Does The Last of Us Part II have better graphics?
Compared with the original 2013 The Last of Us, Part II (2020) has clearly better graphics: more detailed characters and faces, better lighting, denser environments and more realistic animation. The comparison gets closer with The Last of Us Part I (2022), a full remake of the first game built with Part II's technology, which many players think matches or even edges it. On PS5 and PC, The Last of Us Part II Remastered adds higher resolution, better textures and higher frame rates.
Versions compared
| Version | Platform | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| The Last of Us (2013) / Remastered (2014) | PS3 / PS4 | Strong for its time, clearly older-looking today |
| The Last of Us Part II (2020) | PS4 | Major jump in animation, faces and lighting |
| Part II with PS5 patch | PS5 | Same game at up to 60 fps with improved resolution |
| The Last of Us Part I (2022) | PS5, PC | Remake of the first game on Part II-level tech |
| Part II Remastered (2024) | PS5, later PC | Higher resolution, better textures and shadows, faster loading, roguelike No Return mode |
Where Part II stands out
- Facial animation and performance capture, especially in quiet story scenes.
- Lighting and atmosphere, from overgrown Seattle to rainy nights.
- Environmental detail: destructible glass, vegetation, rope and water physics.
Is the PS5 version worth it?
If you own the PS4 version, an upgrade to Remastered is available at a reduced price. It's worth it if you want the best visuals, faster loading, DualSense haptics and the No Return mode. The free PS5 patch for the PS4 disc already gives a big smoothness boost.
For other console games praised for their visuals, see which console games have the best graphics.
FAQ
Which Last of Us has the best graphics?
Part I (the 2022 remake) and Part II Remastered are the best-looking versions; they use similar technology.
Is The Last of Us Part II the most realistic game?
It's often named among the most realistic-looking games, especially for animation, alongside titles like Red Dead Redemption 2.
Will there be a Last of Us Part III?
Naughty Dog hasn't officially announced one; the studio's next announced game is Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.
Why is the TV show set in 2003?
The HBO series moved the outbreak to 2003 from the game's 2013 so the main story could take place around the time of the show's release.