When The Last of Us Part II first released on PlayStation 4 in 2020, it sparked both critical acclaim and widespread debate. Now, five years later, the Remastered edition arrives on PC, following in the footsteps of the first game’s eventual port. With updated visuals, deeper content, and robust technical enhancements, the game finally reaches a broader audience—one that’s eager to experience its haunting world and emotionally charged narrative.
More importantly, The Last of Us Part II Remastered on PC answers a critical question: can a console-centric masterpiece make a graceful leap to keyboard, mouse, and high-end rigs?
Performance and Optimization
One of the most notable aspects of the PC release is how competently it handles the technical transition. Built in collaboration with Nixxes Software and Iron Galaxy—two studios with experience in high-profile PC conversions—Part II Remastered avoids many of the issues that plagued the original PC port of its predecessor.
Performance is consistently solid across mid-to-high range systems. On a test setup with a Ryzen 5 3600, 32GB of RAM, and an AMD RX 6800, the game held steady around 65 FPS at 1440p on high settings, without the need for upscaling. AMD FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) is smartly implemented, allowing for even smoother performance at higher resolutions, and the unlocked framerate ensures scalability for powerful hardware. Support for ultra-wide monitors (including 32:9 and 48:9 formats), customizable graphics settings, and dual-stick or keyboard configurations makes this one of the best-optimized PlayStation-to-PC ports yet.
Shader compilation stutter is present during the first 10–15 minutes, but it’s brief and resolves as the game progresses. However, the game remains CPU-intensive, meaning lower-end processors may struggle to maintain consistent performance, even with powerful GPUs.
Visual and Audio Enhancements
Visually, this is the definitive version of The Last of Us Part II. Enhanced textures, improved draw distances, upgraded lighting models, and ray-traced reflections make an already stunning game look even more cinematic. Environmental storytelling benefits significantly from the bump in fidelity—abandoned Seattle never looked more desolate.
Audio is equally refined. The haunting score by Gustavo Santaolalla and Mac Quayle’s ambient compositions are preserved in full quality, while directional audio support and expanded options for surround and spatial formats are now included.
Players using a DualSense controller on PC will appreciate full support for haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, delivering an experience nearly identical to the PlayStation 5 version.
Gameplay and New Additions
At its core, The Last of Us Part II Remastered remains the same tense, character-driven action-adventure that polarized and impressed in equal measure. The blend of stealth, survival horror, and visceral third-person combat remains intact—and still impresses.
What’s new is the “No Return” mode: a roguelike survival experience that pushes players into procedurally generated combat scenarios using a wide roster of characters, including Ellie, Abby, Joel, and others. Each character features unique abilities and perks, adding replayability and challenge outside the main campaign.
Additionally, the “Lost Levels”—a collection of unfinished but playable concept stages—are included for those interested in behind-the-scenes storytelling. While they’re not polished or canon, they offer fascinating insight into Naughty Dog’s creative process.
Story and Themes
Narratively, Part II remains one of the most ambitious and emotionally raw video games ever made. The decision to split the game between Ellie and Abby—two characters on opposite sides of a violent act—remains bold. The story is harrowing, occasionally punishing, and emotionally demanding, but it’s also deeply human and nuanced. Themes of revenge, grief, trauma, and forgiveness are woven into every chapter.
Whether you consider it a masterpiece or a misstep, it is undeniably powerful—and now, more accessible than ever.
Accessibility and Settings
Building on the gold standard set by the PlayStation version, the PC port brings forward an expansive suite of accessibility options. From text-to-speech and high-contrast modes to customizable difficulty levels and control remapping, this remains one of the most inclusive AAA games available.
Final Verdict: 9/10
The Last of Us Part II Remastered for PC is more than just a competent port—it’s the definitive way to experience one of the most emotionally charged games of the last decade. With robust optimization, expanded content, and all the bells and whistles modern PC gamers expect, Naughty Dog and its partners have delivered a remaster that respects the source while embracing the platform’s strengths. For those revisiting it: the additions are meaningful. For those playing for the first time: you’re in for a gripping, challenging, and unforgettable ride.
