Fans of “The Last of Us” franchise have something exciting to look forward to this April – after years of rumors and speculation, “The Last of Us Part II Remastered” is officially coming to PC on April 3, 2025. The award-winning game will be available on both Steam and the Epic Games Store, bringing this critically acclaimed experience to Windows users for the first time.
This PC release comes after the game already found success as a remastered edition on PlayStation consoles. Many believe the timing is strategic, potentially aligning with the second season of HBO’s hit adaptation of the series. PC gamers will soon get to experience the emotional journey that won over 300 Game of the Year awards when it first released.
Pre-purchases are already available for eager fans who want to secure their copy ahead of the April launch. The PC version is expected to include all the enhancements from the remastered edition, including the roguelike “No Return” mode that adds new ways to experience the game’s intense combat and storytelling.
Everything New in The Last of Us Part II Remastered
The remastered version of The Last of Us Part II isn’t just a visual touch-up—it’s a full-on enhancement of the original 2020 game, featuring new content, improved mechanics, and extended replay value. Whether you’re revisiting Ellie’s journey or diving in for the first time, here’s everything that’s changed, added, or improved.
Enhanced Graphics and Performance
On both PS5 and PC, Part II Remastered runs smoother, loads faster, and looks significantly better. Here’s a quick look at how it compares to the original:
| Feature | Original PS4 Version | Remastered PS5/PC Version |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080p | Up to 4K |
| Frame Rate | 30 FPS | 60 FPS (with 120Hz support) |
| Load Times | Longer | Near-instant |
| Texture Quality | Standard | Ultra-high |
| Haptics & Adaptive Triggers | Not available | Full DualSense support |
The lighting, shadows, character models, and environments have all been polished for next-gen presentation. It’s not quite a remake—but it’s close enough to feel like one at times.
New Roguelike Mode: “No Return”
One of the most substantial additions is the No Return mode, a roguelike survival experience. You choose a character and fight through randomized encounters across various locations with modifiers, rewards, and boss battles.
Key Features of No Return:
- Randomized combat scenarios with unique enemy types and weather effects
- Unlockable characters, each with distinct abilities and traits
- Permanent upgrades for replay value
- Daily and Weekly Challenges for leaderboard competition
- New additions in the April 3 update: Bill and Marlene as playable characters
Each run feels different, making this mode highly replayable and surprisingly strategic.
New Characters: Bill & Marlene
Launching alongside the PC version on April 3, 2025, two iconic characters from The Last of Us Part I are now playable in No Return mode:
| Character | Origin Game | Playstyle Traits |
|---|---|---|
| Bill | The Last of Us Part I | Trap expert, excels in defensive play |
| Marlene | The Last of Us Part I | Stealth-focused, excels in agility |
These additions deepen the connection between the two games and expand the sandbox for fans of both entries.
Guitar Free Play Mode
In one of the most unexpected but beloved features, Naughty Dog added a Guitar Free Play mode. It allows players to:
- Choose from a variety of instruments
- Jam freely using the analog sticks and touchpad
- Change locations and character outfits
- Recreate famous songs—or write your own in-game
It’s a small feature, but it reflects the care put into immersing players in the world.
Lost Levels: Cut Content Restored
Remastered includes never-before-seen levels that were cut during original development. These aren’t full missions but offer a glimpse into what might’ve been.
Included “Lost Levels”:
- Jackson Party – A slice-of-life moment that adds context to Ellie’s relationships
- Boar Hunt – A creepy forest trek with psychological undertones
- Sewers Escape – A tense sequence with stealth-focused gameplay
These are presented with developer commentary, giving fans insight into Naughty Dog’s creative process.
PC Release Details
The PC version drops on April 3, 2025, through both Steam and Epic Games Store. It’s optimized out of the gate, and includes the same enhancements found on the PS5 version.
PC-Specific Highlights:
- Customizable graphics settings
- Ultrawide monitor support
- Full mouse & keyboard control
- Compatible with PS5 DualSense controller features
- Steam Deck Verified for portable play
Expect patch support at launch and beyond, as Naughty Dog has committed to maintaining PC parity.
