New Update Lets You Play The Last of Us Part II in Chronological Order
Naughty Dog has surprised fans with a major update for The Last of Us Part II Remastered , introducing a new Chronological Mode that completely changes how players experience the game’s story.
Originally known for its non-linear narrative, which shifts between characters and timelines, the game now offers an option to play through the entire story in a linear sequence — from beginning to end, without time jumps.
This change wasn’t made to replace the original vision but rather to offer a fresh perspective on the game’s complex storytelling.
What Is Chronological Mode?
As the name suggests, this new mode restructures the events of The Last of Us Part II into a chronological order , removing all flashbacks and character switches that were part of the original release.
In a blog post announcing the update, Naughty Dog explained that while the original structure was a deliberate creative choice, they were curious to see how the story would unfold when told in a more traditional way.
According to the developers, playing through the game in this new format can reveal subtle connections and emotional beats that might have been less noticeable before — like how Ellie receiving a guitar leads directly into her learning to play it, or how her journey in Seattle closely mirrors Abby’s experiences.
A Fresh Look at Ellie and Abby’s Journeys
One of the most interesting aspects of Chronological Mode is how it highlights the intersections between Ellie and Abby’s paths .
Players will get to see just how close the two characters come to crossing paths, and how their actions affect each other throughout the game. It’s a unique opportunity for both returning players and newcomers to explore the story from a different angle.
While Naughty Dog still recommends that first-time players stick to the original non-linear version, this new mode is a great way for veterans to revisit the world and uncover new layers of meaning in the narrative.
Developer Collaboration & Platform Availability
The update was developed as a collaboration between Naughty Dog and Nixxes Software , the same team behind the PC port of the game.
Now available on PlayStation 5 and PC (via Steam and Epic Games Store) , the update includes:
- Bug fixes and performance improvements
- New achievements tied to Chronological Mode
- Exclusive cosmetic rewards for completing the game in this new mode
Completing Chronological Mode unlocks two special skins inspired by the Uncharted series: Joel dressed as Nathan Drake , and Tommy as Sam Drake from Uncharted: Golden Abyss . These skins can be used in the game’s No Return survival mode.
Final Thoughts
With this surprise update, Naughty Dog proves that even years after launch, The Last of Us Part II remains a living, evolving experience.
Whether you’re revisiting the game or diving in for the first time, Chronological Mode adds a compelling new dimension to a story already praised for its depth and emotional impact.
So if you’ve ever wanted to see how the pieces fit together differently, now’s your chance.
🎮 Available now on PS5 and PC.