival mode. You choose a route through combat encounters, face different enemies and modifiers, and work toward boss battles. It also lets you play as characters who are not playable in the campaign. The official store update notes for version 2.0.0 list Bill and Marlene, four maps, and trophies as additions. (PlayStation Store)
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Lost Levels: early versions, not restored chapters
The Lost Levels are early-development versions of three sequences omitted from the original release: Sewers, Jackson Party, and Boar Hunt. They offer a look at material from the game’s development; they are not three completed campaign chapters restored to the story. The remaster also includes developer commentary. (PlayStation; Naughty Dog)
#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.
Guitar, speedruns, and Photo Mode
- Guitar Free Play: Play the guitar minigame with additional instruments and locations. Joel, Ellie, and composer Gustavo Santaolalla are available to play.
- Speedrun Mode: Record campaign completion times.
- Expanded Photo Mode: Adds dynamic lighting, Frame Forward, Gaze Direction, and additional frames and logos.
How do the PS5 versions differ technically?
The PS5 remaster offers two rendering modes and an unlocked frame-rate option for compatible displays. A 4K display is required for 4K output.
| PS5 option or feature | What PlayStation specifies |
|---|---|
| Fidelity Mode | Native 4K output |
| Performance Mode | 1440p upscaled to 4K |
| Unlocked Framerate | Available for TVs that support VRR |
| Visual and loading improvements | Improved load times, higher texture resolution, longer Level-of-Detail distances, improved shadow quality, and increased animation sampling |
These are stated capabilities, not results from a controlled side-by-side benchmark. The official feature sources do not quantify loading-time gains or provide measured image-quality comparisons, so there is no substantiated number of seconds saved or frame-rate average to cite. (PlayStation; Naughty Dog)
Rank #2
What changes with the controller and accessibility features?
The PS5 version supports DualSense haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. PlayStation says these can distinguish weapon feel and convey environmental feedback. The remaster also adds Descriptive Audio and Speech to Vibrations, and No Return uses the game’s broader accessibility feature suite. (PlayStation; Naughty Dog)
What does the PC version add?
The PC edition includes the content and features of the 2024 PS5 remaster, then adds options for PC hardware, displays, and controls. Those PC-specific options should not be confused with PS5 features.
Rank #3
- 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
- Graphics and performance: Nvidia DLSS 3 Super Resolution and Frame Generation, AMD FSR 3.1 and FSR 4, uncapped frame-rate options, DirectStorage, and configurable graphics settings.
- Displays: Ultrawide formats up to 48:9, including triple-monitor compatibility.
- Input: Customizable keyboard and mouse controls, controller support, and DualSense haptics.
PlayStation’s PC announcement names Nixxes Software and Iron Galaxy as development partners. (PlayStation Blog)
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is the remaster worth it if you own the PS4 version?
It depends on which additions matter to you. The remaster’s case is strongest if you want No Return, the Lost Levels and commentary, Guitar Free Play, or the PS5 presentation and controller features. If you primarily want to replay the same campaign and do not care about those extras, the original PS4 release already contains that core story.
Rank #4
- Flexible design
- High-quality material
- Durable
Before deciding, check how you own the PS4 version and which hardware you have. Upgrade eligibility and cost depend on those details, and a PS4 disc upgrade requires a PS5 with a disc drive. Regional pricing is set by the local PlayStation Store. (PlayStation)
Can you upgrade a PS4 disc to the PS5 version?
Yes, provided you have a PS5 with a disc drive. You must insert the PS4 disc each time you download or play the PS5 digital version. A PS4 disc cannot be used for the discounted disc upgrade on the disc-free PS5 Digital Edition. Existing PS4 owners can upgrade for an additional fee, but the price varies by region; check your local PlayStation Store for the current offer. (PlayStation)
For example, the US PlayStation Store listing showed $22.99, discounted from $49.99, with the offer ending October 8, 2026 at 06:59 UTC. That is a dated US listing, not a universal or enduring price. (PlayStation Store)
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