Game · in order
The Last of Us Games in Order
The Last of Us is just two main games — The Last of Us (2013) and The Last of Us Part II (2020) — telling one continuous Joel-and-Ellie story, so release order and chronological order are identical.
The Last of Us Games in Order — complete list
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Why this order?
The good news for anyone starting The Last of Us is that the order is dead simple. There are only two mainline games, and they were released in the order their story takes place. Play The Last of Us (2013) first, then The Last of Us Part II (2020). Because the second game picks up the lives of Joel and Ellie a few years after the first ends, the release order and the chronological order are exactly the same list. There is no branching timeline, no spin-off you have to slot in, and no prequel to confuse things.
The one point of confusion is the remakes and remasters. The original 2013 game got a PS4 "Remastered" edition, and in 2022 Naughty Dog released The Last of Us Part I — a full ground-up remake of the first game built for PS5 and later PC. Part I is the same story as the 2013 original, just rebuilt with modern visuals and accessibility features. It is not a third game and does not change the order; it is simply the best-looking way to experience the first chapter. Whichever version of the first game you own, you play it before Part II.
You should play the first game before the second. Part II assumes you know exactly who Joel and Ellie are and what happened at the end of the first game, and its opening hours land far harder if you have lived through that history yourself. Going in blind to Part II spoils the original and mutes the sequel's emotional gut-punch.
Worth knowing: HBO's live-action The Last of Us TV series adapts these same games, with season one covering the first game and later seasons drawing on Part II. The show is a faithful retelling, so it works as an alternative entry point if you would rather watch than play — but the games remain the definitive version of the story.
Timeline 2013–2020
Every entry plotted by release year — see the gaps, clusters and revivals at a glance.
Where to play it today
- PlayStation 4 / PlayStation 5
- PC (Steam, Part I and Part II)
- HBO Max (live-action TV series adaptation)
Affiliate links (Bookshop.org for books, store links for games/films) slot in here.
Frequently asked questions
How many The Last of Us games are there?
There are two main games: The Last of Us (2013) and The Last of Us Part II (2020). The Last of Us Part I (2022) is a remake of the first game, not a separate entry.
What order should I watch The Last of Us in?
Play (or watch) the first game, The Last of Us (2013), then The Last of Us Part II (2020). Release order and chronological order are the same, so just go in order.
Is The Last of Us Part I a new game or a remake?
Part I (2022) is a full ground-up remake of the original 2013 game for PS5 and PC. It tells the same story, so it does not add to or change the play order.
Do I need to play the first game before Part II?
Yes. Part II is a direct sequel that assumes you know Joel and Ellie's history. Playing the first game first avoids spoilers and makes the sequel's emotional moments hit much harder.
How does the HBO TV series fit in?
HBO's The Last of Us adapts the games faithfully: season one covers the first game, and later seasons draw on Part II. It is a good alternative if you prefer watching to playing.
Can I start with The Last of Us Part II?
It is not recommended. Part II's opening hours spoil the first game and lose much of their impact without that context. Always start with the original.
Last verified · Sources: en.wikipedia.org, Wikidata
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