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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchThe Last of Us Part II Remastered keeps the PS4 original’s Ellie and Abby campaign, then adds PS5 visual and controller features, accessibility options, and extra modes. The biggest gameplay addition is No Return, a randomized survival mode. Lost Levels, Guitar Free Play, Speedrun Mode, expanded Photo Mode tools, and developer commentary round out the extras. The PC edition includes the remaster’s content and adds PC-specific graphics and input options.
What changes between the original and Remastered?
The original is the PS4 release and focuses on the campaign. Remastered preserves that story rather than replacing it with a different campaign; the main differences are technical upgrades and additional content. PlayStation describes it as an enhanced way to experience Ellie and Abby’s story, a publisher characterization rather than an independent performance assessment. PlayStation’s product page and Naughty Dog’s feature list detail those additions.
| Area | PS4 original | Remastered |
|---|---|---|
| Campaign | Ellie and Abby’s campaign | The same campaign, with technical enhancements |
| Additional gameplay | No Return is not included | No Return randomized survival mode, plus Speedrun Mode and Guitar Free Play |
| Development extras | The cited feature pages do not list these Remastered extras for the original | Three early-development Lost Levels and developer commentary |
| Platform features | PS4 presentation and controller features | PS5-specific rendering options, DualSense features, and accessibility additions; PC-specific options are available in the PC edition |
What new modes and extras does Remastered add?
No Return: the major new gameplay mode
No Return is a repeatable, roguelike survival mode. You choose a route through randomized combat encounters, face different enemy groups and modifiers, and work toward boss battles. It also makes characters playable who are not playable in the campaign. The PlayStation Store’s update notes list Bill and Marlene, four maps, and trophies among the additions in update 2.0.0. See the US PlayStation Store listing and PlayStation Blog’s PC and No Return announcement.
Lost Levels: early versions, not restored chapters
Lost Levels lets you explore early-development versions of three sequences omitted from the original release: Sewers, Jackson Party, and Boar Hunt. They are not complete restored campaign chapters. Remastered also includes hours of developer commentary about the game’s development. Naughty Dog’s feature list describes these extras.
#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 Free Play, Speedrun Mode, and Photo Mode
- Guitar Free Play: Opens up the guitar minigame with additional instruments and locations. Naughty Dog says Joel, Ellie, and composer Gustavo Santaolalla can be used.
- Speedrun Mode: Records campaign completion times.
- Photo Mode: Adds dynamic lighting, Frame Forward, Gaze Direction, and extra frames and logos.
These additions are listed by Naughty Dog and PlayStation.
How does the PS5 version look and perform?
On PS5, Remastered offers two named rendering modes and an unlocked-frame-rate option for compatible TVs. PlayStation specifies native 4K output in Fidelity Mode and 1440p upscaled to 4K in Performance Mode. A 4K display is required for 4K output; the unlocked option requires a TV that supports VRR. The game also improves load times and lists higher texture resolution, longer Level-of-Detail distances, improved shadow quality, and increased animation sampling. These are stated capabilities, not controlled measurements against the PS4 version: the official feature sources do not give exact loading-time gains or benchmark results. PlayStation and Naughty Dog provide the feature details.
Rank #2
What accessibility and controller features are new?
The PS5 version supports DualSense haptics and adaptive triggers. PlayStation says these provide weapon-specific feel and environmental feedback. Remastered also adds Descriptive Audio and Speech to Vibrations; Naughty Dog notes that No Return supports the broader accessibility feature suite. The official feature pages describe these capabilities but do not quantify how much they change play for an individual. PlayStation’s page and Naughty Dog’s list explain them.
What does the PC edition add?
The PC release includes the content and features of the 2024 PS5 Remastered version, then adds options for PC graphics, displays, and input. Those options are specific to PC and 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.
- Controls: Customizable keyboard and mouse input, controller support, and DualSense haptics.
PlayStation Blog’s announcement names Nixxes Software and Iron Galaxy as development partners and lists these PC features.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Should you upgrade from the PS4 version?
Whether Remastered is worth the additional cost depends on which extras matter to you and whether you can use the relevant platform features. No Return is the clearest reason to return for more gameplay; the other additions range from development material to presentation, accessibility, and controller enhancements. If you only want the campaign, the original already contains the core Ellie and Abby story. The official feature sources do not provide a controlled side-by-side benchmark to quantify the visual or loading improvements.
Rank #4
- Flexible design
- High-quality material
- Durable
- Consider upgrading if you want No Return, the Lost Levels and commentary, PS5 rendering and DualSense features, or the remaster’s PC-specific settings.
- The original may be enough if you mainly want the campaign and do not value the extra modes or platform-specific enhancements.
- Check your hardware and copy type before counting on an upgrade, especially if you own a PS4 disc.
Can you upgrade a PS4 copy, and what does it cost?
PlayStation says existing PS4 owners can upgrade for an additional fee, with local pricing set by the regional PlayStation Store. A disc owner needs a PS5 with a disc drive and must keep the PS4 disc inserted to download or play the PS5 digital version. A PS4 disc cannot use the discounted upgrade on the disc-free PS5 Digital Edition. Check your local store for the current price and eligibility terms.
The US PlayStation Store listing showed $22.99, discounted from $49.99, with the offer ending October 8, 2026, at 06:59 UTC. That was a time-limited US listing, not a universal or ongoing price; the US Store page should be checked for current availability.
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