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In PlayStation’s now growing-like-a-plague lineup of remakes and remasters,The Last of Us Part 1was the first to stick out like a sore thumb. Many were skeptical of it, questioning if the PS3 game needed a remake so soon after its remastered version. But, they ultimately accepted it because of what it promised: an added emotional weight with improved character models.
Despite the initial acceptance, however, the game’s sales told a different story, and it continued to struggle in its home market. Well, that is until the game was finally added to PlayStation Plus, following which, it shot up the charts, becoming one of the most-played titles on the service.
The Last of Us Part 1Has Received a New Lease on Life Thanks to PlayStation Plus Extra
So, why did players warm up to this remake despite all the confusion? The answer lies in the game’s meticulous redesign of character models and facial expressions, which gave the story’s emotional beats more depth.
In a game so focused on its characters, these improvements made perfect sense. Every expression, every moment between Joel and Ellie, felt more natural, allowing players to experience the story like never before.
Neil Druckmann is Positive The Last of Us Season 2 Will Surpass His Original Game: ‘I think fans of the game will eat up’
But, circling back to what happened, though, to counter the poor sales and further boost its player numbers,Sony decided to pull a rather clever move – the way it always does.
So, on June 13, 2025—The Last of Us Day—the game was made available for free through PlayStation Plus Extra, and the impact was about as immediate and massive as you’d expect.
Within days, the game became the third most-played PS Plus Extra game of 2024 and the ninth overall in the service’s history, with the subscription bringing nearly 1225% more PS5 players to the game.
The Last of Us Part I player count jumps 1225% after coming to PlayStation PlusThat make TLOU the third-biggest debut on PS Plus Extra this year and a top ten biggest games to ever hit the serviceSee more:https://t.co/dQglskt8IApic.twitter.com/oNT4Z9DUus
If the objective was to attract more players through the service, the move was a monumental success in every sense of the word.
Huh – as it turns out, everyone was actually super eager to dive back into this world but also savvy enough to wait for its inclusion on PlayStation Plus rather than pay that hefty $70 price upfront. Take notes on that, Sony.
The First Game’s Inclusion Wasn’t the Only Thing Naughty Dog Has in Store for the Series’ Fans
Part Iwasn’t the only thing Naughty Dog had up its sleeve for this year’s celebration. Alongside the game’s inclusion on the PS Plus, people were treated with the firstsneak peek of Season 2 of the HBO adaptation.
Not only that, but new merchandise collaborations, including detailed Youtooz figures, the Seraphite jacket replica, and a limited-edition print from Gallery Nucleus, were also announced for grabs.
Meanwhile, newThe Last of Us-themed assets, including animated stickers and a unique startup movie for the Steam Deck homegrown by studio’s Graphic Designer, Jason Ferry, were also made available on Steam.
The Last of Us Season 2 Needs to Subvert Expectations and Ignore THAT Moment To Give Us a Sense of Suspense
While all of this is undoubtedly exciting, it would’ve been nice to get a better idea of what new stories are in store for this apocalyptic world.
Druckmann has already hinted ata few ideas for a third game, but it remains to be seen when said ideas will actually take a concrete form. Hopefully, we won’t have to wait as long between the first two games to receive an answer.
But with all that said, what are your thoughts on the game shooting up the PlayStation Plus charts? Did you buy the remake when it first came out? Let us know in the comments below!
Akshit Dangi
Writer - Gaming
Articles Published :266
Akshit is a supposed human being and gaming writer who lurks in different corners of the internet in search of fascinating rabbit holes. Outside of that, though, you’ll most likely find him staring at a piece of art for days or completing another playthrough of Silent Hill.
