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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11For your first playthrough, play The Last of Us Part I, finish its main story, then play Left Behind, followed by The Last of Us Part II in its original structure. PlayStation recommends this spoiler-conscious order: although Left Behind includes earlier events, it also contains spoilers for the first game’s main story. (PlayStation’s Part I FAQ; PlayStation’s game-order guide)
What order should you play The Last of Us games in?
- The Last of Us Part I: Play the main story first. The PS5 and PC release is a ground-up remake of the original game, and includes Left Behind.
- Left Behind: Play the expansion after finishing Part I’s main story. It tells parts of Ellie and Riley’s backstory, but also includes material that can spoil the main story.
- The Last of Us Part II: Continue with the sequel, preferably in its original, nonlinear structure for a first playthrough.
This sequence is about story and spoiler timing, not a requirement to own a particular edition. The PS4 edition The Last of Us Remastered is another way to play the first game’s story and includes Left Behind. The PS5 remake, Part I, retells that story rather than adding a new chapter.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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The Last of Us: Escape the Dark Board Game | $72.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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PlayStation The Last of Us Joel & Ellie 6" Deluxe Figure 2-Pack | $44.57 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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The Art of The Last of Us | $28.60 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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The Art of the Last of Us Part II | $29.70 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Dark Horse Comics The Last of Us Part II: Joel Figure, 9 inches | $59.62 | Buy on Amazon |
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Release order: editions and story chapters
Release order can be confusing because the first game has been reissued, remastered, and remade. Those editions present the same core story; they are not extra installments to play between the first game and its sequel.
| Release | What it is | How to use it in a playthrough |
|---|---|---|
| The Last of Us (2013) | The original game. PlayStation describes its setting as 20 years after a pandemic transformed civilization. (PlayStation Remastered page) | The first game’s main story; play this or a later edition of the same story. |
| The Last of Us: Left Behind | A single-player expansion combining Ellie’s and Riley’s backstory with story material tied to the main game. It is included in all editions of Part I, according to PlayStation. (PlayStation Part I FAQ) | For a newcomer, play after the first game’s main story because it contains spoilers. |
| The Last of Us Remastered (PS4, July 29, 2014) | A PS4 edition of the first game that includes Left Behind. (PlayStation Remastered page) | An older edition for playing the first game’s story. |
| The Last of Us Part II (PS4, June 19, 2020) | The sequel; PlayStation’s synopsis places it five years after Joel and Ellie’s journey in the first game. (PlayStation Part II page) | Play after the first game’s main story and Left Behind. |
| The Last of Us Part I (PS5, September 2, 2022; PC, March 28, 2023) | A ground-up remake of the original game, with Left Behind included. PlayStation lists it for PS5 and PC. (PlayStation Part I page and FAQ) | The most straightforward starting edition if you have access to PS5 or PC. |
| The Last of Us Part II Remastered (PS5, January 19, 2024) | A remastered edition of Part II, listed for PS5 and PC. (PlayStation Part II Remastered page) | Play this edition of the sequel if it is the one you choose. |
| The Last of Us Complete (PS5) | A package combining Part I and Part II Remastered. The digital release was in 2025; a physical Collector’s Edition was announced for July 10, 2025. The physical edition includes discs for both games. (PlayStation Blog announcement) | A two-game PS5 purchase option; check current regional availability. |
Exact launch dates for the original 2013 game and the standalone release of Left Behind are not stated in the official pages cited here, so they are omitted. The dates above identify later editions and the sequel where their releases are specified.
#1 Best Overall
- BASED ON AWARD-WINNING FRANCHISES: Experience the treacherous world of The Last of Us, now a major HBO TV series and a beloved video game from Naughty Dog, in an immersive board game format.
- RICH, NARRATIVE GAMEPLAY: Join iconic characters like Joel and Ellie on a harrowing journey from a Quarantine Zone to Jackson, navigating through iconic locations filled with challenges.
- DYNAMIC CHALLENGE SYSTEM: Powered by the latest evolution of the Escape the Dark system, featuring large, narrative-rich chapter cards that introduce complex scenarios including encounters with FEDRA agents, hunters, and the infected.
- STRATEGIC DECISION-MAKING: Survival hinges on crafting and weapon upgrades directly inspired by the video game’s mechanics, requiring players to make strategic use of dice and item cards.
- COLLECTOR'S ITEM: A must-have for fans with high-quality components and detailed artwork that bring the hauntingly beautiful atmosphere of The Last of Us to life. Ideal for 1-5 players, offering 60-90 minutes of engaging gameplay per session.
Where does Left Behind fit in the story?
Left Behind is not just a prequel to play before Part I. It moves between earlier events involving Ellie and Riley and material connected to the first game’s main story. PlayStation’s guidance is to complete Part I’s single-player story first because the expansion contains spoilers. Once you have finished it, Left Behind lets you experience Ellie’s earlier story before moving on to Part II.
What is the story timeline?
The broad timeline is straightforward without needing exact in-world calendar dates: the first game’s central journey takes place 20 years after a pandemic changed civilization, and Part II is set five years after Joel and Ellie’s journey across the United States. These are relative markers from PlayStation’s game descriptions, not a complete calendar for every flashback or event. (PlayStation Remastered page; PlayStation Part II page)
Rank #2
- 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
Should you play Part II in chronological order?
For a first playthrough, keep Part II in its original structure. The game was designed to move nonlinearly between Ellie and Abby’s motivations, flashbacks, and present-day events. Part II Remastered later added a free Chronological mode update for PS5 and PC, which rearranges events into chronological order. Naughty Dog Editorial Content Manager Jonathon Dornbush said in the July 8, 2025 announcement that the team still recommends new players experience the story as originally developed, while describing Chronological mode as another way to enjoy it. (PlayStation Blog, July 8, 2025)
Chronological mode is therefore an optional alternative for returning players or anyone specifically interested in event-by-event sequencing, not the default route for newcomers.
Rank #3
Which edition should a first-time player choose?
- Have a PS5 or PC and want the updated version of the first game? Choose The Last of Us Part I. It is a ground-up remake and includes Left Behind. PlayStation says there is no upgrade path from the PS3 or PS4 versions to Part I. (PlayStation Part I FAQ)
- Playing on PS4? The Last of Us Remastered is the PS4 edition of the first game’s story and includes Left Behind. It is not the same product as the PS5 remake.
- Choosing a sequel edition? The Last of Us Part II Remastered is listed for PS5 and PC. Its Chronological mode is optional; the original story structure remains Naughty Dog’s recommendation for first-time players.
- Want both games together on PS5? The Last of Us Complete packages Part I and Part II Remastered. Check current regional stock and edition details before buying.
Platform listings and bundle availability can vary by region and change over time. Check the relevant PlayStation listing for your location before purchasing.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- From the popular video game series
- Highly detailed figure
- Expertly painted
- Measures 9” tall
- Packaged in a full color premium box
Rank #4
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