Ever since The Last of Us Part II ended, one question has refused to fade away:
When is The Last of Us 3 coming out?
Fans across the world are waiting to return to that emotional, brutal, and unforgettable universe. But unlike most sequels, Naughty Dog has kept things unusually quiet about Part III — which has only made the curiosity stronger.
Let’s break down what’s confirmed, what’s rumored, and what’s realistically expected about The Last of Us Part III.
What We Know So Far: Official Announcements
To answer “when is The Last of Us 3 coming out,” we have to look at Naughty Dog’s current schedule. The studio is currently in the middle of developing a brand-new sci-fi IP titled Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.
- Intergalactic Release: Expected in mid-to-late 2027.
- The HBO Factor: Season 3 of the HBO series is expected to arrive in 2027, likely covering the remaining events of Part II.
- Production Cycles: Naughty Dog typically takes 5–6 years to develop a major “Part” in the series.
Given that full production on Part III likely won’t hit high gear until after Intergalactic ships, a realistic release window is 2029 or 2030. This would likely position it as a “swan song” for the PlayStation 5 or a flagship launch title for the PlayStation 6.nished.
A Quick Look at the Franchise Timeline
Understanding past releases helps predict the future.
- 2013 – The Last of Us
- 2014 – Remastered version
- 2020 – The Last of Us Part II
- 2023 – The Last of Us Part I released on PC
- 2025 – The Last of Us Part II Remastered launched on PC
- 2023–present – HBO series expands the universe
There was a 7-year gap between Part I and Part II — and Naughty Dog games usually take time because of their cinematic quality.
Also Read: Is The Last of Us on Steam? A Complete Guide for PC Gamers
Is The Last of Us Part III Officially Confirmed?
Short answer: Not officially — but it’s very likely.
Naughty Dog has never said The Last of Us Part III is cancelled or not happening.
In fact, they’ve done the opposite:
- They’ve acknowledged having story ideas ready
- They’ve repeatedly said they’ll only proceed when the timing feels right
- Sony keeps investing in the franchise through remasters and the TV series
In the gaming industry, this usually means:
The sequel is coming — just not announced yet.
Expected Story & Setting: What Could Happen Next?
Without spoilers, Part II left the story in a place that feels both closed and open-ended — perfect for a third chapter.
Possible directions for Part III
- A deeper look into Ellie’s future and emotional recovery
- A new main character connected to past events
- A broader look at the world beyond Jackson and Seattle
- Themes of redemption, rebuilding, and hope
Neil Druckmann has hinted that Part III would focus less on revenge and more on finding meaning after loss — which fits the emotional tone of the series perfectly.
Estimated Release Window: When Could It Actually Launch?
Let’s be realistic.
AAA games like The Last of Us take 5–7 years to develop properly. Since Naughty Dog has been busy with:
- The Part I remake
- Part II Remastered
- Multiplayer project (which was later cancelled)
- HBO series involvement
- A brand-new IP in development
It’s unlikely that Part III is close to release.
Most realistic prediction
👉 2027 to 2029
That may feel far away, but for a game of this scale, it’s a normal timeline — especially when the studio is known for polish over speed.
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Which Platforms Will The Last of Us 3 Release On?
When The Last of Us Part III arrives, it will almost certainly launch on:
- PlayStation 5 (and possibly PS5 Pro)
- A PC version later, following Sony’s current strategy
If Sony continues the same pattern:
- Console first
- PC release 1–2 years later on Steam & Epic Games Store
So yes, PC gamers will likely get it — just not on day one.
What Fans Are Hoping to See in Part III
Over the years, the community has made its wishes clear.
Top fan expectations
- More refined stealth mechanics
- Smarter enemy AI
- Deeper crafting system
- Bigger semi-open areas
- Emotional choices that actually affect the story
- Optional co-op or side stories (not mandatory multiplayer)
Fans don’t just want another sequel — they want a meaningful ending to Ellie’s journey.
Rumors vs Facts: Let’s Clear the Confusion
Rumors
- “The game is coming in 2026” ❌
- “It’s already in full production” ❌
- “It will follow the HBO series exactly” ❌
Facts
- A story outline exists ✔️
- Naughty Dog wants to make it ✔️
- No official trailer, date, or gameplay revealed ✔️
If you see release dates online right now — they are pure speculation.
How to Stay Updated on The Last of Us Part III
If you want real updates (not clickbait), follow:
- Naughty Dog’s official website & socials
- PlayStation Blog
- PlayStation State of Play events
- The Game Awards announcements
- HBO series news (often linked with game plans)
Big reveals usually happen during PlayStation Showcase or The Game Awards, not random leaks.
Also Read: What Are the Fireflies in The Last of Us? – Explained in Depth
Final Thoughts: So, When Is The Last of Us 3 Coming Out?
Right now, there is no official release date for The Last of Us Part III.
But based on:
- Naughty Dog’s comments
- Sony’s long-term plans
- The franchise’s success
- Realistic development cycles
The most believable window is between 2027 and 2029.
Until then, fans can:
- Revisit Part I and Part II
- Experience the story through the HBO series
- And wait for the moment Naughty Dog finally says:
“Yes… The Last of Us Part III is happening.”
FAQs About The Last of Us 3
Is The Last of Us Part III confirmed?
Not officially, but strongly hinted at by Naughty Dog.
Will it be on PC?
Most likely yes — after the PlayStation launch.
Who will be the main character?
Ellie is expected to return, but nothing is confirmed.
Will it connect to the HBO series?
The game and show influence each other, but Part III will remain a game-first story.