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As of October 7, 2026, Naughty Dog has not announced The Last of Us Part III. Studio head Neil Druckmann has confirmed two very early-stage projects that will expand the franchise’s canon beyond Parts I and II, but he has not said either is a third game—or even specified its format. More Last of Us stories are confirmed; Part III is not.
What Naughty Dog has confirmed
In a September 28, 2026 post on Naughty Dog’s official site, Druckmann said the studio has “a couple of very exciting new projects in very early stages” that “will expand the canon of The Last of Us beyond Part I and Part II.” He also wrote that the studio would not return to the world without something meaningful to say.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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The Last of Us Part II (Remastered) (Nordic) | $41.75 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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The Last of Us Part I – PlayStation 5 | $37.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Last of Us Part II Collector's Edition for PS4 PS5 | Buy on Amazon |
The statement confirms two projects connected to the franchise, but it does not call either one Part III. It does not say whether they are games, television projects, or another format. Because they are at a very early stage, there is no confirmed title, plot description, or release window to report.
What Neil Druckmann has said about a third game
Naughty Dog considered the idea after Part II
In a September 2025 Variety interview, Druckmann said Naughty Dog debated whether to move directly to The Last of Us 3 after Part II and spent a long time considering ideas. The studio chose to work on its science-fiction game, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, because that was where its enthusiasm lay. He described passion for a project as important to the team’s best work and said the studio does not plan too far ahead.
#1 Best Overall
His earlier comments expressed uncertainty, not a permanent rejection
In a March 2025 interview with CTV’s Etalk, Druckmann said another game or project could not be guaranteed because “so many stars have to align.” He described the television season and Intergalactic as immediate priorities at that time. That was a statement of uncertainty, not a definitive cancellation; the 2026 announcement later confirmed early-stage franchise projects, without identifying them as Part III. See the CTV Etalk interview.
In February 2025, Druckmann also said he does not plan several games ahead while making the current one or save a good idea for a hypothetical sequel. Those remarks describe his creative process; they do not predict whether a third game will happen. GameSpot’s coverage of his comments provides that context.
Rank #2
- 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.
What is still unknown
- Whether Part III is in development: Naughty Dog has not identified either new project as a numbered sequel.
- Format: Druckmann has not said whether the projects are games, series, or something else.
- Story and characters: No plot details or character information were announced.
- Timing: The studio has not given a release date or window.
The announcement of two projects is not a basis for estimating the likelihood or timing of Part III. It confirms only that two early-stage projects will expand the canon beyond the first two games.
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Can you play Part III now?
No. There is no announced The Last of Us Part III to play or preorder. For the latest released main installment, The Last of Us Part II came out on June 19, 2020, and is available on PS4, PS5, and PC; The Last of Us Part II Remastered is the PS5 edition. GameSpot’s report discusses Part II and Druckmann’s comments about the sequel question.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- Game: The Last of Us Part II, SteelBook, 48-Page Art Book, Ellie Statue, Ellie’s bracelet, Four stickers, 6 Pins, Digital Art Book, Digital Soundtrack
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