TL;DR
- The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered launches on PC April 3 at 1 PM EDT across Steam and Epic Games Store
- PC version includes all PS5 enhancements plus exclusive graphical options and performance optimizations
- System requirements range from GTX 970 for 1080p to RTX 4080 for 4K with ray tracing enabled
- New features include No Return roguelike mode, Lost Levels, and developer commentary tracks
- PlayStation Network integration provides exclusive cosmetics and potential cross-progression benefits
PC gamers worldwide can finally experience Ellie’s emotional journey when The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered arrives on desktop platforms. After nearly five years since the original PlayStation 4 debut and approximately twelve months following the PS5 enhanced edition, this critically acclaimed narrative masterpiece makes its Windows debut.
The complete package launches simultaneously on both Steam and Epic Games Store, delivering every enhancement from the PlayStation 5 version alongside several platform-specific improvements. Players gain access to the full visual overhaul, additional gameplay modes, and developer insights that made the remastered edition so compelling.
Mark your calendars for Thursday, April 3, when the game becomes available at precisely 1:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time. This global synchronized launch means your access time depends entirely on your geographical location. Below are the converted times for major regions:
- 10:00 AM PDT – Pacific North America (West Coast)
- 1:00 PM EDT – Eastern North America (East Coast)
- 6:00 PM BST – United Kingdom and Ireland
- 7:00 PM CEST – Central European mainland
- 2:00 AM JST (April 4) – Japan and surrounding regions
For optimal launch day experience, consider pre-loading the game if available. Large day-one patches are common with major releases, so ensure your internet connection can handle potential multi-gigabyte downloads. Server congestion may cause temporary connectivity issues during peak hours immediately following release.

Naughty Dog’s transition to PC brings demanding but achievable hardware requirements. The developers have optimized the Decima engine for Windows architecture while maintaining the stunning visual fidelity that defined the PlayStation 5 experience.

Image: Naughty Dog/Sony Computer Entertainment America
Minimum Specifications (1080p @ 30fps, Low Settings):
Expect smooth performance at base settings with an Intel Core i5-6600K or AMD Ryzen 5 1600 paired with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 or AMD Radeon RX 570. 16GB RAM remains essential, with 100GB SSD storage strongly recommended for reduced loading times.
Recommended Specifications (1440p @ 60fps, High Settings):
For ideal visual quality, target an Intel Core i7-8700 or AMD Ryzen 5 3600X with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super or AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT. The same 16GB RAM requirement applies, but consider 32GB for background application flexibility.
Performance Optimization Tips:
SSD installation dramatically improves texture streaming and level loading. Disable unnecessary background applications to free up CPU resources. Adjust shadow quality first for significant performance gains with minimal visual compromise. DLSS and FSR support provide substantial frame rate improvements on compatible hardware.

Image: Naughty Dog/Sony Computer Entertainment America
Monitor your VRAM usage in the settings menu to avoid performance bottlenecks. The game’s extensive texture options can consume significant video memory, particularly at higher resolutions. Consider our Weapons Unlock guide for similar optimization strategies that apply across modern game engines.
The PC edition delivers the complete PlayStation 5 Remastered package with several platform-specific enhancements. Beyond the expected graphical improvements, players gain access to substantial new content that expands the original experience.
No Return Roguelike Mode:
This survival mode challenges players through randomized encounters with escalating difficulty. Each successful run unlocks new characters, modifiers, and gameplay options. Strategic planning becomes essential as enemy types, environmental conditions, and objectives change unpredictably between attempts.
Lost Levels Development Content:
Three previously cut sequences restored with developer commentary provide fascinating insight into the game’s creation process. Explore early versions of the Sewers, Jackson Party, and Boar Hunt areas, each accompanied by explanations of why they were originally removed from the final game.

Image: Naughty Dog/Sony Computer Entertainment America
Guitar Free Play Mode:
The beloved guitar mechanics expand into a dedicated minigame with numerous unlockable instruments and songs. This standalone feature allows musical experimentation without narrative constraints, perfect for moments of relaxation between intense gameplay sessions.
PC-Exclusive Enhancements:
Ultra-wide monitor support, uncapped frame rates, and extensive graphics customization distinguish the PC version. NVIDIA DLSS 3, AMD FSR 2.2, and Intel XeSS provide AI-powered performance scaling. Full keyboard and mouse customization with extensive control rebinding options cater to personal preference.
These additions complement the core campaign enhancements, including improved texture resolution, dynamic 4K output options, and reduced loading times. Like mastering different approaches in our Class Guide, learning to leverage these new features will significantly enhance your overall experience.
PlayStation ecosystem integration provides additional value for players invested in Sony’s gaming platform. While the PC version stands complete on its own, connecting your PSN account unlocks exclusive content and potential cross-platform functionality.
Account Linking Benefits:
Connecting your PlayStation Network account to the PC version through Steam or Epic Games Store provides immediate cosmetic rewards. Early unlocks include special weapon skins, player outfits, and visual filters that reference other Naughty Dog franchises and PlayStation exclusives.

Image: Naughty Dog/Sony Computer Entertainment America
Save Data Transfer Potential:
While not officially confirmed, previous Sony PC ports have implemented cross-save functionality. Keep your PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 save data backed up, as cloud transfer may become available post-launch. This would allow continuing your progress seamlessly between platforms.
Exclusive Content Access:
PSN integration may provide early access to certain features or content drops. Sony has historically prioritized PlayStation platform users with timed exclusives, so maintaining that connection could yield future benefits as additional content releases.
Consider these bonuses as complementary enhancements rather than essential content. The core experience remains identical regardless of PlayStation affiliation. For comprehensive guidance on maximizing your gameplay across platforms, our Complete Guide offers transferable strategies for adapting to different gaming environments.
Action Checklist
- Verify system meets minimum requirements and clear 100GB SSD space
- Pre-load game if available or ensure fast internet for launch day download
- Connect PlayStation Network account for exclusive bonus content
- Adjust graphics settings based on your hardware capabilities
- Explore No Return mode and Lost Levels after completing main story
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