No—you can watch the HBO series without playing The Last of Us first. Neil Druckmann, co-creator of the television adaptation and creator of the game, says, “You don’t have to play the game to enjoy the show.”
Can you follow the series without knowing the game?
Yes. The series is an adaptation of a story that began in the game, but prior game knowledge is not a prerequisite for watching it. Druckmann also put the point plainly in a Sony Interactive Entertainment interview: “You don’t need to play the game to enjoy the show.”
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
The Last of Us Part I – PlayStation 5 | $37.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Sony Interactive Entertainment The Last of Us Part 1 Standard PlayStation 5 | $45.06 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
The Last of Us: Part I and Part II Scripts | $31.06 | Buy on Amazon |
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That makes the game optional source material, not required preparation. If you are interested only in the television series, you can start with the show.
Should you play first if you want to experience both?
There is no required order. Naughty Dog’s official guidance says: “Play the game, then watch the show, or watch the show, and then play the game.” The choice comes down to which format you would rather experience first.
#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.
- Play first: Choose this if you want to encounter the original game story before seeing its television adaptation.
- Watch first: Start with the series if that is the format you are most interested in; Druckmann says game knowledge is not needed.
- Undecided: Either order is supported by Naughty Dog’s guidance.
What does playing afterward add?
If the series leaves you curious about the story’s game origins, The Last of Us Part I is an optional way to experience the original as a game. PlayStation describes the television project as retelling a story beloved by game fans in a way suited to television in its coverage of the adaptation. Playing can let you compare those formats for yourself, but it is not necessary to understand the show.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
Rank #2
- Flexible design
- High-quality material
- Durable
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