The Last of Us Part II Remastered is launching later this week on January 19, and Naughty Dog has shared more information about the game’s new features. Owners of The Last of Us Part II can upgrade to the remastered version for just $10 when the game launches. If you own the physical version of the game, you’ll have to insert the disc into the console to download and play the digital version of The Last of Us Part II Remastered. Players will be able to import existing saves from the original PlayStation 4 game and existing Trophy progress will migrate over.
What is likely the biggest addition to the remastered version is the new single-player roguelike survival game mode called No Return. It comes with its own set of trophies and features a roster of 10 characters, many of which were never before playable in The Last of Us. In addition, players can create custom runs and compete in leaderboards using their Daily Run scores.
The Guitar Free Play mode is another major addition, allowing players to immerse themselves fully in the guitar-playing minigame. The expanded mode includes Joel, Ellie, and The Last of Us composer, Gustavo Santaolalla, along with the choice to strum on the guitar, banjo, and steel resonator.
Naughty Dog has also expanded on the game’s suite of accessibility features, including Speech to Vibrations and Cinematic Descriptions, which were originally seen in The Last of Us Part I. Speedrun Mode is now included in The Last of Us Part II Remastered, along with enhancements like dynamic lighting, Frame Forward, Gaze Direction, and new frame and logo options in Photo Mode, also usable in No Return.
For the most die-hard fans, hours of new developer commentary has been added to cinematics from Neil Druckmann, Halley Gross, Laura Bailey, Troy Baker, Ashley Johnson, and Shannon Woodward. In addition, there are three Lost Levels that show early-development slices of levels that didn’t make it into the final game. At a later date, Grounded II: Making The Last of Us Part II will be released as a post-launch addition. The sequel to the original Grounded documentary for The Last of Us will also be available to watch online.