New Trophies and Additional Content
Players who platinumed the original version will find fresh challenges here:
- New trophy sets tied to “No Return” and lost levels
- Unlockable cosmetics and filters
- Speedrun mode with official timers and leaderboards
There’s a deeper reward system that encourages exploration, experimentation, and replayability.
Rumored Special Edition on the Way
Retail leaks suggest Sony is prepping a The Last of Us Special Edition bundle for PS5. Although not confirmed, listings point to a $109.99 SKU that may combine Part I and Part II Remastered into one package. Expect collector incentives, possibly physical extras or in-game bonuses, once officially announced.
The Last of Us Part II Remastered goes far beyond a basic upgrade—this is a chance to reexperience one of the most emotionally complex games of the past decade with fresh content, tighter mechanics, and next-gen polish.
Key Takeaways
- The Last of Us Part II Remastered launches on PC via Steam and Epic Games Store on April 3, 2025.
- Players can pre-purchase the game now to prepare for the Windows release in just under two weeks.
- The PC version includes all remastered content like the “No Return” mode that extends the award-winning gameplay experience.
Release Details
The Last of Us Part II Remastered is set to arrive on Windows PC on April 3, 2025. Fans can already secure their copy through pre-purchase options while they wait for the official release.
Availability on Platforms
The Last of Us Part II Remastered will be available on PC through both Steam and the Epic Games Store starting April 3, 2025. Players can currently pre-purchase the game on both platforms to ensure immediate access upon release.
For Japanese customers, it’s worth noting that the game will only support Japanese interface and voice options when purchased in Japan.
This PC release comes after the game’s successful run on PlayStation platforms. The remastered version was previously available exclusively on PS5.
Some reports suggest the PC port has actually been completed for months. According to these rumors, the release timing may be strategically aligned with the second season of HBO’s The Last of Us television adaptation.
The countdown has already begun, with Steam showing the game will unlock in approximately 11 days from the current date.
Game Overview
The Last of Us Part II Remastered brings its award-winning story and gameplay to PC on April 3, 2025. The game will be available on both Steam and Epic Games Store with enhanced graphics and additional features not found in the original release.
Narrative and Setting
The Last of Us Part II continues the emotional journey that began in the first game. Set several years after the events of the original, players follow Ellie and a new character, Abby, through a post-apocalyptic America ravaged by a fungal infection that turns humans into hostile creatures.
The story explores themes of revenge, the cycle of violence, and the consequences of one’s actions. Players experience the narrative from multiple perspectives, which adds depth and complexity to the moral questions posed throughout the journey.
Seattle serves as the main backdrop for much of the game, with its overgrown urban landscapes providing both beauty and danger. The environment tells its own stories through detailed environmental storytelling.
Gameplay Mechanics
The Last of Us Part II Remastered features refined combat mechanics that build upon the original game. Players can engage enemies through:
- Stealth approaches – hiding in tall grass or crawling under vehicles
- Direct combat using improvised weapons and firearms
- Crafting system for creating medkits, molotov cocktails, and other tools
The game introduces improved AI that reacts realistically to player actions. Enemies communicate with each other, search for the player, and call for backup when they spot you.
Movement feels more fluid with the addition of dodge mechanics and prone positions. These new options expand tactical possibilities during encounters.
The PC version includes all gameplay modes from the PS5 remaster, including the roguelike “No Return” mode that offers fresh challenges even for veterans of the story campaign.
Remastered Edition Enhancements
The Last of Us Part II Remastered brings substantial improvements to the acclaimed title as it makes its way to PC. These enhancements span across visuals, performance, interactive elements, and exclusive content.
Visual and Performance Upgrades
PC players can expect significant graphical improvements with the remastered edition. The game supports 4K resolution with uncapped framerates, allowing for smoother gameplay on high-end systems. Those with ultrawide monitors will appreciate the native 21:9 and 32:9 aspect ratio support.
Enhanced textures and lighting effects bring Ellie and Abby’s post-apocalyptic journey to life with unprecedented detail. Environmental elements like foliage, water effects, and atmospheric conditions have received particular attention.
