Current status of The Last of Us
The Last of Us is not over as a franchise, but the main story concluded with The Last of Us Part II in 2020. Naughty Dog has not announced a new numbered mainline game in the series; future projects are likely to be smaller stories or spin-offs set in the same universe. The HBO series extends the narrative beyond the games, but the game series remains on a concluded arc.
What counts as The Last of Us
Core game releases
The core catalog consists of the original PlayStation 3 game The Last of Us (2013), its standalone expansion The Last of Us: Left Behind (2014), and the sequel The Last of Us Part II (2020). A remake of the original launched in 2022 on PlayStation platforms. These titles represent the complete main narrative produced by Naughty Dog.
- The Last of Us (2013) — PlayStation 3
- The Last of Us: Left Behind (2014) — PlayStation 3/PlayStation 4
- The Last of Us Remake (2022) — PlayStation 4/5
- The Last of Us Part II (2020) — PlayStation 4/5
Expansions and remasters explained
Beyond the main entries, the series includes remasters and cross-gen availability. The Last of Us Part I (2022) bundles the remake of the first game with the base game of Part II on PlayStation 5. Earlier collections such as The Last of Us: Legacy Bundle include the original and Left Behind on PlayStation 4, primarily serving players on older hardware.
| Title | Verified release detail | Source type |
|---|---|---|
| The Last of Us (2013) | Original PlayStation 3 launch | Publisher/Developer |
| The Last of Us Remake (2022) | PlayStation 4/5 remake of the original | Official announcement |
| The Last of Us Part II (2020) | Full sequel, story conclusion | Publisher/Developer |
| The Last of Us Part I (2022) | PS5 remaster plus base game of Part II | Official release notes |
| The Last of Us: Left Behind (2014) | Standalone side story | Publisher/Developer |
The HBO series context
The HBO limited series launched in 2023 and covers story set in the games while also introducing new narrative threads. It is not a direct adaptation of any single game and has been renewed for additional seasons. While the show explores new locations and characters, it does not continue the game’s central storyline; it expands the world rather than concluding or reopening the main arc.
Clarifying common confusion
Fans sometimes ask whether unfinished story threads or future projects will continue the games. As of now, there is no announced third numbered mainline entry, and Naughty Dog’s stated focus has shifted to other projects. Rumors or hopes for further stories should be treated as speculation; the completed product lineup consists of the titles above and the HBO series, which approaches the world from a separate angle.
Future outlook and evergreen relevance
While new entertainment products are always possible, the game series’ narrative arc is effectively closed. The Last of Us remains highly relevant through its established world, strong IP value, and ongoing discussion around its themes and craft. For players, the complete experience is available in the released games and the HBO series; for the franchise, the expectation should be incremental or ancillary content rather than a mainline sequel.
Summary comparison at a glance
- Main game story arc: Concluded with Part II (2020)
- Core games: Four primary releases (original, Left Behind, remake, Part II)
- Remasters and bundles: Available on current and previous platforms
- HBO series: Expands the world but does not continue the game narrative
- Future mainline games: None announced; speculation only
The Last of Us is not over as a cultural and commercial property, but the central game story is complete. Expect ongoing support in the form of ports, collections, and the HBO series, with new games limited to spin-offs or remasters unless a new mainline entry is formally announced.