The Last of Us: Part 1 - is a remake or a remaster? The Last of Us Guide, Walkthrough

On this page of the guide, we list new additions and improvements of The Last of Us Part 1 PS5/PC remaster. All novelties and updates are listed, and we also answer the question of whether this is a remake or a more fleshed-out remaster.

Last update: 06 September 2022

In 2022, The Last of Us series received a new release, called Part I. This page of the guide informs what improvements and additions are offered by this version. We also explain whether The Last of Us Part 1 is a fully-fledged remake .

• TLoU Part 1 - a remaster or a remake?
• Plot
• Graphics and gameplay mechanics
• Multiplayer - does it appear in TLoU Part I?
• Game Editions
• Release date
• Upgrade from The Last of Us Remastered - is it possible?

TLoU Part 1 - a remaster or a remake?

The announcement of The Last of Us Part I caused a lot of controversy in the gaming world. Many players ask the question - is TloU Part I a remake or a more fleshed-out remaster?.

Answer to this question isn't easy. On the one hand, Part I has been created from scratch using a new graphic engine, and offers improvements to controls and some gameplay mechanics. On the other hand, the storyline remains unchanged and the course of the campaign is pretty much the same.

The answer to the question boils down to personal preferences. If having improved graphics and some quality-of-life updates are your priority, you can treat TLoU Part 1 as a remake. If you expected new content and certain improvements to the story, you may feel somewhat disappointed and treat this release as an advanced remaster.

Plot

The Last of Us: Part I doesn't contain any changes to the story compared with the original (i.e. the 2013 PS3 release) version of the game. The story is left unchanged, as well as the order and contents of the individual story chapters. Aside from the standard campaign, Part I supplies the Left Behind DLC, which focuses on Ellie.

Graphics and gameplay mechanics

The list of changes from The Last of Us Part I comprises upgrades to graphics, gameplay mechanics, and controls. Here are the most important ones listed:

1. Part I utlizes a new graphics engine developed by Naughty Dog studio. It was created in order to offer highest graphical quality made possible by PS5 and stronger PCs - the environment is richer in detail, the character and opponent models are more detailed, and there are new effects accompanying the gameplay.
2. Moreover, the main heroes are much more detailed and have better facial expressions. In some cases, they also have been modified a bit. For example, Ellie or Tess look different than in the PS3 and PS4 editions.
3. The Last of Us Part 1 offers two main graphics modes on PS5 - Quality and Performance . Quality makes playing in 4K possible, but the game is framecapped at 30 FPS. Performance offers fluid 60 FPS, at a cost of dynamic resolution which attempts to maintain 4K, but most of the time the actual resolution is lower. The remake also offers support for VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) technology.
4. As is the case with PC releases, the PC version offers numerous graphic customization options, that allow the player to adjust the graphics to their hardware capabilities. Aside from choosing the resolution, you can change the level of detail and other effects.
5. The list of changes also encompass improvements to controls, combat, and exploration . Part I is supposed to deliver an experience similar to the one from The Last of Us: Part 2.
6. When it comes to PS5 edition, you have unique DualSense features, such as adaptive triggers and vibrations.
7. With the new release, Naughty Dog introduced a number of accessibility options, dedicated to players with disabilities.

Multiplayer - does it appear in TLoU Part I?

No, The Last of Us: Part I does not have multiplayer functionalities . Factions or any other multiplayer mode from the base game is not avaialble. The game is limited to singleplayer content.

Fortunately, the lack of multiplayer means that no PS+ subscription is required to explore 100% of the content. This means that a platinum trophy is obtainable without having to enter multiplayer battles.

Game Editions

The PS5 release of The Last of Us: Part 1 comes in two versions:

1. Standard Edition - containing only the game itself (Basic Campaign + Left Behind DLC expansion).
2. Digital Deluxe Edition - this one offers access to certain premium items: 2 perk upgrades, a pistol/rifle upgrade, explosive ammo, Dither Punk filter, speedrunner mode, and 6 weapon skins.

Release date

The PS5 edition of The Last of Us: Part I has been slated for release on September 2, 2022.

The PC edition of TLoU Part I is scheduled for release in 2022, but at the time of writing this guide, the exact date is not known yet.

Upgrade from The Last of Us Remastered - is it possible?

Unfortunately, no, you need to buy The Last of Us Part I for full price to be able to play it on PS5. Owners of the PS3 and PS4 versions have to buy the new edition. TLoU Part 1 is treated as a completely separate product.