Even five years after its original release, The Last of Us Part II continues to evolve. The Remastered edition for PS5 brings not only enhanced visuals and faster performance, but also bold new ways to experience its powerful story.
The standout feature? A game-changing Chronological Mode that allows players to experience Ellie’s and Abby’s journeys in a linear sequence—one after the other, instead of jumping between timelines. This shift may sound simple, but it addresses one of the most debated storytelling decisions in the game’s history.
When Part II first launched, it shocked players with a brutal twist: Joel’s death at the hands of newcomer Abby. The emotional fallout drives Ellie on a relentless path of revenge. But what truly divided fans was the decision to switch perspectives mid-game and ask players to step into Abby’s shoes.
Chronological Mode changes all of that. Now, you can follow Ellie’s story from beginning to end before shifting to Abby’s. This structure can offer a more emotionally satisfying narrative for players who prefer to stay aligned with Ellie’s perspective throughout.
For players who appreciated the original narrative structure—designed to show the cyclical nature of violence and the blurred line between hero and villain—Chronological Mode still offers value. It highlights just how closely Ellie and Abby’s paths intertwine, even when they’re worlds apart. You’ll witness the subtle moments where their fates almost intersect, deepening your understanding of their parallel struggles.
The excitement doesn’t stop with the game. Behind the scenes, the HBO adaptation of The Last of Us is undergoing changes too. Series co-creator Neil Druckmann is stepping back from the show after Season 2 to focus on directing Naughty Dog’s next major project, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. Writer Halley Gross is also returning to the studio, signaling that big things are ahead.
With bold updates like Chronological Mode and a visionary new project on the horizon, The Last of Us universe continues to push boundaries—both in storytelling and gameplay.
