On April 3, 2025, the highly anticipated PC version of The Last of Us: Part II was officially released, allowing gamers who have been waiting since 2020 to finally experience the acclaimed title on their computers. Developed by Naughty Dog and published by PlayStation Publishing, the game is now available for purchase on both Steam and the Epic Games Store for $50.
Fans of the franchise have been eagerly awaiting this moment, and the timing of the release seems strategic, coinciding with the upcoming second season of the popular television adaptation, set to premiere on April 13, 2025.
However, not all gamers will have easy access to the game. Due to Sony's policy, The Last of Us: Part II is banned from purchase in 130 countries, including Kazakhstan. This limitation has raised eyebrows among fans who feel left out of the gaming experience.
Despite these restrictions, the game boasts full support for the Russian language, including interface, subtitles, and voice acting, catering to a significant portion of its audience. Interestingly, the PC version does not include Denuvo, a popular anti-piracy measure, which has led to concerns about the game's security. Without this protection, it is anticipated that the game could be hacked and pirated almost immediately, which has already been reported by various sources.
In addition to the absence of Denuvo, the PC version offers several enhancements over its console predecessor. Players can expect improved graphics, support for ultra-wide monitors, and various graphical enhancements depending on their hardware capabilities. The game also includes support for NVIDIA DLSS, AMD FSR 3.1 and 4.0, and Intel XeSS technologies, which could significantly enhance the gaming experience.
Moreover, players using a Steam Deck can rejoice as the game is fully compatible with the handheld device. However, it's noteworthy that The Last of Us: Part II does not feature any online multiplayer components, focusing solely on a single-player experience. This includes an additional mode with roguelike elements and three new episodes that were originally cut from the final version.
The release schedule for the game was carefully orchestrated, with different time zones affecting when players could access it. For instance, in most of Russia, the game became available in the evening of April 3, while players in the eastern regions had to wait until the early hours of April 4.
As players dive into the game, they will find themselves immersed in a story that unfolds five years after the events of the first installment. The narrative follows Ellie and Joel, who are living in Jackson, but a tragic event propels Ellie into a dangerous journey in search of justice.
According to player reviews and critics, the port has been well-received, with reports of the game running smoothly on high-end systems. For example, on a setup featuring an Intel i7-14700K processor and an RTX 5070 Ti graphics card, the game reportedly achieves frame rates between 130 and 140 FPS in 4K mode.
In terms of system requirements, players will need to ensure their machines meet certain specifications. The minimum requirements include a Windows 10 operating system, an Intel Core i3-8100 or AMD Ryzen 3 1300X processor, an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 or AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT video card, and 16 GB of RAM.
The excitement surrounding the PC release is palpable, especially for those who have been waiting for nearly five years to play The Last of Us: Part II on their computers. The absence of Denuvo protection has sparked discussions about the implications for piracy and the future of game security.
As the gaming community continues to react to the release, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming days. Will the lack of anti-piracy measures lead to a flood of pirated copies, or will the game's quality and the anticipation surrounding its narrative encourage players to purchase legitimate copies? Only time will tell.
For now, The Last of Us: Part II stands as a testament to the enduring popularity of the franchise and the dedication of its developers. With a rich story, stunning visuals, and an engaging single-player experience, it promises to captivate both new players and returning fans alike.
