The Last of Us date information centers on the original PlayStation 3 launch in July 2013, with later expansions and remakes extending the timeline across multiple platforms and generations. This evergreen overview explains the key release milestones, platform availability, and edition differences for Naughty Dog’s acclaimed franchise. Below you will find verified details on the initial launch, story expansions, definitive upgrades, and current availability, emphasizing context that remains useful over time.
Core release timeline overview
The foundational date for the franchise is The Last of Us original release in July 2013 on PlayStation 3. This section provides a concise reference for each major entry and when it became available to players.
| Entry | Release date | Platform(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Last of Us (base game) | July 2013 | PS3 | Original launch |
| The Last of Us: Left Behind | February 2014 | PS3, PS4 | Episode-based story expansion |
| The Last of Us Remastered | July 2014 | PS4 | Graphical upgrade, shared multiplayer |
| The Last of Us Part II | June 2020 | PS4 | Full sequel with new gameplay mechanics |
| The Last of Us Part I | September 2022 | PS5, PC | Remake of the original game, PS5 DualSense features |
| The Last of Us Part II Remastered | April 2024 | PS5 | Performance-focused update for PS5 |
Platform differences and backward compatibility
PlayStation has positioned each generation’s capabilities differently, which affects how and when players can experience The Last of Us date-linked milestones. Below is a comparison of how key versions align with platform capabilities.
| Version | Platform | Key features | Notes on access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original PS3 version | PS3 / PS4 via backward compatibility in some regions | Baseline experience | Limited to legacy or digital libraries |
| Remastered (PS4) | PS4 | Improved graphics, trophies, shared multiplayer | Included in PS Plus Premium |
| Remake (PS5) | PS5 / PC | Enhanced visuals, DualSense feedback, rebuilt systems | Considered a new purchase |
| Part II Remastered | PS5 | Higher frame rate options, PS5 enhancements | Available as an update for existing owners |
Edition breakdowns and content included
Understanding The Last of Us date distinctions is clearer when mapped to the different retail and digital editions, which affect what you receive at each milestone.
- Standard edition: Base game only at launch
- Digital Deluxe edition: Base game + digital comic and soundtrack
- Game of the Year editions: Include base game plus all major story expansions
- Ultimate Edition (Part I): Physical and premium packaging with additional materials
Expansion and multiplayer details
Several additional pieces of content extend the official timeline but are tied to particular release windows and ownership models.
| Content | Release date | Type | Availability model |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Last of Us: Left Behind | February 2014 | Single-player episode | Included in some GOTY bundles; purchasable separately |
| The Last of Us Multiplayer (original) | Late 2013 | Online multiplayer component | Free with digital pre-orders initially, later standalone |
| Part II Multiplayer beta | 2020 | Closed multiplayer beta | Time-limited access for pre-orders and PS Plus members |
Remaster vs remake: Understanding the differences
Confusion often arises between The Last of Us remaster and remake terminology. A remaster, such as The Last of Us Remastered on PS4, enhances the original assets to run better on newer hardware while preserving the core experience. A remake, such as The Last of Us Part I on PS5, rebuilds many systems and visuals from the ground up while remaining faithful to the source narrative. The distinction matters for The Last of Us date contexts because each type aligns with different milestones and platform launches.