The Last of Us: Part 3 – All the Rumors and Facts in One Place

The Last of Us: Part 3 has not been officially announced yet, let alone confirmed for release. However, there have been enough hints and rumors circulating that we can compile all the available information.

Release Date for The Last of Us: Part 3

Right now, a new The Last of Us game is purely speculation, meaning there’s no confirmed release date. However, based on what we do know, we can make an educated guess.

Naughty Dog is currently working on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, a sci-fi action game for the PlayStation 5. It was revealed at The Game Awards in late 2024, but development started as early as 2020. Since a typical AAA game takes around five years to develop, a release in 2026 or 2027 seems likely.

It makes sense that a new The Last of Us title would only be announced after the release of Intergalactic. Based on this timeline, The Last of Us: Part 3 likely wouldn’t be released until sometime after 2030.

Development

The first two The Last of Us games were, of course, developed by Naughty Dog. The original game launched in 2013, followed by Part 2 in 2020. Both games have had multiple re-releases.

Naughty Dog is also known for the Uncharted series, as well as older franchises like Jak & Daxter and Crash Bandicoot. While those games lean toward a more cartoonish and adventurous style, The Last of Us is known for its realistic world and emotionally gripping storytelling.

The first two games were written by Neil Druckmann, with Halley Gross co-writing Part 2. Druckmann has remained involved in the franchise as the director of Naughty Dog and would likely play a key role in The Last of Us: Part 3, should it happen.

Early Hints and Rumors

A new The Last of Us game is far from guaranteed, but rumors have been circulating for quite some time. In a March interview with Variety about HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2, Druckmann stated that it's uncertain whether there will even be another game. However, he could also be deliberately keeping things under wraps, as he has previously expressed openness to continuing the series and even mentioned having an idea for a new The Last of Us story.

That said, in February 2024, Druckmann also admitted that he doesn't have many more major game projects left in him. Meanwhile, Troy Baker, the voice actor for Joel, has said he would be open to reprising his role.

Still, some uncertainty remains. Both Baker and Jeffrey Pierce (who plays Tommy) have indicated they are unsure if Naughty Dog is currently working on The Last of Us: Part 3.

However, a previous rumor from the generally reliable ViewerAnon claimed that motion capture for a third game had already begun and that Ellie would once again play a significant role.

While it's clear that Naughty Dog will continue to explore the The Last of Us universe in some form, it's not confirmed whether that will take the shape of Part 3.

What Can We Expect from the Story?

Back in 2020, Druckmann mentioned that any new game in the series would need to have a "huge emotional impact" but acknowledged that coming up with a new story would be a challenge. This is because so much has already been explored, including the origins of the outbreak and the characters’ backstories. Regardless, he wants to create a fresh experience that delivers the same level of emotional weight as the first two games.

In a documentary last year, Druckmann hinted that he had a concept for a new The Last of Us game. However, this wasn't necessarily for Part 3 but rather a smaller story set after The Last of Us: Part 2.

One possible direction is a game focused on Tommy, Joel’s brother, who might play a significant role in this concept.

The Last of Us on HBO

Following the success of the games, The Last of Us was adapted into a live-action series. The first season premiered in January 2023 on HBO Max and was co-written by Neil Druckmann and Halley Gross, the original game’s writers.

Season one closely follows the storyline of The Last of Us, with Pedro Pascal as Joel and Bella Ramsey as Ellie. The series has been widely praised and is considered one of the best video game adaptations ever made.

Our reviewer, Jacco, had high praise for the first season:

"Joel’s tragic loss, Ellie’s determination, Henry and his brother Sam—The Last of Us is filled with moments that leave a deep impact without relying too much on the medium it’s based on. Unlike acclaimed games such as The Last of Us: Part 2, Nier: Automata, and Undertale, which use the interactive nature of gaming to tell their stories in unique ways, Joel and Ellie’s journey is just as powerful regardless of the medium. The result is an unforgettable experience."

Four Seasons Planned

It’s no surprise that more seasons are in the works. Season 2 premieres on April 13 on HBO Max and will consist of seven episodes. The series remains faithful to the games, with the first episode mirroring the intense opening of The Last of Us: Part 2.

According to Francesca Orsi, HBO’s Executive Vice President and Head of Drama Series and Films, the show is expected to span four seasons in total. This means that The Last of Us: Part 2 will be adapted across three seasons.

Given that production for each season has taken roughly two years, this timeline suggests that Season 3 could premiere in early 2027, with Season 4 following in the first months of 2029.