Both TLoU remasters feature graphical improvements, but do they offer more than just a polished look? The Last of Us Part 1 is the award-winning remake of the 2013 game, following Joel and Ellie traversing a post-apocalyptic world overrun by the Cordyceps fungus.
The Last of Us Part II is an enhanced edition of the 2020 title, unraveling the following chapters of Ellie’s story in this brutal reality. You might think these similar remakes of two sister games would offer identical improvements, but that’s not the situation with the TLoU series. So, how do they differ, and which one is better? Let’s see!
| Feature | The Last of Us Part I Remake | The Last of Us Part II Remastered |
|---|---|---|
| Story | Introduces Joel and Ellie’s story in a post-apocalyptic world. | Continues Ellie’s journey with deeper emotional storytelling. |
| Gameplay | Improved AI, combat, and exploration. New modes: Permadeath, Speedrun. | New modes: No Return, Speedrun, Guitar Free Mode, Lost Levels. |
| Campaign Length | 14.5-24 hours depending on playstyle. | 23-42.5 hours depending on playstyle. |
| Reception | Praised on PS5; PC version faced performance issues at launch. | Acclaimed for technical improvements and additional content. |
| Overall | Faithful remake with graphical and minor gameplay upgrades. | Ambitious remaster with more modes, maps, and features. |
Story
In terms of the scenario, both video games represent the same masterful narrative level, full of surprising plot twists and heartbreaking events. Both stories don’t differ from their originals, following the fascinating tale of young Ellie growing up in a post-apocalyptic reality. Since Part II is a continuation of Part I, it extends her and her friends’ adventures.
Gameplay
In this category, both titles experienced tremendous improvements for the better. In the case of The Last of Us Part I, players can expect significantly improved AI, combat, and exploration compared to what the original had to offer.
The title also introduces new game modes – Permadeath and Speedrun. There are new skins for playable characters, more accessibility options, an improved photo mode, and an adjustable difficulty level. Overall, the experience feels more challenging and rewarding at the same time. All these advancements pale compared to the wide range of improvements introduced in TLoU Part II Remastered.
The title adds new gameplay modes, like No Return, Speedrun, Guitar Free Mode, and Lost Levels. Each allows for a deeper understanding of The Last of Us universe and its development process. Furthermore, No Return guarantees many hours of extra fun since players can enjoy a roguelike confrontation with hordes of the undead playing as twelve of their favorite characters.
There are also four new maps, more trophies, an expanded array of accessibility features, and unlockable content.
Campaign Length
According to howlongtobeat.com, both games feature dramatically different campaign lengths. Here’s what you can expect when playing each:
The Last of Us Part I
- Main Plot – 14,5h
- Main Sides – 17,5h
- Completionist – 24h
The Last of Us Part II Remaster
- Main Plot – 23h
- Main Sides – 27,5h
- Completionist – 42,5
Reception
The Last of Us Part I on PlayStation 5 earned generally favorable reviews on Metacritic thanks to its updated facial animations, refreshed graphics, more accessibility options, and unpredictable AI.
Unfortunately, the PC version initially received less praise due to poor optimization, performance issues, and high system requirements. It also didn’t help that reviewers didn’t get a copy of the game before the title’s official release. Naughty Dog eventually focused on fixing these issues, but the game remains in fans’ memory for its not-so-great first impression.
While many players and journalists wondered if TLoU II needed a remaster, the improved game version on PlayStation 5 and PC met with epic enthusiasm. The PS5 version earned an impressive universal acclaim score on Metacritic, while the PC alternative (released on April 3, 2025) is currently gathering hundreds of very positive reviews on Steam.
Many players praise it as a far superior PC port than TLoU Part 1, enriching the familiar experience with clever technical solutions, peak storytelling, stunning visuals, and captivating gameplay modes.
TLoU 1 vs TLoU2 – Conclusion
While TLoU Part 1 on PlayStation made players fall in love with the universe anew, the PC version encountered initial issues that cooled the fans’ ardor. Unlike Part II, it didn’t introduce as many revolutionary and exciting changes, focusing mainly on graphical improvements.
TLoU Part II Remaster (in both versions) proves the developers took the players’ feedback to heart to release a truly finished game on each of the two launch dates. Is it better than Part I? Yes. Should you ignore Part I and only play Part II? Absolutely not.
Both titles create one phenomenal whole, unraveling a believable world of a human civilization battling unimaginable threats in an intensely terrifying reality. Ultimately, both games differ only slightly, offering an equally superb experience!
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