The Last of Us Part I rebuilds the original single-player game for modern hardware without rewriting its story or reinventing its core gameplay. It looks and sounds substantially modernized, adds meaningful accessibility features, and includes the Left Behind prequel chapter—but not the original Factions multiplayer. Its $69.99 US launch price made the value harder to defend for people who already owned the PS4 remaster; that was a historical price, not a statement of what it costs today.
Is The Last of Us Part I a remake?
Yes. PlayStation describes it as a remake of the 2013 game’s single-player story, released for PS5 on September 2, 2022. It is not a new chapter or a reimagining with a different plot. The main campaign and its character arcs remain the draw, presented in a rebuilt version of the original experience. PlayStation’s official product page calls it “A faithful remake.”
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The distinction matters if you are choosing between this edition and The Last of Us Remastered, the earlier PS4 release. The remaster brought the original game to PS4; Part I is a more extensive modern rebuild, but it does not replace the original with a fundamentally different game. Engadget and GameSpot both discuss that distinction in their reviews and comparisons (Engadget; GameSpot).
What’s new in The Last of Us Part I?
A rebuilt presentation
Naughty Dog says it rebuilt the presentation for PS5 rather than limiting the update to a resolution bump. Its stated PS5 targets are native 4K at 30 frames per second or dynamic 4K at 60 fps. Those are developer-stated targets, not independent performance measurements. The game also supports DualSense haptics and adaptive trigger effects, alongside 3D audio. The studio details these features in its PS5 rebuild overview.
#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.
That modernization helps explain “gorgeous”: environments, characters, and presentation have been rebuilt to take advantage of newer hardware. It is a substantial visual and technical update, not proof that the game has a new story or a wholesale redesign of its play.
More accessibility options
Accessibility is one of the remake’s most significant additions. Naughty Dog and PlayStation announced “60-plus accessibility options,” including a new Audio Description mode. The full set is intended to make the campaign more configurable for players with different access needs; the official feature overview lists the options and explains the audio-description feature (PlayStation.Blog).
Rank #2
![The Last Of Us Part I Standard - PC [Online Game Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51AamgjdkIL._SL160_.jpg)
- Experience the emotional storytelling and unforgettable characters in The Last of Us, winner of over 200 Game of the Year awards.
- Includes the complete The Last of Us single-player story and celebrated prequel chapter, Left Behind, which explores the events that changed the lives of Ellie and her best friend Riley forever.
PC-specific features
The PC edition arrived March 3, 2023. PlayStation’s PC feature details list AMD FSR 2.2, Nvidia DLSS Super Resolution, frame-rate and graphics settings, and control remapping, as well as the campaign content and accessibility suite. These options make the PC version more configurable than the fixed PS5 presentation; the exact experience will depend on a player’s hardware and settings. See PlayStation’s PC release announcement and PC features and specifications.
What content does it include—and what is missing?
Part I contains the complete single-player campaign and Left Behind, the prequel chapter. It does not include Factions, the multiplayer mode from the original game. PlayStation makes that limitation explicit in its product-page FAQ.
Rank #3
That makes the edition a straightforward choice for players who want the story and its prequel in the rebuilt presentation. It is not the edition to buy for Factions, and the remake should not be treated as a complete replacement for every component of the original release.
Is The Last of Us Part I worth $70?
PlayStation’s US listing gave the PS5 Standard Edition an original price of $69.99. That launch-era US figure explains the “expensive” part of the title: Part I arrived at a premium price even though the PS4 remaster already existed. It is not a current universal price. Today’s price, sale status, used-copy cost, and subscription availability can vary by region and over time, so check the current local listing rather than relying on the launch amount.
Rank #4
![THE LAST OF US PART I - DELUXE EDITION - PC [Online Game Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51G+PW49HpL._SL160_.jpg)
- Experience the emotional storytelling and unforgettable characters in The Last of Us, winner of over 200 Game of the Year awards.
- Includes the complete The Last of Us single-player story and celebrated prequel chapter, Left Behind, which explores the events that changed the lives of Ellie and her best friend Riley forever.
Whether the price feels justified depends heavily on what you own and what you value. The rebuild, PS5 features, and expanded accessibility options offer more than a simple resolution-focused update. But if you already own The Last of Us Remastered and mainly want to replay the same story, the case for paying full price is weaker. That tension is also central to the value discussions from Engadget and GameSpot.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Should you buy Part I if you already own The Last of Us Remastered?
| What matters to you | What Part I offers | What to weigh |
|---|---|---|
| Visual and technical presentation | A rebuilt PS5 presentation with developer-stated rendering targets, DualSense features, and 3D audio. | The remaster remains the earlier PS4 version; decide whether the newer presentation matters enough to revisit the campaign in a new edition. |
| Accessibility | Naughty Dog and PlayStation announced 60-plus options, including Audio Description. | These features may be a decisive reason to choose Part I if its specific options meet your needs. |
| Story content and modes | The single-player campaign and Left Behind. | Factions multiplayer is not included. |
| Price | The PS5 Standard Edition had an original US price of $69.99. | That is historical launch pricing; compare today’s local price with the value you place on the rebuild and accessibility work. |
| Platform | Available on PS5 and PC, with PC graphics and control options. | Choose based on the platform you use and the settings you want. |
If you have never played the story, Part I is the modernized way to experience the campaign on PS5 or PC. If you already own the PS4 remaster, it is an upgrade in presentation and accessibility rather than a new story or a new multiplayer package. The decision is easier to justify when those upgrades matter to you—and harder when you simply want the same campaign again at full price.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
