Naughty Dog has released a new free update for The Last of Us Part II Remastered, transforming how players experience the story. With the introduction of chronological mode, players now have the option to follow the narrative events in the exact order in which they occur.
This is a change that promises to directly impact immersion in the story. In addition, the update brings new visual rewards and incentives for franchise veterans, also celebrating the studio's 40th anniversary.
New chronological mode alters the way we experience the narrative
Critics and players have both praised and questioned the non-linear narrative structure of The Last of Us Part II since its original release. The story alternates between Ellie and Abby's points of view, interspersing flashbacks with present-day moments. With the new chronological mode, the player can experience events linearly, providing a new perspective on the emotional construction of the plot.
According to Naughty Dog, this reorganization reveals more subtle connections between the characters and their intertwined paths in Seattle. Details such as the moment Ellie gets her guitar and her evolution as a musician gain a more organic flow, while the tensions between the two narrative arcs become even more evident.
The developer advises new players to follow the original narrative before trying the new mode. The rearrangement of events anticipates certain mechanics before the tutorials, which may make learning more difficult. The chronological mode only works on the PlayStation 5 and PC versions (Steam and Epic Games Store), and is not compatible with Speedrun, Permadeath modes, or the PlayStation 4 edition.
Uncharted skins and a new exclusive trophy in The Last of Us 2 Remastered
Another attractive feature of the new update is the extra content. Upon completing the campaign in chronological mode, players unlock two exclusive skins for the No Return roguelike mode, inspired by characters from the Uncharted franchise. Joel gets an outfit based on Nathan Drake (Uncharted 4), while Tommy receives an outfit inspired by Sam Drake.
The update also includes a new gold trophy, titled “I Would Do It All Over Again,” which is awarded to those who complete the campaign in chronological order. This element adds an extra incentive for achievement hunters to return to the game and explore this new approach to the story.
A tribute to Naughty Dog's 40th anniversary
According to the developer, the new additions are part of the studio's 40th-anniversary celebrations. The choice of skins pays homage to Naughty Dog's legacy, establishing a direct connection between The Last of Us and Uncharted, two of the company's most iconic franchises. Although there isn't a special outfit for Abby in this update, the company left open the possibility of future additions.
The new update, identified as version 2.1.0 for PS5 and 1.5 for PC, is now available for free download. The content reaffirms Naughty Dog's commitment to keeping the experience of The Last of Us Part II alive, even years after its original release. For new and old fans alike, this is an opportunity to relive or reimagine one of the most impactful narratives in modern gaming.