You’ve seen the show. Maybe you even own the old PS4 discs gathering dust in a drawer. But if you’re looking at your PlayStation 5 The Last of Us options today, it's honestly a bit of a mess. Sony has released so many versions of these games that even die-hard fans get a headache trying to figure out which one is the "real" next-gen experience.
There is a massive difference between playing a "remastered" game through backward compatibility and playing a game built from the ground up for the PS5's hardware.
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Basically, we're talking about two very different beasts here. You have The Last of Us Part I—the remake of the 2013 classic—and The Last of Us Part II Remastered. Both are excellent, but they serve different purposes for your console.
The Part I Remake: Is it Just a Cash Grab?
Most people assume The Last of Us Part I is just the PS4 Remaster with a higher price tag. It’s not. Naughty Dog basically took the entire original game and rebuilt it using the engine from the second game.
Think about the faces. In the old version, Joel and Ellie looked a bit like high-quality action figures. In the PS5 version, you can see the actual micro-expressions. When Joel’s voice cracks, his eyes actually well up. It’s a level of fidelity that actually changes how the story feels.
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What You're Actually Getting
The jump to the PS5 hardware wasn't just about making things "shinier." It was about the DualSense. If you haven't played it with the haptic feedback turned up, you're missing out. You feel the tension in the bowstring. You feel the pitter-patter of rain through the controller grips.
Also, loading screens? Gone.
On the PS4, you could go make a sandwich while the game loaded a new chapter. On the PlayStation 5 The Last of Us Part I, you hit "Continue" and you're in the world in about five seconds. It makes the experience seamless in a way the original never could be.
The Part II Remastered Situation
Now, Part II Remastered is a different story. This isn't a remake because the original 2020 game already looked incredible. This version is more of a "Director’s Cut."
The big draw here isn't just the 4K resolution or the 60fps (which, let’s be real, should be the standard by now). It’s the "No Return" mode. It's a roguelike survival mode that is surprisingly addictive. You play as characters like Lev, Yara, or even Tommy, fighting through randomized encounters. It’s brutal. It’s fast. It’s everything the main story isn't: pure, unadulterated gameplay.
The PS5 Pro Factor
If you’ve managed to snag a PS5 Pro, both games got a stealthy update. Sony’s new PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution) upscaling makes the 60fps performance mode look almost as sharp as the 30fps fidelity mode. If you’re playing on a massive 4K OLED, the difference in foliage clarity is actually wild. No more shimmering grass or blurry textures in the distance.
Why Does This Still Matter in 2026?
We’re deep into the console’s lifecycle now. With The Last of Us Season 2 and 3 on HBO creating a whole new wave of fans, these games are more relevant than ever.
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Honestly, the "Part II" story is still divisive. Some people hate the narrative choices; others think it’s the greatest piece of media ever made. But on a technical level? No one is arguing. It is the gold standard for what the PS5 can do.
The AI is the real star. Enemies in the PS5 versions don't just stand there. They flank you. They call out to each other by name. They react when you kill their dog. It’s uncomfortable, but it’s immersive in a way few other games manage.
Making the Right Choice for Your Setup
If you’re sitting there wondering which one to buy first, here is the reality:
- If you have the PS4 disc of Part II: Don't buy the full game again. There is a $10 upgrade path to the Remastered version on the PlayStation Store. It’s the best ten bucks you’ll spend this year.
- If you've never played the first game: Get the PS5 Part I Remake. Do not settle for the "Remastered" PS4 version that comes for free with some subscriptions. The visual gap is too big to ignore.
- Check your TV settings: If your TV supports VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), make sure it’s on. Both games have "Unlocked Framerate" options that can push past 60fps, making the combat feel incredibly fluid.
The Future: Part III and Beyond
Naughty Dog has been quiet lately, but we know The Last of Us Part III is on the horizon. Neil Druckmann has hinted at a "concept" being ready. Until then, the PS5 versions of the current games are the definitive way to experience this world.
The PlayStation 5 The Last of Us experience isn't just about better graphics. It's about a lack of friction. It's about feeling the world through the controller and seeing the characters look like actual human beings.
If you're jumping back in, start by checking your library for that $10 upgrade on Part II—it's the easiest way to see what your console is actually capable of doing. Then, head into the settings and toggle on "High Framerate Mode" if your display allows it; the difference in response time during those intense clicker encounters is literally a life-saver.