The Last of Us vs The Last of Us Part II
The short answer
Play the first one first — Part II is a direct response to it and does not work standalone. Part II is the more accomplished game: better combat, better animation, more ambitious structure. The first is the more universally liked story.
What they have in common
Same world, same scarcity-driven combat, and the same willingness to make you uncomfortable about what you are doing.
Pick The Last of Us if you want the one everybody agrees on.
Tighter, shorter, and the ending is one of the most discussed in the medium. The remake and remaster both play well.
Pick Part II if you want the studio at full stretch.
The stealth and traversal are considerably deeper, the accessibility options are the best in the industry, and the structure asks something of you that a lot of people did not want to be asked.
Frequently asked questions
Should I play The Last of Us or The Last of Us Part II?
Play the first one first — Part II is a direct response to it and does not work standalone. Part II is the more accomplished game: better combat, better animation, more ambitious structure. The first is the more universally liked story.
What do The Last of Us and The Last of Us Part II have in common?
Same world, same scarcity-driven combat, and the same willingness to make you uncomfortable about what you are doing.
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Buy This Game
* Affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
More head-to-heads are on the comparisons page.
