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The Last Of Us

Overall Rating: 4.54 • 3308 reviews

Journey into a world where survival hinges on every heartbeat with The Last Of Us. This masterpiece of storytelling marries intense narrative with breathtaking visuals, enveloping you in a post-apocalyptic landscape teeming with peril and emotion. Whether you’re navigating abandoned cities or forging bonds with unforgettable characters, every moment promises an immersive experience. Discover why this game continues to captivate players with its perfect blend of adventure, suspense, and heart-wrenching drama.

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Details

Some of the particulars and information about The Last Of Us.
Developer: Naughty Dog
Release Date: June 14, 2013
How Long to Beat: 16 hrs

Ratings

Some of the ratings and scores for The Last Of Us.
95 Metacritic
10 IGN
-- Our Score

Genres

Action
Adventure
Simulation

Systems

Here's where you can find The Last Of Us and play.

ESRB: Mature

Content Rating
Strong Language
Blood and Gore
Sexual Themes
Includes online features that may expose players to unrated user-generated content
Intense Violence
Overview
Why Play?
How Much Time?
Overview

In a world where storytelling in video games often takes a backseat to action, The Last Of Us stands tall as a beacon of narrative brilliance.

Why Play?

For gamers seeking an experience that transcends the average post-apocalyptic adventure, The Last Of Us offers an unparalleled journey filled with heart-pounding suspense and emotional depth.

How Much Time?

When diving into the immersive world of The Last Of Us, one common question arises for many players: how long will this gripping journey take?

Immersive Storytelling and Characters

The Last Of Us is renowned for its deeply immersive storytelling that combines intense emotions with a gripping narrative. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, it follows the journey of Joel and Ellie, two unlikely companions brought together by circumstance. As players navigate the desolate landscape, they encounter a cast of intriguing characters that enrich the game’s emotional depth. The dynamic between Joel and Ellie evolves throughout the game, offering a poignant exploration of survival, loss, and hope. Every interaction feels genuine and meaningful, allowing players to become fully invested in the characters’ fate. This narrative depth makes The Last Of Us more than just an adventure; it’s a heartfelt experience that lingers long after the final credits roll.

Engaging Gameplay Mechanics

The Last Of Us excels not only in storytelling but also in its engaging gameplay mechanics. The game masterfully blends elements of exploration, stealth, and combat, providing a balanced mix that caters to various playstyles. Players can choose to approach challenges with strategic planning or engage in direct confrontations. The crafting system allows for the creation of weapons and tools, adding another layer of strategy to the gameplay. The game’s environments are designed with meticulous detail, offering a post-apocalyptic setting that feels both expansive and interactive. Whether players are solving puzzles or navigating dangerous territory, the gameplay remains consistently engaging, ensuring that every moment spent in The Last Of Us is both thrilling and rewarding.

A Stunning Visual Journey

One of game’s standout features is its breathtaking visual design. The game’s environments are crafted with an incredible attention to detail, immersing players in a world that is both beautiful and haunting. From the lush overgrown cities to the eerie abandoned buildings, each locale is meticulously rendered to create an authentic post-apocalyptic atmosphere. The stunning visuals are complemented by a dynamic weather system and a subtle color palette that effectively conveys the game’s somber tone. The character animations and facial expressions add an additional layer of realism, bringing the story and its emotional weight to life. This visual excellence makes The Last Of Us not just a game, but a visual masterpiece that sets a high standard for storytelling in video games.

Emotional Connection Through Sound

Besides its captivating visuals, The Last Of Us captivates players with its exceptional sound design and soundtrack. Composed by Gustavo Santaolalla, the music captures the game’s emotional core, offering haunting melodies that underscore key moments. This auditory experience deepens immersion, allowing players to feel the tension and relief naturally intertwined with the narrative. Whether it’s the subtle creak of a floorboard or the distant growl of a lurking threat, the game’s sound design enhances the atmosphere, making every moment rich with ambiance and emotion. This finely-tuned audio work invites players to connect with the world on a deeper level, leaving a lasting impression through its powerful, emotive music and authentic environmental sounds.

Masterfully Crafted Emotional Tension

The Last Of Us is distinguished by its ability to elicit a wide range of emotions through its expertly paced narrative and gameplay sequences. The game aligns perfectly with its story, building tension in moments of stealth, relief during victories against overwhelming odds, and profound sorrow in scenes of loss. This emotional journey is masterfully paced, ensuring that players are consistently engaged without being overwhelmed. The game intricately weaves moments of quiet reflection with heart-stopping action, creating an experience that is as much about internal reflection as it is about external survival. Through these emotional highs and lows, players come away with a profound appreciation for the story’s stakes and the characters’ inner worlds.

