No—you can watch the HBO series without playing The Last of Us first. Series co-creator Neil Druckmann says, “You don’t have to play the game to enjoy the show.” If you are interested in both, the choice of which to experience first is up to you.
Can you understand the series without playing the game?
Yes. The series is an adaptation of a story that began in the game, but prior knowledge of the game is not a prerequisite. In an interview published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, Druckmann put it plainly: “You don’t need to play the game to enjoy the show.”
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
The Last of Us Part I – PlayStation 5 | $39.99 | 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 show a reasonable starting point if television is the format you want to experience, or if you simply want to watch the series without taking on the game first.
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Should you play the game or watch the series first?
There is no required order. Naughty Dog’s official feature on the game and show says: “Play the game, then watch the show, or watch the show, and then play the game.” Choose based on what you want from your first experience:
#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 how it is adapted for television.
- Watch first: Start with the series if that is the format you are most interested in. The creators say you do not need prior game knowledge.
- Try both, but have no preference: Either sequence is supported by Naughty Dog’s guidance.
Is the game worth playing after the show?
If the series leaves you curious about the story in its original game form, The Last of Us Part I is an optional next step—not preparation you need in order to watch. Naughty Dog’s guidance explicitly allows watching first and playing afterward.
Whether you play first or later comes down to personal preference; the cited guidance does not establish that one order is more enjoyable for everyone.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
Rank #2
- Flexible design
- High-quality material
- Durable
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