The Last of Us Part 2 developer Naughty Dog has surprised fans by releasing a Chronological Experience option that reorders the game's storylines into a linear narrative.
The fresh mode, available as part of a free update today on PC and PlayStation 5, shuffles Part 2's non-linear narrative as a fresh option for season players. Intriguingly, Naughty Dog makes it clear that it sees the new Chronological Exprience option as something extra, rather than a replacement for the game's original storytelling that was "very intentional and core to how our studio wanted Part 2's themes and narrative beats to impact players."
Naughty Dog even goes as far as to say that new players are recommended not to use the Chronological Experience option for their first run through the game, and instead experience Part 2's story in the way it "was originally developed."
Described as a "fascinating new way to enjoy this chapter," the game's new Chronological Experience option comes hot on the heels of The Last of Us TV series' divisive second season, and just days after it was confirmed that franchise creator Neil Druckmann would no longer play a part in the HBO adaptation's future.
"Through the new Chronological mode, we believe players will gain even deeper insight into Part 2's narrative," Naughty Dog's Jonathon Dornbush said today.
"Players will be able to see how Ellie being gifted a guitar flows so neatly into her learning to play, for example, while the journey through Seattle will showcase the fascinating parallels between Ellie and Abby's crisscrossing journeys. You'll see just how close they come into running into each other, how their actions impact each other, and more."
Chronological Mode was worked on by Naughty Dog in collaboration with co-development partner Nixxes, and once completed will award new PlayStation trophies, as well as a couple of bonus outfits.
Today's update adds costumes for Joel dressed as Uncharted hero Nathan Drake and Tommy as, appropriately, his brother Sam Drake. Finally, a smattering of additional bug fixes and performance improvements are also included.
Next up for Naughty Dog, and Neil Druckmann, will be the studio's upcoming sci-fi project Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. The studio is also working on another unannounced game for which Druckmann has "more of a producer role."
Tom Phillips is IGN's News Editor. You can reach Tom at [email protected] or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social
