While the first *The Last of Us* ended with an ambiguous conclusion, it didn’t necessarily demand a sequel. However, Neil Druckmann and the team at Naughty Dog saw more stories to tell within that post-apocalyptic world, leading to the equally acclaimed *The Last of Us Part 2*. However, unlike its predecessor, the sequel left numerous unanswered questions, hinting at the need for at least one more installment. Initially, the team focused on a multiplayer spinoff titled *The Last of Us Online*, but this project has since been abandoned, shifting the focus back to single-player experiences. One of these projects is indeed *The Last of Us Part 3*. While initially ambiguous, it’s now confirmed that a third chapter is in development, but what other information have we gleaned so far?
Release Date Window
Although we know *The Last of Us Part 3* is in the works, we lack any concrete information on its progress or release date. Given Naughty Dog’s meticulous approach to game development and their dedication to polishing every detail, it’s possible we won’t see *The Last of Us Part 3* before 2027 or even later.
Platforms
The only certainty we have is that *The Last of Us Part 3* will launch on PlayStation platforms, specifically the PS5. Unless development takes so long that a new generation of consoles emerges, and the team decides not to make it cross-generational, you can expect to play it on your PS5. Considering both previous games eventually made their way to PC, *The Last of Us Part 3* will likely follow suit. The previous games took over a year to arrive on PC, and while this timeframe may change by the time the third game launches, it’s safe to assume PC players will have to wait at least a year before experiencing the game on their platform.
Trailers
As of now, there are no trailers, screenshots, or even concept art for *The Last of Us Part 3*. The only hints about its existence come from the most high-level statements. The first mention of Naughty Dog working on single-player projects came with their statement on the cancellation of *The Last of Us Online*, where they declared, “We have more than one ambitious, brand new single-player game that we’re working on here at Naughty Dog, and we cannot wait to share more about what comes next when we’re ready.” With the release of *The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered*, we also got the making-of documentary *Grounded 2*. At the very end, Druckmann spoke about a potential third entry, stating, “I’ve been thinking about, ‘Is there a concept there?’ And for now years, I haven’t been able to find that concept. But recently, that’s changed. I don’t have a story, but I do have that concept that, to me, is as exciting as I, as exciting as II, is its own thing, yet has this throughline for all three. So it does feel like there’s probably one more chapter to this story.”
Gameplay
Both *The Last of Us* games share a similar gameplay style, blending stealth-action with limited resources and light horror elements. We can anticipate the third game to build upon this foundation, introducing new weapons, enemies, and mechanics, much like the sequel evolved upon the first game.
Preorder
*The Last of Us Part 3* is barely announced, let alone deep in development. It could be a very long time before we see it, so preorders are still a distant prospect.