Engrossing World-Building

The world of The Last Of Us is built with incredible attention to detail, offering players a sense of discovery around every corner. Environmental storytelling is key to understanding the post-apocalyptic landscape, with every abandoned building and ruined town telling its own story of collapse and endurance. This inviting world encourages exploration, rewarding players with snippets of lore and hidden narratives that enrich the broader storyline. The varied environments—from bustling towns overtaken by nature to desolate highways—feature unique obstacles and challenges, encouraging players to adapt and strategize. In exploring this vividly realized world, players find themselves not just surviving, but living within the epic tale crafted by the developers.

Average Completion Time

For players diving into The Last Of Us 1 for the first time, the experience typically takes around 15 to 20 hours to complete. This timeframe includes engaging with the main storyline while exploring its richly detailed environments. Players who enjoy a more comprehensive experience may find themselves spending additional time uncovering hidden collectibles and completing side objectives scattered throughout the post-apocalyptic world. The pacing allows for moments of intense action interspersed with quieter, emotionally resonant scenes, ensuring that each hour spent playing feels both fulfilling and engaging.

Completionist Goals

For those who relish exploring every nook and cranny of a game, completing The Last Of Us 1 in its entirety, including all collectibles, trophies, and hidden narrative fragments, can take significantly longer. Trying to achieve 100% completion might extend the playtime to approximately 25 to 30 hours. This extended playtime invites the player to delve deeper into the narrative layers, understanding more about the world and characters, while providing additional challenges for those who appreciate mastering every aspect of the gameplay.

Replay Value and Difficulty Levels

Beyond the initial playthrough, The Last Of Us 1 offers considerable replay value. Players can tackle higher difficulty settings, which require adapting strategies and utilizing gameplay mechanics to their fullest potential. The game’s atmosphere and storytelling remain compelling regardless of how many times they are experienced, with varying difficulty levels adding fresh challenges to test different playstyles. This not only enhances the overall value of the game but also encourages players to return to the gripping world of Joel and Ellie to explore different outcomes and strategies.

Trailer

A Quick Look at The Last Of Us

Curious what The Last Of Us is all about? The trailer gives you a great first look at the world, the vibe, and the kind of story you're stepping into.

The Last Of Us Trailer
Videos

Related videos for The Last Of Us

These videos give some tips and pointers on getting started with The Last Of Us

The Last of Us Part I - Before You Buy

gameranx

The Last of Us Part 1 (PC) - Before You Buy

gameranx

The Last of Us Part 1 Review

IGN

The Last of Us Review

IGN
Screenshots

Screenshots of The Last Of Us

Want to see what The Last Of Us actually looks like in-game? These screenshots will hopefully give you a feel for what the world of The Last Of Us is like.

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The Last Of Us
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Extras

Downloadable Content for The Last Of Us

DLC just means more of a good thing. Here are some for The Last Of Us

The Last of Us Part I
The Last of Us Part I
The Last of Us: Left Behind Stand Alone
The Last of Us: Left Behind Stand Alone
The Last Of Us Remastered
The Last Of Us Remastered

The Last of Us Part I

Explore a Richly Detailed World

The Last of Us Part I offers players a dive into a meticulously crafted post-apocalyptic world, brimming with depth and atmosphere. As you step into the shoes of Joel, a wary survivor navigating the ruins of civilization, each environment tells its own story through stunning visuals and atmospheric soundscapes. Whether you’re trekking through overgrown streets or picking your way through derelict buildings, the attention to detail immerses you into the game’s haunting yet beautiful world. This DLC enriches the original game’s experience with additional layers of storytelling and environmental detail that make each moment feel immersive and compelling.

A Focus on Engaging Storytelling

The heart of The Last of Us Part I is its powerful narrative. This DLC enhances the storytelling by delving deeper into the characters’ backstories, breathing life into the relationships that make the journey so emotionally compelling. This supplementary content emphasizes the bonds between characters, exploring their motivations and struggles in a manner that feels genuine and impactful. For those who enjoy riveting story arcs that are as much about human experience as they are about survival, this addition to the original game provides a nuanced layer to an already rich story, ensuring players care deeply about every decision they make.

Simplified Mechanics for Enjoyment

While the game does incorporate combat and strategy, The Last of Us Part I ensures that these elements do not overly complicate the experience. The game’s mechanics are intuitive and designed to complement the story, allowing players to focus on exploration and narrative without being bogged down by complex systems. This accessible approach means that players, whether new or experienced, can appreciate the seamless blend of action and storytelling. With pacing that respects the player’s time, it provides a balance of challenge and engagement perfect for those who appreciate a satisfying gameplay experience without an overwhelming learning curve.

