The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered is almost here, bringing a graphical upgrade and a bunch more features to one of the finest and most controversial games of the last decade. Unlike with the remake of the original game, Naughty Dog is offering those who bought the PS4 version of TLOU Part 2 a $10 upgrade path on PlayStation 5. Here’s how to get the latest version when it drops on January 19.
How To Upgrade To ‘TLOU Part 2 Remastered’ On PS5
There’s one key difference for those who have a physical copy of The Last of Us Part 2 for PS4 compared with the digital version: you’ll need to have that disc in your PS5 whenever you want to play the remaster. Other than that, the upgrade path is identical.
To upgrade to the remaster, you’ll likely need to wait until after midnight on January 19 in your territory. Then, navigate to the game’s hub page on your PS5. If you bought the PS4 digital version and you don’t currently have it installed, you’ll be able to find the game in your library.
Once you’re on the hub page, you should see an option to upgrade to The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered for $10. If you don’t see the upgrade option right away, check the menu behind the three-dot button to see if it’s there.
If you don’t already own The Last of Us Part 2 on PS4 — or you have a physical copy and a digital-only PS5 — you can buy the remaster outright for $50.
What’s New In ‘TLOU Part 2’ Remastered?
The biggest feature Naughty Dog has added to The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered is a roguelike mode called No Return. Along with Ellie, Joel and Abby, you’ll be able to pick from a bunch of different characters from the game that you were previously unable play as. You’ll battle against waves of enemies and bosses in randomized encounters.
I have some fundamental concerns with this mode given how it clashes against the entire point of the core game’s story. I’m looking forward to trying No Return (which has been garnering positive reviews), but I suppose I’ll need to switch part of my brain off to fully enjoy it.
Elsewhere, Naughty Dog is taking full advantage of the DualSense’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers this time around. Another new mode called Lost Levels will let you check out some parts of the game that didn’t make the final cut. There’s also optional audio commentary from some of the game’s key creatives during cutscenes, some new skins for the playable characters and the option to play the in-game guitar (or banjo) whenever you like.
From all the reviews I’ve been reading, this very much seems like the definitive version of one of the best games I’ve played in a long time. No Return alone seems worth the $10 upgrade, and it’s great that Naughty Dog and Sony are lowering the barrier to entry — even if this seems like a questionable time to release a new version of this baggage-laden classic given current events.
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