When does The Last of Us start: release date, platforms, and key story details

Overview and answer to the core question

The headline question, “When does The Last of Us start,” can refer to the original game, the TV series, or a specific re-release. Broadly, the answer distinguishes between the initial launch and subsequent availability on modern platforms. The original PlayStation 3 game launched in 2013; the PlayStation 4 remaster arrived in 2014; and the PlayStation 5 upgrade launched as a part of the legacy editions and as a definitive upgrade in The Last of Us Part I (2022). The TV series debuted on HBO in 2023. This guide focuses on the video game timeline, platforms, and what players experience when they first start playing, with attention to remasters and ongoing access.

Original release and platform availability

Original PlayStation 3 launch

The Last of Us originally released for PlayStation 3 in North America on June 14, 2013, and in Europe and Australia on June 14–15, 2013, following a day-one patch. The base campaign is roughly 10–12 hours, with added time when exploring optional areas and completing side content. To understand what to expect when you start the game for the first time, consider the progression structure, key story beats, and major gameplay segments.

The campaign moves through distinct regions and gameplay phases. Early play focuses on tutorial zones, basic combat, and navigation around a collapsed quarantine zone, while mid-game introduces more complex set pieces and larger hostile factions. Late-game areas shift toward urban and semi-rural environments, with a denser population of infected and more challenging human encounters. Below is a concise reference table summarizing the campaign phases, approximate timing, and what players encounter in each stage.

Platform timeline and legacy editions

Main story structure and progression

Act-by-act overview

The main campaign is commonly summarized in three overarching segments: the initial quarantine zone setup, the journey through semi-urban and rural areas, and the climactic urban finale. Starting the game, players learn traversal, stealth, and resource management in a contained environment. As the story advances, encounters grow more varied, encompassing settlements, bandit strongholds, and infected-heavy locales. The finale brings heightened tension with dense enemy layouts and critical narrative choices.

• Act 1: Tutorial and regional travel; focus on basic mechanics and establishing the world.
• Act 2: Escalating threats; exploration, crafting, and scripted combat sequences.
• Act 3: High-stakes scenarios; mixture of traversal, combat, and narrative resolution.

These stages represent a typical playthrough and highlight how the experience evolves from cautious exploration to intense confrontations.

Notable modes, extras, and accessibility

Difficulty and assist options

The Last of Us offers multiple difficulty settings, from a more forgiving option suitable for players who want to focus on story to a harder mode that emphasizes resource scarcity and enemy aggression. Accessibility features include colorblind support, subtitle clarity options, and control customization, which reduce barriers to enjoying the core narrative. Story-focused players often choose a lower difficulty to experience scripted encounters without excessive resource pressure.

Side content and collectibles

Beyond the main campaign, players can engage in collectible hunting, including clickers, artifacts, and cassette tapes that expand the lore. These optional elements extend total playtime for completionists without being necessary to finish the central story. Achievement and trophy systems also reward thorough exploration and specific playstyle choices.

DLC and extended content

Left Behind and future additions

The primary post-launch narrative expansion is Left Behind, which focuses on Ellie’s backstory and adds substantial hours of content. As of now, no new story-based DLC has been announced beyond Left Behind. Players interested in extended gameplay should verify current availability on their platform, as remastered editions sometimes bundle legacy DLC.

How to choose your starting point

If you are deciding how to approach The Last of Us today, the most common entry points are the original game on PS3/PS4 or the definitive upgrade on PS5 via The Last of Us Part I. New players on PS5 or PC can start with Part I for enhanced visuals and performance. Owners of the PS4 remaster will find similar upgrades when moving to the PS5 version, with improved effects and faster load times. Selecting the right starting point depends on your platform and whether you prioritize graphical fidelity, convenience, or full legacy access.

To directly answer “When does The Last of Us start” in practical terms: launching the game on any supported platform begins the opening mission, typically a tutorial segment that introduces movement, combat, and environmental interaction. From there, the experience unfolds through a carefully structured campaign designed for both emotional engagement and challenging gameplay. Choose your platform, begin at the appropriate entry title, and follow the campaign’s three-act structure for a complete journey through the story.

Key details at a glance

Wrap-up and practical takeaway

Knowing when The Last of Us starts depends on which version you play and on which platform. The original PS3 release set the benchmark in 2013, while enhanced versions on PS4, PS5, and PC have broadened access. When you start the campaign, you enter a structured three-act journey that balances tutorial grounding, mid-game exploration, and a tense finale. Accessibility options and multiple difficulty levels make the experience approachable for varied players. For the most up-to-date entry version, check platform-specific editions such as The Last of Us Part I on PS5 or the PC release, and consider Left Behind for additional story depth.

Quick comparison: entry platforms and what to expect

• PlayStation 3: Original 2013 experience; suitable for those interested in the unaltered launch version.
• PlayStation 4: 2014 remaster with visual and trophy upgrades; a solid middle ground.
• PlayStation 5 / PC: The Last of Us Part I with ray-tracing, haptics, and modern performance; recommended for new players seeking the best technical presentation.

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