For years, PC gamers have asked, is The Last of Us for PC? The wait is finally over. Naughty Dog’s acclaimed survival game has made its way to the PC platform. This release brings the complete, remastered experience of Joel and Ellie’s harrowing journey to a new audience.
This guide covers everything you need to know. We will look at the game’s content, system requirements, and performance tips. You will also learn how it compares to the console versions and where to get it.
Whether you’re a first-time player or a returning fan, this is your complete resource for the PC edition.
Is The Last Of Us For Pc
The simple answer is yes. “The Last of Us Part I” is now fully available on PC. It is distributed through Steam and the Epic Games Store. This is not a simple port but a full native release built for PC hardware.
It includes the main story campaign and the standalone prequel chapter, “Left Behind.” All the graphical enhancements and gameplay refinements from the PlayStation 5 remake are present. This means you get high-fidelity textures, improved character models, and modernized controls.
The PC version also introduces features unique to the platform. This includes ultrawide monitor support, unlocked framerates, and extensive graphics settings. You can tailor the visual experience to your specific hardware.
What The Pc Version Includes
The PC release is the definitive edition of the original game’s story. Here is a complete breakdown of what you get when you purchase it.
- The full main campaign, with all cutscenes and chapters.
- The “Left Behind” story expansion, which explores Ellie’s past.
- Multiple difficulty settings, including the permadeath Grounded mode.
- Accessibility features like high contrast modes and audio descriptions.
- Director’s commentary from Naughty Dog’s team on specific chapters.
- All gameplay modes, including New Game+ for replaying with upgraded gear.
It’s important to note that this is “Part I,” which is the remake of the first game. The multiplayer “Factions” mode from the original PlayStation 3 release is not included. The sequel, “The Last of Us Part II,” is not yet available on PC at this time.
System Requirements And Performance
To run this visually demanding game, you’ll need a reasonably powerful PC. Naughty Dog and Iron Galaxy (the studio handling the port) have published detailed specifications. Here is what you should aim for.
The minimum specs target 30 FPS performance at 720p with low settings. The recommended specs aim for 60 FPS at 1080p with high settings. Performance can vary significantly based on your exact hardware configuration and driver versions.
Minimum Pc Specifications
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit (Version 1909 or newer)
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 1500X or Intel Core i7-4770K
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 470 (4 GB) or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 (4 GB) or NVIDIA GeForce 1050 Ti (4 GB)
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage: 100 GB available space (SSD recommended)
Recommended Pc Specifications
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit (Version 1909 or newer)
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 3600X or Intel Core i7-8700
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT (8 GB) or NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super (8 GB) or NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 (8 GB)
- DirectX: Version 12
- Storage: 100 GB available space (SSD required)
Using a Solid State Drive (SSD) is strongly encouraged. It drastically reduces loading times and helps with streaming in high-quality assets during gameplay. The initial launch had some performance issues, but numerous patches have improved stability for most users.
Key Features Of The Pc Port
The PC version isn’t just a copy of the console game. It comes with several enhancements that leverage the power and flexibility of a gaming computer. These features are a major reason to consider the PC edition if you have the hardware.
- Unlocked Framerate: Experience smoother gameplay beyond 60 FPS if your monitor supports it.
- Ultrawide Support: The game properly supports 21:9 and 32:9 aspect ratios for a more immersive view.
- NVIDIA DLSS Super Resolution: AI-powered upscaling for higher performance with RTX graphics cards.
- AMD FSR 2.2 Support: An open-source upscaling alternative for a wide range of AMD and NVIDIA GPUs.
- Extensive Graphics Menu: Fine-tune texture quality, shadows, reflections, and ambient occlusion.
- Full Mouse and Keyboard Customization: Remap every control and adjust mouse sensitivity precisely.
- DualSense Controller Features: If you connect a PlayStation 5 controller, you can use haptic feedback and adaptive triggers (via wired connection).
These options give you a lot of control over how the game looks and feels. You can prioritize visual fidelity or performance based on your preferences.
How To Purchase And Install
Getting the game on your PC is a straightforward process. It is available on two major digital storefronts. Follow these steps to buy and install it.
- Open either the Steam client or the Epic Games Store application on your PC.
- Use the search bar within the store and type “The Last of Us Part I”.
