Where to Start · Last of Us
Where to Start with The Last of Us
The Last of Us is Naughty Dog's post-apocalyptic survival series set in a United States devastated by a fungal infection — the Cordyceps outbreak that has turned most of humanity into aggressive infected. You play as Joel, a smuggler hardened by loss, escorting Ellie, a teenage girl who may be the key to a cure, across the ruins of America.
The series is defined by its character writing, its unflinching treatment of grief and violence, and production values that pushed PlayStation hardware to its limits in both 2013 and 2020. There are two mainline games. Play them in order.
Start with The Last of Us
The Last of Us (2013, PS3) is the starting point — Joel and Ellie's cross-country journey across a broken America, the Fireflies, the hunters, and the ending that remains one of gaming's most debated conclusions. The Remastered version (2014, PS4) is the recommended modern version with improved visuals and frame rate, and includes the Left Behind DLC which tells Ellie's story before the main game. The Last of Us Part I (2022, PS5/PC) is a full remake with rebuilt visuals — the most technically accomplished version of the original game. Any of these three versions is valid — the story is identical.
The Last of Us Part II
The Last of Us Part II (2020, PS4) directly continues from the end of the first game — play Part I first, the ending of the original is the entire premise of the sequel. Part II is longer, more ambitious, and more divisive than the original — its structure deliberately subverts player expectations in ways that require the first game's emotional investment to land. Part II Remastered (2024, PS5) adds a roguelike survival mode and developer commentary but the base game is unchanged. If you have a PS5, Part II Remastered is the recommended version.
Left Behind — the DLC
Left Behind is a standalone DLC chapter included in The Last of Us Remastered and Part I — approximately 2 hours following Ellie before the events of the main game. It adds significant emotional context for Ellie's character. Play it after completing the main game or between the main game and Part II.
The TV series
The Last of Us HBO series (2023) adapts the first game faithfully with Pedro Pascal as Joel and Bella Ramsey as Ellie. It is one of the best video game adaptations ever made and a valid entry point for people who want the story without the gameplay commitment. Season 2 adapts Part II. Either the game or the show is a legitimate starting point — they tell the same story.
CIB collecting
The PS3 original is the collector's version — the first pressing with the original packaging. PS4 Remastered is widely available and affordable CIB. Part II on PS4 is a simple CIB with disc and case. The PS3 original is the most sought-after physical version for collectors who want the launch edition.
What platforms you need
The Last of Us Part I — PS5/PC. The Last of Us Remastered — PS4. The Last of Us original — PS3 physical. Part II — PS4/PS5. Part II Remastered — PS5.
Recommended order
The Last of Us (Part I or Remastered) → Left Behind DLC → The Last of Us Part II. Two games, one continuous story. Do not play Part II first.