Fans hoping for The Last of Us Part 3 might want to temper their expectations as Naughty Dog’s Neil Druckmann says the third game isn’t guaranteed, “This could be it.”
Few video game franchises have made as big of an impact as The Last of Us. What started as a gripping survival story in 2013 turned into one of the most talked-about and debated series in recent memory. The emotional storytelling, unforgettable characters, and gut-wrenching twists cemented Naughty Dog as one of the best in the industry.
And when The Last of Us Part 2 launched in 2020, it took things even further, dividing fans with bold storytelling choices while still earning critical acclaim. With such a massive fanbase and an HBO series that brought Joel and Ellie’s story to an even bigger audience, many have been wondering: will there be The Last of Us Part 3?
Over the years, there have been whispers, hints, and even a few teases. But now, Neil Druckmann, the creative mind behind the series, has spoken up, and his answer isn’t what fans wanted to hear.
Is The Last of Us Part 3 Happening? “This Could Be It,” Says Druckmann
Druckmann has previously hinted that he has “a concept” in mind for Part 3, but that doesn’t mean the game is happening anytime soon—or at all. In an interview with Variety, Druckmann made it clear that fans shouldn’t assume a third game is coming. While speaking about the franchise’s future, he said:
“I guess the only thing I would say is don’t bet on there being more of ‘Last of Us.’ This could be it.”
That’s not exactly the kind of statement that inspires confidence in Part 3 happening anytime soon. Even if a new game isn’t in the works, the world of The Last of Us is still alive and well. HBO’s adaptation was a massive success, and Season 2 is set to premiere on April 13. This season will tackle the events of Part 2, bringing Ellie’s story to the screen with some changes along the way.
And then there’s Naughty Dog’s next project, a completely new IP called Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet. It’s a sci-fi game, which is a major departure from the studio’s usual work. With its attention focused on that, it makes sense that Druckmann would be hesitant to promise another The Last of Us game anytime soon.
So what do you think? Is this really the end for The Last of Us, or do you think Druckmann and his team will eventually return to it? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!