The Last of Us Part 2 is set to receive a remastered version for PlayStation 5 on January 19, 2024. Part 2 is a direct sequel to The Last of Us, taking place several years after the conclusion of the first arc. Some gamers picking up the second game in the series may be confused as to whether they need to play through Part 1 to understand the story.
While Part 2 can be enjoyed as a standalone title, it is highly recommended to play Part 1 Remaster before attempting the sequel. Read on to find out why.
Note: Major spoilers for The Last of Us series follow. This article is subjective and reflects the opinions of the author.
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Can you still play The Last of Us Part 2 without playing the first game?
The Last of Us Part 2 is a direct sequel to Part 1 but can be enjoyed as a standalone game. The title does a good job of introducing the characters and providing newcomers with enough background information so they don’t miss too much.
That said, interested readers can catch up on the events of the first game by viewing/reading its plot summary online. Another good option is to watch HBO’s TV series based on it.
Why you should play The Last of Us Part 1, regardless
Playing through the first game is highly recommended. The original Last of Us is one of the best games to be released in the seventh generation of game consoles, and is one of the best examples of a video game transforming into a narrative device to date. The Last of Us depicts a brutal story set in a post-apocalyptic world infested by a mutated Cordyceps fungus, which renders infected individuals into mindless, flesh-eating zombies. Stepping into the shoes of Joel Miller, players are tasked with escorting a young woman known as Ellie across the country in hopes of finding a cure.
An emotional, gut-wrenching journey on grief, loss and acceptance that is sure to tug at the heartstrings.
Playing the first game will lead to a deeper understanding of the returning characters in the second title, as well as providing crucial information on the current state of events – although Part 2 is a direct sequel.
Part 1 is also considered the best game by a large portion of the playerbase, mostly due to the divisive nature of Part 2’s ending.
The original PlayStation 3 version of the game received a remaster for the PlayStation 4 on July 29, 2014. This was soon followed by a complete remake for the PlayStation 5, featuring enhanced visuals and more refined gameplay elements. Dubbed “Part 1” of The Last of Us series, the remake is also available for purchase on PC, making it even more accessible.
Regardless of continuity, Part 1 is still a solid game to try in 2024 – especially with the release of Part 2’s remaster.
