Overview and Series Chronology
The Last of Us series spans multiple releases across platforms, and understanding the order is essential for players new to the universe or returning after a gap. This guide presents a reliable The Last of Us series release date context, covering the base games, major expansions, and spinoffs while focusing on how each fits into the broader timeline. You will find verified windows for each milestone and practical notes that help you decide when to start, which version to play, and what to expect from upcoming projects.
Key Release Dates and Platforms
Below is a compact reference table that aligns the primary The Last of Us series release date entries with platforms and notable notes. Each entry ties to a specific product or substantial update to reduce ambiguity about version differences and availability windows.
| Title | Release Date | Platform(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Last of Us | June 14, 2013 | PlayStation 3 | Original main entry; major critical and commercial success |
| The Last of Us: Left Behind | February 18, 2014 | PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4 | Standalone expansion focusing on Ellie; included in remaster |
| The Last of Us Part II | June 19, 2020 | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 | Direct sequel to the first game; major narrative and gameplay expansion |
| Uncharted: The Lost Legacy | August 22, 2017 | PlayStation 4 | Spinoff starring Chloe and Nadine; connected universe, not a mainline title |
| The Last of Us Part I (Remaster) | September 2, 22022 | PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Windows | Remaster of the original with updated graphics and accessibility options |
| The Last of Us Part II Remastered | April 3, 2024 | PlayStation 5 | Remaster with performance modes and quality-of-life improvements |
| The Last of Us: Escape the Dark | 2024 | Tabletop | Board game adaptation announced; early playtests and limited availability |
| The Last of Us: TV Series | January 15, 2023 | HBO | Live-action series; renewed for a second season |
The Last of Us Main Games: Details and Context
The core The Last of Us series begins with the original The Last of Us, which established the franchise’s tone, mechanics, and emotional storytelling. Its narrative follows Joel and Ellie as they navigate a post-pandemic United States, forming a bond that defines the saga. The sequel, The Last of Us Part II, expands the scope, exploring consequences, trauma, and cycles of violence with a more cinematic approach. Both titles received substantial updates, including remasters that brought them to modern hardware with improved performance and accessibility. The main games remain the definitive entry points for understanding the universe, and their release windows anchor the series’ timeline in both chronological and real-world terms.
Original Game and Its Expansion
Launched in 2013, the first The Last of Us introduced players to a grounded, survival-focused action-adventure experience. The inclusion of grounded combat, resource management, and tense stealth segments helped define its identity. Left Behind, released in 2014, shifted perspective to Ellie and offered a shorter but tightly written story that deepened understanding of her character and relationship dynamics. Both are frequently offered together or included in the remastered collections for newer consoles.
Direct Sequel and Broader Implications
Part II arrived in 2020, delivering a longer, more expansive experience that revisits key locations and timelines with new protagonists. The narrative directly follows the ending of the original and examines cycles of retaliation and grief. Its multiple play modes and graphical options cater to varied preferences, while performance patches have made the title more accessible across PlayStation platforms. Notably, the Part II Remastered launch in 2024 brought these improvements to a broader audience.
Spinoffs and Connected Media
While the main games focus on Joel and Ellie, The Last of Us series extends into other formats that enrich the world without altering the central timeline. Uncharted: The Lost Legacy features Chloe Frazer and Nadine Ross, linking it to the universe through reference and tone rather than direct narrative dependency. Spinoffs like these provide complementary experiences but are not required to understand the core journey. The The Last of Us TV series introduces a parallel adaptation, dramatizing key beats and expanding lore through new scenes and character arcs.
Upcoming and Confirmed Projects
Developers have signaled continued investment in the franchise, with announced projects such as The Last of Us: Escape the Dark, a tabletop board game that brings survival decisions to a cooperative physical experience. More critically, long-term plans for additional story-driven games and the ongoing TV series indicate that the world of The Last of Us will continue to evolve. While specific future release dates remain under wraps, official statements confirm that new entries are in development, ensuring that the timeline will grow in carefully planned increments.
Summary Table of The Last of Us Milestones
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| June 14, 2013 | Original game release | Launched the franchise and set narrative and mechanical standards |
| February 18, 2014 | Left Behind expansion | Provided deeper insight into Ellie and key story beats |
| June 19, 2020 | Part II release | Expanded scope and emotional depth; major critical milestone |
| September 2, 2022 | Part I Remaster | Brought the original to current-gen with performance and accessibility upgrades |
| April 3, 2024 | Part II Remastered | |
| 2024 | Board game adaptation announced | |
| January 15, 2023 | TV series premiere |
FAQ
Reader questions
Which game should I play first if I am new to The Last of Us series?
Begin with The Last of Us (2013) to experience the foundational story and then progress to Part II for the direct continuation. If you prefer modern performance, start with the Part I Remaster on PlayStation 5, which includes updated visuals and accessibility features.
Are there any multiplayer components tied to the series release date timeline?
Multiplayer elements are present in Part II and were expanded with updates, while the original focuses primarily on single-player content. Future multiplayer plans have not been detailed publicly alongside specific The Last of Us series release date milestones.
How does the TV series fit into the official timeline?
The TV series exists adjacent to the games, dramatizing portions of the world and character histories. It does not replace the main games but provides additional context and backstory that may align with or expand on established events.
What platforms will future The Last of Us projects support?
Moving forward, new titles are expected to leverage current and next-generation platforms, with PlayStation systems likely at the center. PC and other formats may be considered depending on project-specific goals, though PlayStation remains the primary ecosystem.
Is the series moving toward a conclusion, or will it continue indefinitely?
While each new project deepens the universe, confirmed plans suggest continued exploration rather than an imminent endpoint. Upcoming entries will likely address remaining narrative threads while introducing new stories that respect the established world.