The PC version includes customizable graphics settings to balance performance and visual fidelity based on system specifications. Options include:
- Adjustable shadow quality
- Variable render resolution
- Texture filtering options
- Field of view controls
NVIDIA DLSS and AMD FSR support provide additional performance boosts without sacrificing visual quality.
Interactive Features
The PC release expands on interactive elements that enhance gameplay and accessibility. The Guitar Free Play mode has been refined, allowing players to strum and compose music with greater precision using mouse and keyboard controls.
Combat has been enhanced with improved responsiveness and precision aiming with mouse input. Players will notice the difference when engaging infected or human enemies during intense encounters.
The crafting system receives upgrades through the new Crafting Training Manual, which provides deeper insights into item creation and resource management. This feature helps new players understand the mechanics while giving veterans additional crafting strategies.
Accessibility options have been expanded, building on Naughty Dog’s award-winning approach to inclusive design. New customization settings ensure more players can experience the story regardless of physical limitations.
Exclusive Content
The remastered edition includes several PC-exclusive features and bonus content. The roguelike survival mode “No Return” challenges players with randomized encounters across multiple maps, featuring unique characters with different starting equipment and abilities.
New character skins and weapon customization options provide fresh visual variety for both story mode and No Return. The Ammo Capacity Upgrade feature allows for adjusted difficulty through optional modifications to ammunition availability.
Behind-the-scenes content includes:
- Developer commentary during key story moments
- Concept art galleries showing the evolution of character and world design
- Lost Levels providing playable glimpses of content cut from the original release
These exclusive additions offer both new gameplay experiences and deeper insight into the creative process behind this critically acclaimed title.
Development and Collaboration
The PC port of The Last of Us Part II Remastered represents a significant collaborative effort between multiple studios. This project combines Naughty Dog’s original vision with specialized PC porting expertise to deliver the definitive version of the game to Windows players.
The Teams Behind the Remastered Edition
Naughty Dog, the original developer of The Last of Us series, has partnered with specialized PC porting studios for this release. While not explicitly confirmed in the search results, it’s likely that Nixxes Software and Iron Galaxy are involved in the PC adaptation, based on their work on previous PlayStation-to-PC ports.
These collaborations bring together Naughty Dog’s creative vision with technical expertise in PC optimization. The development team has reportedly finished the PC port months ago, suggesting a polished final product.
The April 3, 2025 release date appears strategically timed to coincide with Season 2 of the HBO show, maximizing cross-media promotion for the franchise.
Insights from the Developers
Matthew Gallant, co-director at Naughty Dog, has been instrumental in overseeing the remastered edition’s development. The PC version includes all the enhancements from the PS5 remaster while adding PC-specific features.
The game will be available through both Steam and the Epic Games Store. Players can already pre-purchase the title ahead of its April release date.
The PC version supports the PlayStation overlay for Windows players with a PlayStation account, allowing for seamless integration with the PlayStation ecosystem. This feature demonstrates the developers’ commitment to creating a cohesive experience across platforms.
Technical specifications and performance targets have been carefully considered to ensure the game runs well on various PC configurations.
Technical Specifications
The Last of Us Part II Remastered for PC offers scalable performance options across different hardware configurations, with special features designed for high-end gaming systems.
Minimum and Recommended System Requirements
For players looking to experience The Last of Us Part II Remastered on PC, the game supports various hardware setups. At the minimum level, players can run the game at 720p resolution with 30fps using an Intel Core i3-8100 or AMD Ryzen 3 1300x processor paired with either an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 or AMD Radeon RX 550XT graphics card. 16GB RAM is required even at this entry level.
For a better experience at 1080p with 60fps, the game recommends stronger hardware configurations. Players will need more powerful CPUs and GPUs to take advantage of the enhanced visuals.
The PC version includes several platform-specific features that enhance visual fidelity and performance. These include support for Nvidia DLSS 3 Super Resolution and Frame Generation technology, as well as AMD FSR 3.1 and AMD FSR 4 upscaling solutions.
