The Last of Us Part II Remastered Adds Chronological Story Mode in New Update — Available Now on PS5 and PC
Experience the Story of The Last of Us Part II Like Never Before: Chronologically
Naughty Dog has released a major update today for The Last of Us Part II Remastered, giving players a completely new way to experience the game’s story — this time, in chronological order.
This free downloadable update is now available on PS5 (Patch 2.1.0) and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store (Patch 1.5).
For the first time, players can play through The Last of Us Part II’s emotionally charged narrative in the order events occur, offering a fresh lens through which to view Ellie and Abby’s journeys.
Why Chronological Mode?
When Part II was first released, its non-linear storytelling was an intentional creative choice. By weaving together flashbacks and present-day sequences, Naughty Dog created an emotional, thematic experience that resonated deeply with players.
But for years, fans and developers alike have wondered: What if we could experience the events as they happened?
The new Chronological mode answers that question. In this mode:
- You’ll see Ellie’s guitar gift flow naturally into her lessons.
- Seattle’s story unfolds as a seamless, crisscrossing journey between Ellie and Abby, showcasing their parallel paths and near-intersections.
- The timeline reveals how each character’s actions directly impact the other, giving players new insight into the story’s emotional stakes.
Naughty Dog notes that while they still recommend first-time players experience the story in its original, intended structure, this mode offers an enlightening and transformative way to revisit one of gaming’s most celebrated narratives.
Unlock Exclusive Rewards
To celebrate this new mode — and as part of Naughty Dog’s 40th anniversary — players who complete Part II in Chronological mode will unlock two special skins for use in the No Return roguelike survival mode:
- Joel dressed as Nathan Drake
- Tommy dressed as Sam Drake
These skins pay homage to Naughty Dog’s beloved Uncharted series and are a fun bonus for dedicated fans.
Additionally, new trophies have been added specifically for completing the narrative chronologically.
A Technical and Creative Challenge
Bringing The Last of Us Part II’s intricate story into chronological order was no small feat. Naughty Dog credits both their developers and their partners at Nixxes Software for making this seamless mode possible.
In addition to the Chronological mode, today’s update includes bug fixes, performance improvements, and further polish to ensure an optimal experience on both PlayStation and PC.
A Thank You to the Fans
Naughty Dog shared a heartfelt message of gratitude, acknowledging the support from fans during an exciting year that’s included:
- The launch of The Last of Us Part II Remastered on PC
- The Last of Us Complete on PS5
- Weekly reactions to the ongoing television series, season 2
The team describes this moment as a special milestone in the studio’s history, and the Chronological mode is part of their way of giving back to the community.
How to Play
You can download the update today on:
- PS5: Patch 2.1.0
- PC (Steam/Epic Games Store): Patch 1.5
Chronological mode and the new rewards are included in the update at no additional cost.