Since it first began back in 2013, The Last of Us has gone on to become one of the most successful and well-loved video game franchises of all time. Going on to inspire a live-action HBO television show, as well as an award-winning sequel and too many remasters, the Naughty Dog series, which takes us across a zombie-infected, post-apocalyptic America, is loved by millions of fans.
So it is perhaps no surprise that said fans are eager to see if The Last of Us franchise is set to continue with The Last of Us Part III, and with Naughty Dog head Neil Druckmann giving slightly mixed messages over the years, we are still none the wiser as to the answer.
Previously stating that “this could be it” in regards to The Last of Us Part II being the finale of the franchise, Druckmann also surprised fans back in 2024 with a comment he made during the Grounded II: Making The Last of Us Part II documentary.
“I’ve been thinking, “is there a concept there?” And, for years, I haven’t been able to find that concept, but recently, that has changed. I don’t have a story, but I do have that concept,” he said. “To me, it’s as exciting as [The Last of Us Part 1] and [The Last of Us Part II], it is its own thing, and it has this “through line” for all three. And so it does feel like there is probably one more chapter to the story”.
However, since this update, there have been no official comments about The Last of Us Part III, but a recent insider report claims that a third installment is indeed in development, and is set to launch after the release of both Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet and Uncharted 5.
The “trusted insider” here is “Insider Alir”, so it is worth taking with a pinch of salt as it is about as credible as my uncle who works at Naughty Dog. Not only has the studio not confirmed The Last of Us Part III, but it has also not shed any light on the future of the Uncharted franchise, let alone confirming Uncharted 5. With Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet being the only confirmed title to be in development at Naughty Dog at this time, the rest is merely speculation.
Nevertheless, the news from “trusted insider” broke over on r/naughtydog earlier this year, and fans of The Last of Us franchise were quick to share their thoughts on its potential. “I will inhale the hopium until I burst,” one hopeful user shared. However, another was feeling less forgiving, adding, “It was an egregious decision to not immediately prioritize the development of Last of Us 3. It’s one of the few major franchises that gamers constantly mention, and Part Two was a masterpiece of storytelling. The 2023 HBO show only increased its popularity.
The story needs to be concluded with Abby reaching the Fireflies and helping formulate a cure. And in my opinion, Ellie needs to learn Joel was correct in his decision. Ellie needs to learn that she’s not 1 in 8 billion chance of being immune. The fireflies harvested many others like her and the cures all failed up to that point.”
This is a fair point as there are plenty of avenues that a potential The Last of Us Part III could explore. However, at the time of writing, a third installment has not been confirmed by Naughty Dog, and so we sit and wait to see if Ellie’s story will ever be continued.
- Released
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June 14, 2013
- ESRB
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M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language
- Publisher(s)
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Sony
- Engine
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Proprietary (overall), Havok (physics)
- Multiplayer
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Online Multiplayer
- Cross-Platform Play
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No, The Last of Us Part 1 does not have crossplay
- Cross Save
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no
- Expansions
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The Last of Us: Left Behind