There are few games that can come close to the spectacle of storytelling and gameplay that is The Last of Us. The game set a benchmark for upcomingsingle-player gamesand when it was released in 2013, it pushed the boundaries of what people thought could be possible on a PS3.
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Fast-forward ten years later and the game has been ported to PC and even has a sequel. But those who have just played this masterpiece now, especially after seeing HBO’s TV show of the same name, will find that these games are the perfect picks to fill the void that The Last of Us left in them.
More Than Just Cover and Shoot
WhileGears 5might initially seem like an unlikely match, it shares a surprising amount in common with The Last of Us. Thestory is a driving forcehere, following the story of Kait Diaz as she grapples with her past and the mysteries of her connection to the Locust. The narrative is darker and more personal than earlier entries, making it a personal favorite of Gears fans who are more into character-driven storytelling.
The game’s brutal third-person combat evokes the same adrenaline rush as Joel’s battles against the infected. There is, however, one caveat: Gears 5 is exclusive to Xbox and PC. While The Last of Us has now made its way to PC, players coming from a PS4 or PS5 will need to dust off their wallets and buy an Xbox or a capable PC to experience Kait’s journey. They can, alternatively, play Gears 5 through Xbox Game Pass streaming service on a standard laptop or even a smartphone.
9Marvel’s Spider-Man
With Great Power Comes Great Emotional Weight
Marvel’s Spider-Man
For fans of The Last of Us looking to swap out desolate landscapes for a bustling New York City, this is a fantastic choice. Beneath the web-slinging and colorful heroics lies a game with deeply emotional storytelling. Much like Joel and Ellie’s relationship, the game explores themes of sacrifice, loss, and the responsibility that comes with caring for others.
Peter Parker’s life is anything but simple. Balancing the pressures of being a superhero alongside his day-to-day personal struggles creates a narrative that’s just as gripping as the action in the game. And while the gameplay leans heavily on exhilarating traversal and combat, the quieter moments, such as Peter’s interactions with Aunt May or his bond with Mary Jane, are just as impactful, if not more, depending on who the player is.
8A Plague Tale: Innocence
A Tale of Two Siblings in a Broken World
A Plague Tale: Innocence
A Plague Tale: Innocence offers a heart-wrenching dynamic similar to the Last of Us. The story follows Amicia and Hugo as they navigate a plague-ridden France, pursued by both the Inquisition and swarms of deadly rats.
Stealth is key in this game, with players using their wits and limited resources to evade enemies who can easily overwhelm the duo. Amicia’s fierce determination to protect Hugo mirrors Joel’s devotion to Ellie, making this a must-play for fans of emotionally driven narratives.
A World as Harsh as It Is Beautiful
Red Dead Redemption 2
Few games rival The Last of Us in their ability toimmerse playersin a richly detailed world, but Red Dead Redemption 2 is a beast that not only comes close but goes one step further. The game is a sprawling Western epic that tells the story of Arthur Morgan, an outlaw struggling to find redemption in a world that’s leaving his way of life behind.
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The attention to detail is staggering, from the dynamic weather to the nuanced characters players will encounter. While the gameplay leans more toward open-world exploration and cowboy antics, it’s the quiet, reflective moments where the game shines.
6Death Stranding
Forrest Gump’s Favorite Game
Death Stranding
Hideo Kojima’sDeath Strandingmight not seem like a natural comparison, but its themes of survival and connection resonate strongly with The Last of Us. Players are in control of Sam Porter Bridges, a courier tasked with delivering essential supplies across a desolate, post-apocalyptic America.
The gameplay emphasizes isolation, with vast, haunting landscapes and a pervasive sense of loneliness. There’s also the ever-looming threat of otherworldly creatures known as BTs, and Timefall, a rain that can drastically accelerate time for anything it comes into contact with. It’s a slower-paced game, but one that rewards patience and introspection in ways that will feel familiar to fans of Naughty Dog’s work.
