The Last of Us Returns As Unexpected Multiplayer Release Sets 2026 Launch Date

The Last of Us Part II is set to receive an unofficial multiplayer mode later this year, with the developer locking in a September release date.

Unfortunately, The Last of Us Part III is likely many years away, with Naughty Dog yet to even confirm whether it’s making a third and final instalment in the series. Admittedly, it does feel inevitable.

The delay is due to the fact that Naughty Dog spent several wasted years developing a multiplayer spin-off of The Last of Us following Sony’s decision to go all-in on live-service projects.

While those familiar with the project testify to the strength and quality of what was produced for The Last of Us’s online spin-off, the game was ultimately cancelled in 2023 - and this was despite it being 80% content complete.

Committing to the game’s post-launch support would’ve rendered Naughty Dog unable to continue making the single-player games it’s best known for, and that contributed to the multiplayer’s cancellation.

Why someone didn’t come to that realisation sooner, I don’t know.

Like many, I believe Naughty Dog should stick to single-player outings, but that hasn’t stopped fans like myself from mourning or pondering what could’ve been.

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Thankfully, a remedy is on the way as one talented group has been working on a multiplayer mod for The Last of Us Part II over the last few months, and it’s nearing completion.

Revisit Iconic The Last of Us Part 2 Locations In PvP Showdowns

You might have seen modder Speclizer’s work on your social media feed, with the user having dropped plenty of snippets of his The Last of Us Part II multiplayer efforts.

Speclizer has now returned with a 25-minute in-depth look at what their multiplayer mod has to offer, alongside confirmation that the mod will be launching in September 2026.

“This is a multiplayer mod for The Last of Us Part II on PC,” said the video’s opening. “In development since January 2026. Planned release date September 2026.”

Of course, as the mod remains in development, you shouldn’t expect the above gameplay to be perfect with some temporary assets still featured.

It looks as if players will be able to access the multiplayer mod mode from The Last of Us Part II’s regular menu.

This will then bring up the options of “find match”, “map selection”, “gear up”, “options”, “credits”, and “quit”.

The “gear up” page offers a selection of the various weapons featured in the game, including the hunting rifle, pump shotgun, double-barreled shotgun, bow, crossbow, revolver, and more.

Players appear to be able to select a primary and secondary weapon.

After finding a match, Speclizer loaded into a “supply raid” round alongside a friend, which placed 20 Seraphites against 20 WLF soldiers.

It looks as if the duo were on opposing teams, so I’m going to assume in the final product, the entirety of both cohorts will be composed of players rather than NPCs.

If you’re killed, you’ll seemingly respawn a few seconds later. It’s not specified whether there’s any limit on respawning.

Speclizer hasn’t yet outlined the full selection of maps, but one of the example matches included in the video appears to be set in the popular Hillcrest chapter of the game.

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Needless to say, fans are hyped.

“This is the coolest thing happening in TLOU right now,” read one comment on the gameplay deep dive.

“The fact this is nearly playable to release is one heck of an accomplishment,” added another.

“This is absolutely incredible. I say it every update, but sincerely,” remarked another fan.

Console players won’t be able to join in, sadly, with the mod obviously being PC only.

There’s also no word on whether it’ll be free or if it’ll be located behind Speclizer’s usual Patreon paywall.

Either way, the fact that The Last of Us Part II is getting a multiplayer mode this year - even if unofficial - is a plot twist no one saw coming.