These technologies allow players with compatible hardware to boost performance while maintaining visual quality, especially at higher resolutions.
Community and Cultural Impact
The Last of Us Part II has created a profound impact on gaming culture and beyond. Its upcoming PC release continues to shape player communities and expand into various media forms, showing the franchise’s growing influence.
Fan Reception and Anticipation
The announcement of The Last of Us Part II Remastered coming to PC on April 3, 2025, has generated significant buzz among fans. Gaming communities across platforms have shown excitement about experiencing the critically acclaimed title with potential PC enhancements and modding capabilities.
Some community members have noted that the PC port was reportedly finished months ago but strategically timed for release closer to Season 2 of the HBO adaptation. This scheduling decision highlights how Naughty Dog and Sony are coordinating releases across different media.
The Last of Us Day 2024 celebrations saw increased enthusiasm as PC gamers prepared to join the community that previously consisted primarily of PlayStation users. Forums and social media groups have been buzzing with discussions about hardware requirements and potential modifications.
Expansion into Other Media
The Last of Us franchise has successfully expanded beyond games, most notably with HBO’s acclaimed TV adaptation. The timing of the PC release appears strategically aligned with HBO’s Season 2 production schedule, maximizing cross-media promotion.
The series has inspired various creative works, including fan fiction and artistic tributes. Some fans have drawn connections between themes in The Last of Us Part II and other post-apocalyptic narratives like Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.
The franchise’s expansion demonstrates how modern gaming properties can transcend their original medium. With consistent artistic vision maintained across different platforms, The Last of Us continues to set standards for storytelling in interactive entertainment while attracting new audiences through various entry points.
Special Features and Modes
The Last of Us Part II Remastered for PC comes packed with several exciting gameplay options beyond the main story. These additional features give players new ways to experience the game and test their skills.
New Play Modes
No Return Roguelike Mode stands out as one of the most significant additions to the remastered version. This survival-based mode challenges players with randomized encounters and permanent consequences for failure. Players must strategically navigate through different combat scenarios while managing limited resources.
The game also includes Guitar Free Play mode, where players can unlock various instruments to showcase their musical talents. This creative mode offers a peaceful break from the game’s intense narrative.
For competitive players, Speedrun Mode provides an opportunity to post best completion times. This feature appeals to those who enjoy optimizing their gameplay and competing against others.
The PC version supports ultrawide monitors, allowing players to fully appreciate the game’s detailed environments and scenic vistas. Technical enhancements like NVIDIA DLSS 3 Super Resolution and AMD FSR support ensure smooth performance across different hardware configurations.
Integration with PlayStation Ecosystem
The PC version of The Last of Us Part II Remastered comes with tight integration into Sony’s PlayStation ecosystem. Players can expect seamless connections with their existing PlayStation accounts and hardware peripherals.
PSN and DualSense Features
The PC release offers full PlayStation Network compatibility, allowing players to link their PSN accounts for additional benefits. Those with existing PlayStation Network accounts will receive special bonuses, including intergalactic-themed items, when playing on PC.
Full DualSense controller integration stands out as a major feature of this PC port. The DualSense controller’s advanced haptic feedback and adaptive triggers will be fully supported, bringing the same immersive experience PC players that PS5 owners enjoy.
Sony has ensured that graphical improvements in the PC version match or exceed the PS5 version. These enhancements take full advantage of PC hardware while maintaining the core PlayStation experience.
Players who own the PS5 version won’t need to purchase the game again, as Sony offers cross-progression between platforms through PSN account linking. This seamless integration makes switching between PC and PlayStation versions convenient for existing fans.
Post-Launch Support and Content
Naughty Dog appears committed to supporting The Last of Us Part II Remastered on PC with additional content following its April 3, 2025 release. Players can expect new features and gameplay additions that expand the original experience.
Upcoming Contents and Updates
The PC version will launch with all content from the PS5 remaster, including the popular No Return roguelike mode. According to the search results, Naughty Dog plans to release new content for No Return at launch. This indicates the developer’s intention to provide fresh experiences for returning players.