5Days Gone
For fans of The Last of Us looking for a more open-ended experience, Days Gone is a solid choice. Set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by Freakers (its version of the infected), the game follows biker Deacon St. John as he searches for his missing wife while battling hordes of enemies.
The world is brutal, with resources scarce and danger lurking around every corner. The sheer number of Freakers players can face in a single encounter adds a unique challenge, forcing them to think on their feet. Whilethe gameplay leans more on combatand exploration than storytelling, it’s still there, with Deacon’s love for his wife and his struggles with loss being the emotional core of the narrative.
4God of War
God of War
WhileGod of War(2018) trades post-apocalyptic America for the mythological realms of Norse gods, its emotional core is on the same lines as The Last of Us. Kratos, the once-rage-filled Spartan warrior, embarks on a deeply personal journey with his young son, Atreus, to scatter his wife’s ashes from the highest peak in the Nine Realms.
The bond between father and son evolves throughout the game, echoing the dynamic between Joel and Ellie. At the start, Kratos is distant, struggling to connect with Atreus, but as their journey progresses, their relationship deepens. Moments of vulnerability and tenderness punctuate the otherwise brutal combat and epic battles against towering mythological creatures.
3Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
The Treasure is in the Story
Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
Another masterpiece coming out of the same studio that developed The Last of Us, Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End is the perfect pick for players who are left wanting more after seeing Joel and Ellie’s journey to the end. While its tone is lighter than The Last of Us, it shares the same exceptional storytelling and character depth that the studio is known for. This time, players follow Nathan Drake, a retired treasure hunter pulled back into the world of adventure, when his estranged brother, Sam, reappears with a lead on a legendary pirate’s treasure.
Though the game leans heavily into blockbuster action, the quieter moments, like Nate reflecting on his past or rekindling his relationship with his wife, Elena, manage to create some surprisingly emotional moments in this goofy character’s story. Themes of family, sacrifice, and the cost of obsession are explored with nuance, making the story just as compelling as the high-stakes set pieces. The game is a swan song for Nathan Drake and a must-play for fans of cinematic storytelling.
Every Choice Matters
The Walking Dead: The Telltale Definitive Series
Telltale’s The Walking Dead captures the emotional weight and moral complexity that define The Last of Us. This episodic series puts players in the shoes of Lee Everett (in Season 1), a man trying to protect a young girl named Clementine in a world overrun by zombies. Much like Joel and Ellie’s bond, Lee and Clementine’s relationship becomes the emotional centerpiece of the story, growing stronger as the two face impossible choices and heartbreaking losses.
As is the case with any Telltale game, the appeal of this title lies in its decision-based gameplay. Every choice Lee makes has consequences, often forcing players to pick between two equally devastating options. These moments aren’t just about survival, but also about what kind of person the player wants to be in the face of despair. While the gameplay itself focuses more on dialogue and exploration rather than brutally difficult combat, the tension and emotional stakes are just as gripping as the ones in The Last of Us.
1The Last of Us Part 2
The Last of Us Part 2
Naturally, the sequel of The Last of Us is what players should go for after coming off the high of the first game. The Last of Us Part II delivers an experience that’s equal parts devastating and unforgettable. Set 4 years after the first game, the sequel focuses on Ellie’s pursuit of revenge and the far-reaching consequences of her actions.
The second part isn’t just a simple continuation of the first game, but a deeper, more complex exploration of morality, grief, and the cost of vengeance.Naughty Dogtakes bold risks with its storytelling, giving players control of not just Ellie, but also Abby, the game’s second protagonist.
This dual perspective forces players to confront the consequences of violence from both angles, leaving them questioning who’s the hero and who’s the villain. The gameplay expands on the original’s foundation, with more fluid stealth mechanics, larger and more detailed environments, and even more visceral combat encounters.
Review: The Last of Us Part II Remastered
The Last of Us Part II was terrific in 2020 and remains just as amazing in 2024 as The Last of Us Part II Remastered.