- Select the correct game from the search results. Ensure it is the remake titled “Part I”.
- Click “Add to Cart” and proceed through the checkout process.
- After purchase, the game will appear in your library. Click “Install” and choose your preferred drive (an SSD is best).
- Wait for the download and installation to complete. The file size is large, so it may take some time.
- Once installed, you can launch the game directly from your Steam or Epic library.
It’s a good idea to check for updates to your graphics drivers before launching the game for the first time. Both NVIDIA and AMD frequently release driver updates that optimize performance for new titles.
Optimizing Your Gameplay Experience
To get the best balance of visuals and performance, you’ll want to adjust the settings. Here are some practical tips for optimizing “The Last of Us Part I” on your PC.
Start by using the built-in graphics presets. The “High” preset is a good baseline. From there, you can make specific adjustments. A few settings have a big impact on performance.
- Reflection Quality: Setting this to “Medium” or “Low” can boost FPS significantly with little visual loss.
- Shadow Quality: Similar to reflections, high shadows are demanding. “Medium” often provides a good compromise.
- Enable DLSS or FSR: If you have a supported GPU, this is the single best way to improve framerates. Use “Quality” or “Balanced” mode for the best image.
- Texture Quality: Keep this on “High” or “Ultra” if you have a GPU with 8GB or more VRAM. Lowering it can make the world look blurry.
- Volumetric Effects: These are for fog and light shafts. “Medium” is usually sufficient.
Always make changes one at a time and test in a demanding area of the game, like the Boston outskirts. This helps you see the exact impact of each setting. The in-game benchmark tool is also useful for testing.
Comparing Console And Pc Versions
If you own a PlayStation 5, you might wonder how the PC version stacks up. The core content and story are identical. The differences lie in the potential performance and visual ceiling.
The PlayStation 5 version offers two main graphics modes: a 4K 30 FPS Fidelity mode and a 1440p 60 FPS Performance mode. It is a very consistent and polished experience on that hardware.
The PC version, however, removes these ceilings. With powerful enough components, you can run the game at 4K resolution and a framerate higher than 60 FPS. The addition of DLSS and FSR can also make higher resolutions more achievable.
Furthermore, the PC’s support for ultrawide monitors offers a broader field of view that the console versions do not. The level of customization for controls and graphics is also far deeper on PC. For players with high-end systems, the PC version can look and run better than the console counterpart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about The Last of Us on PC.
Is The Last Of Us Part 2 On Pc?
Not yet. As of now, “The Last of Us Part II” remains exclusive to PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles. There has been no official announcement regarding a PC port, but given the release pattern of “Part I,” it remains a possibility for the future.
Can I Transfer My PlayStation Save To Pc?
No, there is no cross-save or progression transfer between PlayStation and PC platforms. Your saves from a PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 will not work on the PC version. You will need to start a new game on PC.
Does The Pc Version Have Mod Support?
The game does not have official mod support from Naughty Dog. The PC files are also encrypted, which makes it difficult for the modding community to create extensive modifications. Some minor tweaks, like reshade presets for color correction, may be possible.
What Is The Best Way To Play With A Controller?
The game has excellent native support for both Xbox and PlayStation controllers. For the best experience, a wired PlayStation 5 DualSense controller will give you access to the advanced haptic features. An Xbox Wireless Controller or other DirectInput controllers will work plug-and-play.
Are There Any Known Issues With The Pc Port?
The launch state of the game was problematic, with reports of shader compilation stutters, crashes, and memory leaks. Most of these severe issues have been addressed through post-launch patches. It is advisable to read recent user reviews on Steam to gauge the current state of performance on hardware similar to yours.
Is It Worth Buying On Pc?
For newcomers to the story, “The Last of Us Part I” on PC is an excellent way to experience this modern classic. It presents the emotional narrative with the best possible visuals and smooth performance, provided your system meets the requirements.
For returning players, the value depends on how much you want the PC-specific features. The ability to play at high framerates or on an ultrawide screen can make the journey feel fresh. The graphical customization also allows you to see the meticulously crafted world in a new light.
The game is a demanding title, so check your PC specs against the recommendations. If you system is up to the task, the PC version stands as a superb way to play one of the greatest stories in video games. The port’s additional features finally give PC players a definitive answer to the long-standing question of availability.