In 2026, Naughty Dog's critically acclaimed The Last of Us became available at no additional cost for PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium subscribers. The 2013 post-apocalyptic epic, which holds a 94/100 on OpenCritic with a 99% critic recommendation, now joins its sequel The Last of Us Part II in the subscription library,offering a complete narrative arc. The move comes at a time when PlayStation Plus has faced recent price hikes, according to the report.

The 94/100 Score and a Decade of Critical Consensus

As the source notes, The Last of Us has maintained a near-universal critical reception since its original release. Its OpenCritic score of 94/100 and 99% critic recommendation place it among the highest-rated games of all time. This critical consensus has only grown as the game was remastered for PlayStation 4 and later ported to PlayStation 5. The inclusion of such a benchmark title on a subscription service underscores the enduring value of Naughty Dog's storytelling , even as the medium evoves.

The game's blend of survival horror and character-driven drama—following smuggler Joel and immune teenager Ellie across a fungal-ravaged United States—set a new standard for narrative weight in video games. According to the report, the infected, especially Clickers that use echolocation, force players to adopt stealth and resource management, a design that has influenced countless subsequent titles.

How Part II's Controversy Complements the Free Offering

The same subscription tiers also include The Last of Us Part II, a sequel that sparked heated debate after its 2020 launch for its bold narrative choices around revenge and empathy. The source highlights that Part II expands the combat system into one of the most fluid and detailed in the industry. Together, the two games represent an unparalleled narrative arc that has defined a generation of gaming. The availability of both titles on PS Plus means players can experience the full story without additional purchases—a rare opportunity for a franchise of this stature.

What the 2026 PS Plus Addition Says About Subscription Value

The report mentions that PlayStation Plus has recently increased its subscription prices, stirring some discontent among the community. The addition of The Last of Us and its sequel at no extra cost is a clear move to reassert value. Subscribers now have access to two of the most critically revered games ever made, which could offset frustration over the price hikes. However, the report does not provide data on subscriber retention or new sign-ups influenced by this title.

This strategy mirrors broader industry trends where platform holders use blockbuster exclusives to entice and retain subscribers. Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass has long relied on day-one releases,while Sony has traditionally been more selective. The inclusion of a title nearly 13 years old—albeit one that remains a masterpiece—suggests a shift toward leveraging deep back catalogs as subscriber hooks.

Unanswered Questions About Newcomer Experience and Brand Perception

The source does not address how the “free” label might affect players' perception of the game's artistry. When a title is bundled in a subscription, does it risk being devalued compared to a premium purchase? Additionally, it remains unclear whether Sony will treat other iconic exclusives similarly, or if this is a one-time promotion. The report also does not include any comment from Naughty Dog or Sony on how this move impacts onggoing development of the upcoming television series or future installments.. These open questions leave room for further analysis as the subscription landscape continues to evolve.