Some players speculate that the PC port has been ready for months, with Sony timing the release to coincide with HBO’s The Last of Us season 2 premiere. This strategic timing suggests the game might receive content updates that tie into the show’s narrative.
The next update will add playable content, including what rumors suggest might be “Lost Levels” – cut content from the original game restored for players to experience. This follows a pattern similar to other Sony franchises that have expanded after PC releases.
While not directly confirmed, players hope for support similar to other Sony PC ports like Helldivers 2, which received substantial post-launch content. The requirement for PSN sign-in suggests Sony plans ongoing online features and potential community events.
Related Products and Merchandise
As “The Last of Us Part II Remastered” prepares for its PC launch on April 3, 2025, fans can explore various merchandise and related products available for purchase.
Pre-orders for the game are currently open on both Steam and the Epic Games Store at $49.99. This digital release gives PC players access to the critically acclaimed title that was previously PlayStation exclusive.
The Steam store page offers single-player features and additional content that comes with the remastered version. Fans should check both platforms for any pre-purchase bonuses that might be available.
Beyond the game itself, official merchandise includes:
- Clothing: T-shirts, hoodies, and jackets featuring game logos and character art
- Collectibles: Action figures of Ellie, Joel, and other key characters
- Art Books: Hardcover editions showcasing concept art and development insights
The No Return content mentioned in the search results represents new gameplay content exclusive to the remastered version, adding value for returning players.
For collectors, limited edition items often sell quickly. Consider joining the official Naughty Dog newsletter for updates on merchandise drops and exclusive items.
Steam users may find additional benefits like trading cards and profile backgrounds when purchasing through the platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Players interested in the PC release of The Last of Us Part II Remastered have many questions about system requirements, exclusive content, and performance improvements. Here are answers to the most common questions about the upcoming April 2025 release.
What are the system requirements for The Last of Us Part II Remastered on PC?
Naughty Dog has confirmed the official system requirements for The Last of Us Part II Remastered on PC. The game will require modern hardware to run at optimal settings.
The developers have designed the game to be scalable across different PC configurations, allowing players with varying hardware specifications to enjoy the experience. Specific details about minimum and recommended specifications are available on the Steam and Epic Games Store pages.
Will there be any exclusive content for the PC version of The Last of Us Part II Remastered?
The PC version will include all content from the PlayStation version, including the No Return roguelike mode. This ensures PC players receive the complete experience.
The game will also take advantage of PC-specific features like ultrawide monitor support and advanced graphics options. No PC-exclusive story content has been announced at this time.
Can players who own the original game on PlayStation access The Last of Us Part II Remastered on PC for free or at a discount?
No discount or free upgrade path has been announced for PlayStation owners. The PC version will be a separate purchase, regardless of whether players own the game on PlayStation platforms.
This follows the same approach used for other PlayStation-to-PC ports in recent years. Players will need to purchase the game again to experience it on PC.
What enhancements and improvements have been introduced in The Last of Us Part II Remastered for PC?
The PC version features enhanced graphics, including improved lighting, textures, and visual effects. Frame rates will be uncapped, allowing for smoother gameplay on capable hardware.
The remastered version includes support for PC-specific features like ultrawide monitors and customizable control schemes. All content from the PlayStation version, including the No Return mode, will be available in the PC release.
How will The Last of Us Part II Remastered’s performance on PC compare with the console version?
The PC version is expected to offer superior performance for players with high-end hardware. This includes higher frame rates and resolution options beyond what’s possible on PlayStation.
The scalable nature of PC gaming means players can customize their experience based on their hardware. Those with powerful systems can enjoy enhanced visual fidelity and smoother gameplay than what’s possible on consoles.
What is the price of The Last of Us Part II Remastered on Windows, and will there be pre-order bonuses?
The Last of Us Part II Remastered for PC is available for pre-purchase on both Steam and the Epic Games Store. The pricing structure aligns with other premium PC releases from PlayStation.
Pre-purchase options are currently available ahead of the April 3, 2025 release date. While specific pre-order bonuses haven’t been detailed in the search results, players can secure their copy now through the official digital storefronts.
