Split images with characters from The Last of Us Part II for the chronological remaster Naughty Dog

THE LAST OF US PART II Remaster Lets Gamers Play in Chronological Mode

Originally posted on Nerdist | By Michael Walsh | Last updated Jul 8, 2025 3:58 PM ET

HBO’s adaptation stayed true to The Last of Us Part II during its second season by telling its story in a nonlinear manner. On both the show and in the game, we didn’t experience certain events until long after they actually happened. Some loved that, others didn’t. But no matter which side of the cordyceps spectrum you fall on, you’ll soon be able to see what this tragic tale would have been like without all the time skipping. Naughty Dog’s newly released remaster of The Last of Us Part II will let gamers play through chronologically.

A new The Last of Us Part II free downloadable update for both PS5 and PCs includes the ability to play the game in the order in which events actually happen. It’s the first time gamers have had this option. At the PlayStation Blog, Jonathon Dornbush, Naughty Dog’s Editorial Content Manager, explained what this version will offer fans of the franchise.

Through the new Chronological mode, we believe players will gain even deeper insight into Part II’s narrative. Players will be able to see how Ellie being gifted a guitar flows so neatly into her learning to play, for example, while the journey through Seattle will showcase the fascinating parallels between Ellie and Abby’s crisscrossing journeys. You’ll see just how close they come into running into each other, how their actions impact each other, and more.

In addition to Chronological mode, the update also includes “new trophies tied to completing the narrative experience in chronological order.” Once that’s complete players will unlock two new crossover skins. They’ll get Joel dressed as Nathan Drake and Tommy as Sam Drake in No Return. Both will then be usable in No Return, Part II Remastered’s survival mode.

Joel and Tommy in different skins for The Last of Us Part II for the chronological remaster Naughty Dog

Will The Last of Us Part II’s biggest fans love this chronological way to play? Will it draw its detractors back in? The only thing we’re sure is that both side of the cordyceps spectrum are going to find out for themselves.

This article first appeared on Nerdist and was syndicated with permission.

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