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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Play The Last of Us Part I first, then The Last of Us Part II. Part I retells the original game’s story, and Part II takes place years later. PlayStation explicitly recommends starting with Part I’s single-player story, making that the clearest order for newcomers.
Recommended play order: Part I, then Part II
PlayStation’s official Part I FAQ says: “We recommend playing The Last of Us Part I single-player story first.” That order introduces Joel and Ellie’s journey before the sequel builds on what came before. If you have already played the original game, you can move on to Part II; Part I is a remake of that original single-player story, not a new chapter in the series.
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How the stories connect, without spoilers
Part I: Joel and Ellie’s first journey
The Last of Us Part I follows Joel and Ellie across a post-pandemic United States. The remake includes Left Behind, a chapter exploring Ellie’s backstory. It is the first story experience in the series chronology.
Part II: a later story
The Last of Us Part II begins five years after the earlier journey. Joel and Ellie have settled in Jackson, and a violent event sends Ellie on a journey for justice and closure. Part II Remastered also foregrounds Abby’s story. Those premises are enough to understand why the first game comes first; going into the sequel blind avoids revealing more than its setup.
#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.
Part I is a remake; Part II Remastered is an enhanced release
The edition names describe different things. Part I is a ground-up remake of the original single-player story, with modernized gameplay mechanics, updated controls, enhanced exploration and combat, and expanded accessibility. It includes Left Behind, but not the original game’s Factions multiplayer mode.
Part II Remastered is an enhanced release of the 2020 sequel, not a remake of Part I. Its additions include the No Return survival mode, Lost Levels, and developer commentary. On PS5, PlayStation lists improvements to texture resolution, level-of-detail distances, shadow quality, and animation sampling rate.
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.
Gameplay and presentation differences
Part I’s official description emphasizes its rebuilt presentation and modernized mechanics. Part II’s product page describes its systems as new and evolved, alongside the greater stakes of Ellie’s journey. In broad terms, the sequel develops the action and exploration approach rather than presenting a separate starting point; the official descriptions do not provide a direct, measured comparison of mechanics.
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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →On PS5, both releases support DualSense features. Part I’s product description also calls out 3D audio, haptics, adaptive triggers, and faster loading. These features are optional enhancements: you do not need to buy a new controller just to play. Feature availability can differ by platform and edition.
Rank #3
Accessibility options
Both games offer extensive accessibility settings. Part I’s listing describes options including clear and large text, high-contrast visuals, alternatives for audio cues, directional audio indicators, and visual-comfort controls. PlayStation lists 30 accessibility features for Part II Remastered; Naughty Dog’s launch article highlights Speech to Vibrations and Cinematic Descriptions.
If you rely on a particular feature, check the official accessibility listing for the exact game and platform before buying. Options and labels can vary by version.
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.
Which edition should you buy?
| Situation | Practical choice |
|---|---|
| New to the series and playing on PS5 | The Last of Us Complete is the official package containing Part I and Part II Remastered. |
| Buying the games separately | Choose Part I first, then Part II Remastered, to follow the recommended story order. |
| You own Part II on PS4 | Check PlayStation’s Part II Remastered page and FAQ for the current upgrade option. Eligibility and price depend on the edition and ownership details. |
| Playing on PC | Official listings show PC versions of Part I and Part II Remastered. Check the current storefront for system requirements and availability before purchasing. |
Platform listings can differ by region and change over time. The official pages list Part I and Part II Remastered for PS5 and PC, while the original Part II listing is for PS4; verify the edition and platform on your regional store page. The Complete package listing is for PS5.
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Frequently asked purchase questions
Can I skip Part I if I know the story?
If you already know Part I’s story, you can start Part II. For a first playthrough of the series, the recommended order remains Part I followed by Part II.
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
Does Part I include multiplayer?
No. Part I includes the single-player story and Left Behind, but not the original game’s Factions multiplayer mode.
Do I need a DualSense controller?
No. DualSense features are available with the PS5 releases, but buying another controller is not a requirement.
Quick Recap
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.
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