“The Last of Us” is one of the most celebrated video game franchises of all time, but it’s been many years since we saw a new game in the iconic series. While Naughty Dog and Sony have remade and remastered both “The Last of Us Part 1” and “The Last of Us Part 2” in recent years, the third game in the series has been a long work in progress. Fortunately, it’s confirmed by Naughty Dog itself that “The Last of Us Part 3” is in development. However, given that it’ll likely take years until that game is released, you’ll need something else to tide you over until that day comes.
Few games can truly capture the emotional storytelling and gripping gameplay that “The Last of Us” series offers, but there are some that offer different elements of what makes the franchise great. From the zombie apocalypse setting to the tight and linear exploration to the narrative-driven dialogue, other games deliver on these fronts in spades. If you’re looking to dive into some of these games before “The Last of Us Part 3,” you can see them in the list below.
What better way to pass the time before a new “The Last of Us” than returning to one of Naughty Dog’s other most popular video games? While you could choose to play through the entire “Uncharted” series, the fourth game, “A Thief’s End,” is regarded as one of the best action-adventure games ever. You might miss some context and lore by playing through the fourth game as your entry into the franchise, but it’s a highly enjoyable experience regardless of whether or not you’ve stepped into the shoes of Nathan Drake before.
“Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End” concludes Nathan Drake’s story, and it follows the main character, along with his family and sidekick, through tons of incredible and historical locations across the globe. Like “The Last of Us,” “Uncharted” is a third-person action-adventure game that puts the story firmly in the spotlight. However, you’ll also find that “Uncharted” has much faster-paced gameplay, which is aided by Nathan Drake’s movement capabilities, such as his parkour and grappling abilities. There are also stealth sections, plenty of guns, and some particularly thrilling vehicle chases, so there’s a little bit of everything, gameplay-wise. If you’re looking for another action-packed, linear game that tells an emotional story while waiting for the next “The Last of Us,” there’s arguably no better choice than “Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End.”
As any “The Last of Us” player knows, one of the core elements of the franchise is the setting, which is right in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. It sets the foundation for the whole series, and if that setting is something you’re particularly fond of, then “Days Gone” might be just right for you. Also set in the midst of a zombie apocalypse, “Days Gone” is regarded as one of the best post-apocalyptic video games of the modern era. However, it features wildly different gameplay compared to “The Last of Us.”
“God of War” is another iconic video game franchise that has won a litany of awards over the course of its two-decade-plus lifespan. However, the “God of War” reboot from 2018 is arguably the best game in the whole franchise, and it’s perfect for any “The Last of Us” fan if they want to jump into another world. The reboot is totally different from the original series, but it does still feature Kratos, the Greek god of war, as the main protagonist.
This time, though, Kratos has made his way to Norse mythology and now travels with his son, Atreus. “God of War” follows Kratos and Atreus as they attempt to fulfill the last wishes of Kratos’ wife, but things don’t go as planned in the land of the Norse gods. You’ll battle against legendary Norse figures and travel to over half of the Nine Realms, all of which feature open zones that let you explore and discover some hidden secrets.
