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If you’re a fan of the series, then you might be wondering about the biggest differences between The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered and the original game. We’ve got you covered with details about the all-new content featured in the upcoming remaster.
Primed to launch on January 19, The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered revisits the story of Ellie and Abby as they traverse the post-pandemic world in search of resolution. While fans of the original game likely know how their story unfolds, the newly remastered game now offers even more characters to play, new game modes, and more. Optimized exclusively for PS5 consoles, there’s no doubt that the upcoming remaster sets itself apart from the first release in a big way. Let’s take a look at the key differences between TLoU Part 2 Remastered and the original title.
- Natie PS5 enhancements – Built for PS5, The Last of Us Part II Remastered enhances the original PS4 game in ways not possible before.
- No Return – A Roguelike Survival Mode – Experience The Last of Us Part II’s deep combat via an entirely new mode! Survive as long as you can in each run, as you choose your path through a series of randomized encounters featuring different foes and memorable locations from throughout Part II, all culminating in tense boss battles.
- New ways to play – Delve deeper into this beloved adventure and learn how the original game was created.
- Graphical improvements – The Last of Us Part II Remastered features native 4K* performance in Fidelity Mode, framerate improvements, and supports Variable Refresh Rate.
- PS4 to PS5 Upgrade – Players who purchased The Last of Us Part II have the option to pay an additional fee to upgrade to The Last of Us Part II Remastered. The upgrade, along with local upgrade pricing, will be available on the PlayStation Store starting at launch on January 19, 2024. Upgrades for disc copies of the PS4 version of The Last of Us Part II are only available if you have a PlayStation 5 console with a disc drive. Owners of PS4 disc copies must insert them into the PS5 every time they want to download or play the PS5 digital version.
Biggest Differences Between The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered and the Original
The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered features a host of new content that was previously unavailable in the original PS4 game, which was released just four years ago. Despite the short amount of time between the two releases, PlayStation and developer Naughty Dog have worked to fully optimize the game for PS5, promising game-changing improvements to the award-winning title. Here’s what’s new.
Major Graphics Upgrades
While improved graphics don’t exactly change how the story plays out, this major upgrade certainly enriches the sequel’s story, which follows Ellie five years after the events of the first entry. Built for the current-gen PS5 system, TLoU Part 2 Remastered now offers native 4K output in Fidelity Mode, an Unlocked Framerate option, and better load times.
Altogether, the remastered version of the game beautifully illustrates the post-pandemic world of the series in every way possible, thanks to increased texture resolution, improved shadow quality, and an overall clearer image across distances. This is reflected in the surrounding landscape as you venture across the country as both Ellie and Abby.
Survival Game Mode
Perhaps the most highly-anticipated addition to TLoU Part 2 Remastered is the all-new No Return game mode, which is described as a roguelike survival mode by developer Naughty Dog. This feature centralizes combat, challenging you to survive as long as you can in an effort to clear a path to a bloody boss battle. This mode is chock-full of randomized enemy encounters and familiar locations from the original game.
What’s more, you can even play as several characters that were previously unplayable in the original title, including Dina, Jesse, Lev, and Tommy, just to name a few. Each survivor is equipped with unique traits to best suit a variety of different playstyles. Experiment with each character to master their survival strategies and make it out alive.
Lost Levels
While the introduction of a new game mode is certainly thrilling for longtime players, fans of TLoU will equally appreciate the addition of Lost Levels. With three new levels to explore in total, you now have the chance to play through early-development versions that weren’t featured in the original release. These levels include Sewers, Jackson Party, and Boar Hunt. You can even learn more about the development process with commentary from the team as you play.
The Lost Levels aren’t the only new ways to play, though. The remastered version of the game also features Guitar Free Play with new instruments, a Speedrun Mode, and an extensive Photo Mode to capture memorable moments from your playthrough of the story.
DualSense Wireless Controller Support
To top off the host of new content featured in The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered, you can now play using your DualSense wireless controller. Not only does this allow you to play in an all-new way, but it will also help to better immerse you into the world of the characters and get a feel for the weapons and combat systems utilized throughout the game.
- Haptic feedback – Feel physically responsive feedback to your in-game actions with dual actuators which replace traditional rumble motors. In your hands, these dynamic vibrations can simulate the feeling of everything from environments to the recoil of different weapons.
- Adaptive triggers – Experience varying levels of force and tension as you interact with your in-game gear and environments. From pulling back an increasingly tight bowstring to hitting the brakes on a speeding car, feel physically connected to your on-screen actions.
- Built-in microphone and headset jack – Chat with friends online using the built-in microphone or by connecting a headset to the 3.5mm jack. Easily switch voice capture on and off at a moment’s notice with the dedicated mute button. Internet and account for PlayStation Network required.
- DualSense Controller PS5 and PC compatible. Not compatible with PS4.
- PS Remote Play requires Remote Play App connected to Wi-Fi, PS4 or PS5 console with the latest system software and compatible game. A PS4 or PS5 console with a wired connection via a LAN cable is recommended. Version 4.0 of the Remote Play App on iOS and iPadOS or version 4.1 on macOS is required for games to be playable with the controller over Bluetooth.
For more on The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered and other PlayStation releases, check out these additional guides from our team: