The Last of Us Series – A Masterclass in Interactive Storytelling

Let’s get this out of the way: The Last of Us is not a relaxing game. It is not what you put on to zone out after a hard day. It is an intense, emotional, and often brutal experience. So why do we recommend it so highly to busy parents?

Because it respects your intelligence and your time. Naughty Dog has crafted a world that feels incredibly real — a post-pandemic America reclaimed by nature, where the silence is often scarier than the noise. The storytelling is mature, nuanced, and devoid of the usual video game filler. Every encounter, every conversation, every scavenged bullet feels significant.

While we admit a personal preference for the lighter, Indiana Jones-style adventure of the Uncharted series, The Last of Us achieves something different. It puts you inside the story. You aren’t just watching Joel and Ellie — you are responsible for them. That weight is heavy, but it makes the journey unforgettable. The first game is, quite simply, the ultimate “Dad Game.” Playing it when you have kids of your own is an experience that sits with you.

Ad

The Last of Us Part I (PS5) (opens in a new tab)

The definitive way to start the journey. Rebuilt from the ground up for PS5 with stunning visuals and DualSense features.

Watch Order & Entry Points

This is a strictly linear narrative. Do not skip ahead, and do not start with the HBO show as a substitute for the game.

1. The Last of Us Part I (PS5/PC): This is where the journey begins. Play the Part I remake on PS5 if you can — it brings visuals and mechanics up to modern standards. It tells the complete story of Joel and Ellie’s journey across America.
2. Left Behind: Usually included with Part I now. A short, poignant prequel chapter about Ellie. Play it after the main game.
3. The Last of Us Part II Remastered: The controversial but undeniable sequel. It challenges everything you felt in the first game. Longer, darker, and more mechanically complex — but the payoff is there if you stay with it.

If you only play one, play Part I. It stands alone as a perfect, self-contained story. But if you love it, Part II is a necessary, if painful, continuation.

Why This Series Matters (For Busy Dads)

As parents, gaming time is precious. We don’t have 100 hours to grind for loot. We want experiences that leave a mark.

Cinematic pacing: These games flow like a high-budget miniseries. There are clear chapters that make for good stopping points — though the tension may make it genuinely hard to put the controller down. The pacing respects your time in a way open-world games rarely do.

The “Dad” theme: The first game is entirely about the terrifying, overwhelming drive to protect a child. Joel’s motivations are immediately legible to any parent. The game doesn’t explain this dynamic; it assumes you already understand it, which makes it land harder.

Accessibility: Naughty Dog sets the industry standard here. If the combat is too stressful or the difficulty is getting in the way of the story, you can tweak almost every aspect of the experience. There is no shame in lowering the difficulty to focus on the narrative — that’s a valid way to play.

It’s a heavy lift emotionally, but it is a zero-regret pick for quality. You will be thinking about these games long after the credits roll.

Family & Age Suitability

Hard M for Mature. Do not play this with young children in the room.

Ad

Buy The Last of Us Part II Remastered (PS5) (opens in a new tab)

• Violence: Visceral, realistic, and often disturbing. This is not cool action violence — it is desperate and ugly by design.
• Themes: Grief, loss, torture, revenge, moral ambiguity. It is heavy material handled seriously.
• Scare factor: The Infected are terrifying, especially the Clickers who hunt by sound. The tension is sustained and high.

This is strictly an “after the kids are asleep” game. However, for older teens (16+), it can be a profound shared experience — particularly for discussing the moral ambiguity of the characters’ choices. Part II in particular has a lot to say about perspective and empathy that older teens can engage with meaningfully.

Ad

The Last of Us (HBO Series) (opens in a new tab)

The fantastic TV adaptation that faithfully captures the spirit of the game. A great companion piece to watch after playing.

Final Thoughts

The Last of Us is a masterpiece of the medium. It proves that games can tell stories just as complex and affecting as literature or film. The zombie setting is almost incidental — the human element is so strong that it transcends the genre entirely.

If you want a game that will challenge you emotionally and keep you on the edge of your seat, this is it. Just maybe have something lighthearted ready for afterwards. You’ll need it.

Do I need to play The Last of Us Part I before Part II?

Yes, absolutely. Part II is a direct sequel that assumes you know and care deeply about the characters from the first game. The emotional impact of Part II — which is substantial — depends entirely on the investment you built in Part I. Do not skip ahead.

Is The Last of Us too dark or scary for teenagers?

The game is rated M for Mature and is best suited to players 17 and up. For younger teens, the violence is visceral and realistic rather than stylized, and the themes — grief, revenge, moral ambiguity — are heavy. For older teens who can handle it, it can be a genuinely profound shared experience. Younger kids should not be in the room.

How long does it take to finish both Last of Us games?

Part I takes roughly 15 to 18 hours on a standard playthrough. Part II is longer at around 25 to 30 hours. Combined, you are looking at 40 to 50 hours total — very manageable compared to open-world games, especially with clear chapter stopping points.

Is the HBO Last of Us show better than the game?

They are different enough that the comparison is almost unfair. The show is excellent television and does remarkable things with the Bill and Frank episode. The game is more powerful because you are responsible for the characters — the gameplay creates stakes that passive viewing cannot replicate. Play the game. Then watch the show.

Which version of The Last of Us Part I should I play?

If you have a PS5, play the Part I remake. It brings the visuals and DualSense features up to modern standards and includes Left Behind. If you only have a PS4, the remastered version is still excellent. The PC port exists but has had stability issues — check patch notes before buying.