Will There Be a Last of Us 3 Game? Everything We Know So Far

The future of The Last of Us Part 3 has become one of the most debated topics in gaming. With conflicting statements from Naughty Dog and swirling rumors, fans are left wondering whether Ellie and Joel’s journey will continue. This guide breaks down the latest updates, insider claims, and official insights to answer the burning question: Will there be a Last of Us 3 game?

Naughty Dog’s Official Stance: A Story Worth Telling

Neil Druckmann, creative director at Naughty Dog, has walked a fine line between hope and ambiguity. In interviews, he emphasized that the studio won’t pursue a sequel unless the story feels essential. “We’re in a lucky position where we don’t have to make a sequel if we don’t want to,” Druckmann stated, noting that The Last of Us Part 3 would only happen if the team finds a narrative that matches their passion for the first two games.

Despite this cautious approach, Druckmann confirmed in the Grounded II documentary that there’s “one more chapter” to the saga. This has fueled speculation that a third game is already in early development, though Naughty Dog remains publicly noncommittal.

Contradictory Reports: Leaks vs. Denials

Rumors about The Last of Us Part 3 have sparked intense debate. Industry insider Daniel Richtman claimed the game is in “advanced production,” with actors cast and scenes filmed. However, these reports clash with Druckmann’s recent comments dismissing sequels as a certainty. “Don’t bet on there being more of The Last of Us,” he told Variety, adding, “This could be it.”

This contradiction highlights the uncertainty surrounding the project. While leaks suggest progress, Naughty Dog’s focus on new IPs like Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet raises questions about resource allocation.

Potential Release Window: When Could It Launch?

If The Last of Us Part 3 is in development, industry analysts estimate a 2027–2028 release window. This aligns with the seven-year gap between Part 1 (2013) and Part 2 (2020). However, the absence of an official announcement makes this speculative. Factors influencing the timeline include:

• Development priorities for Intergalactic and other projects
• Potential alignment with PlayStation 6’s rumored 2028 launch
• Extended pre-production phases for narrative refinement

Story Possibilities: Ellie, Abby, or New Characters?

Leaked details hint at a potential shift in focus. While Part 2’s ending left Ellie’s future open, rumors suggest Part 3 could follow a new group of survivors in a Victorian-era setting. Druckmann has also teased a concept that “acts like a through-line for all three games,” possibly tying loose ends from Ellie and Abby’s arcs.

Key narrative threads that could drive the plot:

• Ellie’s quest for redemption after abandoning Dina
• Abby and Lev’s journey with the Fireflies
• Exploration of the Cordyceps fungus’s origins

Platform Expectations: PlayStation 5 or Next-Gen?

If released by 2027, The Last of Us Part 3 would likely debut on PlayStation 5, with a PC port following later. However, a PlayStation 6 launch is plausible if development extends beyond 2028. Naughty Dog’s history of leveraging hardware capabilities—as seen with The Last of Us Part 1’s PS5 remake—suggests the studio would target cutting-edge technology.

Why the Uncertainty? Naughty Dog’s Creative Philosophy

Naughty Dog’s reluctance to confirm Part 3 stems from its commitment to quality over quantity. Druckmann has repeatedly stressed that sequels must meet a high creative bar. “The story in the first game had a definitive ending because I didn’t know if we’d get a sequel,” he explained. “We only pursued Part 2 because we had an idea we felt passionate about.”

This philosophy explains the studio’s focus on new IPs like Intergalactic, which allows fresh storytelling without franchise constraints.

Fan Reactions: Hope vs. Skepticism

The community remains divided. Some argue Ellie’s story needs closure, while others believe the series should end on Part 2’s emotionally raw note. Online forums buzz with theories, from time-jump narratives to prequels exploring Joel’s early years. However, Druckmann’s recent comments have tempered expectations, with many fans bracing for Part 3 to never materialize.

What’s Next for The Last of Us Franchise?

Even if Part 3 isn’t greenlit, the franchise will continue through other media. HBO’s The Last of Us TV series has been renewed for Season 3, which will adapt Part 2’s events. Additionally, Naughty Dog may explore spin-off games focusing on side characters or new protagonists.

Conclusion: Should You Expect The Last of Us 3?

While evidence points to The Last of Us Part 3 being in early development, Naughty Dog’s silence and prioritization of new projects cast doubt on its inevitability. For now, fans should temper expectations and focus on upcoming content like the Intergalactic game and HBO’s series. If Druckmann and his team uncover a story worthy of Ellie’s world, Part 3 could become reality—but only if the “stars align.”

Until then, the question “Will there be a Last of Us 3 game?” remains unanswered, leaving the series’ future as uncertain as the post-apocalyptic world it portrays.