The Last of Us: Left Behind Stand Alone

Explore Intriguing Backstories

The Last of Us: Left Behind Stand Alone invites players to delve deeper into the complex narrative of the critically acclaimed series. This DLC focuses on Ellie’s past, revealing pivotal moments that take place before the events of the main game. Players will join Ellie and her best friend, Riley, as they venture through a post-apocalyptic world filled with danger yet brimming with moments of youthful recklessness and heartfelt discovery. The story is expertly woven, offering fans a rich experience that expands on beloved characters, making it a must-play for those who cherish strong storytelling in games.

Immersive Gameplay Experience

While **The Last of Us: Left Behind Stand Alone** retains the survival horror elements that the franchise is known for, it also introduces unique gameplay mechanics that emphasize exploration and puzzle-solving. Players can expect a seamless blend of action and narrative as they navigate the hauntingly beautiful environment of an abandoned shopping mall populated by both infected and human adversaries. The careful design of these environments encourages creative strategies, providing a thrilling yet accessible experience for gamers who may have limited playtime but seek immersive and engaging content without the intensity of high-stakes competition.

Breathtaking Visuals and Sound Design

The Last of Us: Left Behind Stand Alone captivates players with its stunning visuals and exceptional sound design, enhancing the emotional impact of Ellie and Riley’s journey. The environments are meticulously crafted, creating an atmospheric setting that pulls players into the world. Complementing the visual experience, the sound design and musical score enrich the narrative, punctuating key moments with power and resonance. This DLC offers a perfect balance of gameplay and storytelling, making it an ideal choice for those looking to immerse themselves in a compelling world without needing to commit to lengthy gameplay sessions.

The Last Of Us Remastered

Enhanced Visuals and Rich Storytelling

The DLC for the widely acclaimed The Last Of Us Remastered brings an impressive visual overhaul that elevates the eerie beauty of its post-apocalyptic world. With enhanced textures, lighting, and shadows, players can immerse themselves in the intricate environments and gripping storyline like never before. While the game retains its original narrative brilliance, these visual enhancements allow for a more captivating experience, letting players feel every tense moment and serene interaction with striking clarity. It’s a perfect opportunity for gamers who appreciate a blend of engaging storytelling and stunning graphics.

Expanded Gameplay and Captivating Extras

In addition to visual improvements, the DLC introduces new gameplay elements that enrich the overall experience. Players can explore a variety of fresh downloadable content that adds layers to the characters and story they have come to love. Notably, this includes additional side missions and character backstories that enhance the depth and emotional impact of the original game. Whether it’s through discovering hidden narrative gems or facing new challenges, fans of The Last Of Us Remastered will find plenty of engaging content to enjoy during their gaming sessions.

A Heightened Emotional Connection

One of the key strengths of The Last Of Us Remastered is its ability to forge an emotional connection with players. This DLC builds on that foundation by providing moments that deepen our understanding of familiar characters. Through carefully crafted cutscenes and dialogues, the DLC invites players to experience the nuanced relationships and moral choices that are central to the storyline. For those who relish narrative-driven experiences that linger long after the screen fades, this expansion provides a chance to immerse themselves once more in a world where every decision carries weight, offering a truly unforgettable gaming journey.

Articles

Read More About The Last Of Us.

December 1, 2025

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Frequently Asked Questions

Have Questions About The Last Of Us?

What are the main gameplay mechanics in The Last Of Us?

In The Last Of Us, players primarily navigate through a post-apocalyptic world using a mix of stealth and combat. Players control Joel, utilizing various weapons, crafting items, and environmental strategies to tackle enemies. The game emphasizes survival, with a focus on managing limited resources and making tactical choices in combat situations.

What are the system requirements or performance issues for The Last Of Us on PC?

For PC players, The Last Of Us requires a system with a relatively high specification, including an advanced processor, graphics card, and RAM for optimal performance. Some users have reported occasional performance issues such as frame rate drops, which can often be mitigated by adjusting graphics settings or ensuring drivers are up to date.

How long is the story mode in The Last Of Us and does it have replay value?

The main story of The Last Of Us typically takes around 15 to 20 hours to complete, depending on the player’s exploration and play style. Replay value is enhanced by the game’s engaging narrative, multiple difficulty settings, and collectibles that encourage exploration of different playthrough strategies.

Does The Last Of Us have any multiplayer or online features?

The Last Of Us originally included a multiplayer mode known as Factions, where players could engage in team-based combat scenarios. This mode provided a distinct experience separate from the story, focusing on strategy and teamwork in an online environment.

On which platforms is The Last Of Us available, and are there any differences between them?

The Last Of Us is available on PlayStation and PC platforms, with some differences in graphics and performance due to hardware capabilities. The game initially launched on PlayStation 3, with remastered versions available for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, offering enhanced visuals and improved performance. The PC version offers customizable graphics settings to cater to different system configurations.

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