The Last of Us Part II: Surprise Free DLC Adds a New Game Mode That Changes Everything — Out Now
Get ready to rediscover The Last of Us Part II from an entirely new perspective! A free update has arrived, promising to transform your experience by offering a fresh way to explore one of gaming’s most unforgettable stories.
While fans were eagerly awaiting updates on season 3 of the HBO series, a potential third game, or even a DLC focusing on Tommy, Naughty Dog surprised everyone by introducing a brand-new free game mode. With this new addition, the California-based studio invites fans to dive even deeper into the already iconic story of Ellie and Abby.
Image credit: Naughty Dog
A free update worth celebrating
Available now, the free update v2.1.0 (PS5) and v1.5 (PC) radically changes how you can experience The Last of Us Part II. It introduces a brand-new Chronological Mode, offering a completely reimagined way to play through the story, presenting events exactly in the order they happen. Gone are the flashbacks and time jumps: here, each moment flows naturally into the next, revealing the subtle connections between Ellie’s and Abby’s journeys.
Experience The Last of Us Part II in a whole new way with Chronological mode, a rearranged version of the game that lets you play the story in chronological order. 🕙
Available now with The Last of Us Part II Remastered via Patch v2.1.0 (PS5)*† and Patch v1.5 (PC)*. Learn more… pic.twitter.com/wVoMSUo5SW — Naughty Dog (@Naughty_Dog) July 8, 2025
Naughty Dog explained that the original non-linear structure was designed to maximize narrative impact, but they had always been curious to see how the story would feel played linearly. Now, players finally have that chance!
For example, players can now experience the seamless transition from Ellie receiving her guitar to her first chords, or all those tense moments in Seattle where Ellie and Abby almost cross paths without ever actually meeting. It’s a golden opportunity to better understand the emotional and psychological consequences of each character’s choices.
Rewards waiting for you
Finishing this Chronological Mode isn’t just a narrative treat — it also lets you unlock exclusive skins and new trophies. Fans of Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End will be thrilled to know that Joel can now wear Nathan Drake’s iconic outfit, while Tommy can slip into Sam Drake’s gear. These outfits will be available in No Return mode, adding even more fun and nods to Naughty Dog’s legendary franchises.
This surprise update is part of the celebration of Naughty Dog’s 40th anniversary, a studio that has never stopped surprising and innovating. With this patch, players can rediscover The Last of Us Part II from a new angle while collecting new trophies and exclusive cosmetics. So, are you ready to dive back in? Get ready to feel every moment and every emotion as if it were your first time all over again.
