The Last of Us Part II Remastered gets a free and new chronological mode

Naughty Dog has delivered a surprise update to The Last of Us Part II Remastered, offering fans a fresh way to experience one of the most emotionally complex and critically acclaimed narratives in modern gaming. Released as a free update for both PlayStation 5 and PC players, this new feature introduces a Chronological Mode that completely reshapes the game’s structure.

For those familiar with the original release, The Last of Us Part II tells its story through a fragmented timeline, weaving back and forth between past and present, and shifting perspectives between characters like Ellie and Abby. This approach, while praised for its bold storytelling choices, has also sparked debate among fans regarding its impact on narrative clarity. With this new mode, Naughty Dog removes the time jumps entirely, allowing players to experience the story in a straightforward, linear fashion from beginning to end.

In a blog post announcing the update, Naughty Dog acknowledged that the original structure was a deliberate creative decision, designed to enhance emotional resonance and thematic depth. However, the studio expressed curiosity about how the story would be received when presented in chronological order. According to the developers, this alternate version could provide players—particularly those returning for another playthrough—with deeper insights into the narrative arcs and character development.

"Through the new Chronological Mode, we believe players will gain even deeper insight into Part II’s narrative," the studio wrote. "Players will be able to see how Ellie being gifted a guitar flows so neatly into her learning to play, for example. And the journey through Seattle will highlight the fascinating parallels between Ellie and Abby’s intertwined paths—how their choices ripple into each other’s lives in subtle but significant ways."

The update is a collaborative effort between Naughty Dog and Nixxes, the latter known for its expertise in PC ports. Together, the teams have not only restructured the gameplay timeline but also introduced new incentives to encourage exploration of this feature. Players who complete the game in Chronological Mode will unlock two special character skins in the No Return survival mode: Joel dressed as Nathan Drake and Tommy as Sam Drake—an affectionate nod to Naughty Dog’s other iconic franchise, Uncharted.

While the mode is available to everyone, Naughty Dog recommends that first-time players experience the game as originally intended, using the non-linear format that aligns with the creators' vision. For returning players, however, Chronological Mode offers a fresh lens on a familiar story, encouraging renewed engagement with the characters and their motivations.

Beyond the restructured narrative, the update also includes quality-of-life improvements, bug fixes, and a set of new achievements that further enhance the replayability of the remastered edition. These additions ensure that both console and PC players can enjoy a smoother, more rewarding gameplay experience.

The update is now available for The Last of Us Part II Remastered on PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. As the gaming community revisits this emotionally charged title, the new Chronological Mode promises to spark renewed discussions about storytelling in video games and how structure shapes player empathy and understanding.

With this latest update, Naughty Dog continues to demonstrate its commitment to evolving the player experience—not just through visual fidelity or technical improvements, but by reimagining how a story can be told. Whether you're diving in for the first time or returning for another journey through a devastated world full of loss, love, and moral ambiguity, The Last of Us Part II Remastered now offers a compelling new way to engage with one of the most powerful narratives in gaming.