Naughty Dog has just dropped a surprise free update for The Last of Us Part II Remastered, introducing the much-requested Chronological Experience mode — a brand-new way to experience the narrative in true timeline order. Now available on PlayStation 5 and PC, this feature is part of a wider update that also includes bonus content and gameplay tweaks. You can read the official announcement on the PlayStation Blog or preview the feature in action via this short video.
🧠 What Is Chronological Experience Mode?
When The Last of Us Part II first launched in 2020, it garnered attention for its non-linear storytelling — jumping across time periods and shifting between Ellie and Abby’s points of view. While this approach amplified the emotional and thematic weight of the story, it also divided audiences.
Some players embraced the narrative complexity. Others found the fragmented structure challenging to follow. Now, with the Chronological Experience mode, Naughty Dog lets players experience the game from start to finish in timeline order.
That means:
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Joel gifting Ellie her guitar now happens before she plays it.
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Seattle sequences follow logical progression between Ellie and Abby.
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Flashbacks are woven into the main narrative without abrupt temporal jumps.
This linear retelling is ideal for fans who want to revisit the story with fresh perspective — or for newcomers looking for a clearer, more traditional narrative flow.
🆓 What Else Is Included in the Update?
Alongside the new mode, the update also includes:
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Bonus content additions
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Gameplay balance adjustments
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Bug fixes and performance improvements
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Developer notes and community insights (PlayStation Blog)
🎮 Why It Matters
The addition of Chronological Experience mode signals Naughty Dog’s commitment to evolving its storytelling while giving players more control over how they engage with the game. It’s a meaningful update that reshapes how players connect with the journey of Ellie, Joel, Abby, and the broader cast.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan replaying the game or a new player diving into the world of The Last of Us Part II for the first time, this update offers a compelling new way to walk the path — step by step, from beginning to end.
🕹️ Ready to Play the Timeline Straight?
The Chronological Experience mode is available now as a free update for The Last of Us Part II Remastered on PS5 and PC. Revisit one of gaming’s most powerful stories — this time, in order.