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Will There Be a The Last of Us Part III? What Naughty Dog Has Confirmed

By Freedom251 Team · · 3 min read

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As of October 7, 2026, Naughty Dog has not announced The Last of Us Part III. Studio head Neil Druckmann has confirmed two very early-stage projects that will expand the series’ canon beyond Parts I and II, but he has not said that either is a third game—or even that either project is a game. More Last of Us stories are confirmed; Part III is not.

What Naughty Dog has confirmed

In a September 28, 2026 post on Naughty Dog’s official site, Druckmann said the studio has “a couple of very exciting new projects in very early stages” and that both will “expand the canon of The Last of Us beyond Part I and Part II.” He did not identify the projects’ formats, titles, stories, or release timing. Read Druckmann’s statement on Naughty Dog’s site.

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That wording confirms more stories in the franchise universe, not a numbered sequel. “Two projects” does not establish that one is Part III, that both are games, or that they are connected to each other.

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What Druckmann has said about a third game

Naughty Dog considered the idea, then chose another project

In a September 2025 interview with Variety, Druckmann said the studio had debated whether to move directly to The Last of Us 3 after Part II and spent a long time considering ideas. Naughty Dog instead chose a science-fiction project because that was where the team’s enthusiasm lay. He said the studio does its best work when it is passionate about a project and does not plan too far into the future. His comments left open what Naughty Dog might work on after its current projects. Read the Variety interview.

Earlier comments described a sequel as uncertain

In March 2025, speaking to CTV’s Etalk, Druckmann said he could not guarantee another game or project because “so many stars have to align.” At the time, he pointed to work on the television season and Naughty Dog’s new game, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, as immediate priorities. That was a statement of uncertainty at the time, not a permanent rejection—and it predates the 2026 confirmation of early-stage franchise projects. Watch the CTV interview.

In February 2025, Druckmann also described his approach to sequels: he does not plan multiple games ahead while making the current one, and he does not hold back a good idea for a hypothetical future installment. Those remarks explain his creative process; they do not predict whether Part III will happen. Read the interview about his sequel-writing approach.

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The Last of Us Part I – PlayStation 5
  • 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.

What is still unknown

  • Whether Part III is in development: Naughty Dog has not announced it as a numbered game.
  • What the two new projects are: their titles and formats have not been disclosed.
  • When they might arrive: Druckmann described them as being in very early stages, and no release window or date has been given.
  • What the stories will cover: no plot details have been announced.

The number of projects is not a reliable way to infer a release plan or the odds of a third game. Druckmann’s official statement establishes only that the projects expand the canon beyond the first two games.

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Can you play or watch Part III now?

No Part III release has been announced, so there is no confirmed game or release date to buy or schedule. The Last of Us Part II remains the previous installment, not a newly announced sequel. GameSpot lists Part II as released on June 19, 2020, for PC, PS4, and PS5. See GameSpot’s Part II information.

Rank #3
Last of Us Part II Collector's Edition for PS4 PS5
  • Game: The Last of Us Part II, SteelBook, 48-Page Art Book, Ellie Statue, Ellie’s bracelet, Four stickers, 6 Pins, Digital Art Book, Digital Soundtrack

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.

Naughty DogNeil DruckmannPlayStationThe Last of UsVideo Games

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