After years of waiting, The Last of Us Part II Remastered finally arrived on PC — and in 2026 it stands as one of the most technically impressive narrative-driven games ever released on the platform. With improved textures, higher-resolution assets, rebuilt lighting, unlocked framerates, DLSS/FSR support, an expanded “No Return” mode, and multiple quality-of-life updates, this version is easily the definitive way to play Ellie’s story.
If you’re wondering how it runs on modern hardware, what’s new in the remaster, and where to find the cheapest legal PC keys, this review covers everything you need.
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Quick Verdict – Is TLOU Part II Remastered Good on PC in 2026?
Short answer: Yes. It’s excellent.
Naughty Dog’s first PC launch (TLOU Part I) struggled at release, but Part II Remastered is a massive leap forward in both stability and optimization. The game loads fast, rarely stutters, supports ultra-wide resolutions, and scales very well across mid-range and high-end GPUs.
What you get with this remaster:
- improved lighting, reflections & ambient occlusion
- higher-quality textures & character detail
- better facial animations
- unlocked framerate support
- DLSS / FSR / XeSS
- DualSense features (adaptive triggers & haptics)
- “No Return” roguelite mode
- advanced accessibility options
- faster loading times
Emotionally, the game still hits just as hard — sometimes even harder with higher fidelity and smoother performance.
Play it if you:
- want a cinematic story-driven experience
- enjoy character-focused games with emotional weight
- love stealth-action gameplay with tight combat design
- want the definitive visual & performance version
- value high-end graphics and atmosphere
Skip it if you:
- dislike heavy emotional themes
- prefer fast-paced or open-world gameplay
- want a “relaxing” experience (this is not that kind of game)
- disliked the story decisions in the original release
PC Performance in 2026 – How Well Does It Run?
Unlike the rough launch of The Last of Us Part I on PC, Part II Remastered is far more stable, better optimized, and overall much smoother across a range of hardware.
Below are realistic results based on current 2026 performance across typical GPUs.
Low-End PCs (GTX 1060 / GTX 1650 / RX 580 | 8–16 GB RAM)
You are below the recommended spec, but the game is surprisingly playable:
- 1080p – Low/Medium blend
- 35–50 FPS
- FSR is highly recommended
- occasional dips in dense foliage areas
Still impressive that it runs at all on older GPUs.
Mid-Range PCs (RTX 2060 / RTX 3060 / RX 6600 XT | 16 GB RAM)
This is the sweet spot for stable 60+ FPS gameplay:
- 1080p – High settings → 70–90 FPS
- 1440p – Medium/High mix → 55–75 FPS
- Stable frame pacing
- DLSS/FSR improves overall smoothness
The lighting and shadow quality in particular look fantastic.
Upper Mid-Range & High-End (RTX 3070 / 4070 / 4070 Ti / RX 7800 XT)
Perfect experience:
- 1440p – High/Ultra → 85–120 FPS
- 4K – High with DLSS/FSR Quality → 60–80 FPS
- No major stutters
- Ultra textures load instantly with SSD
This is one of the best-optimized narrative games currently on PC.
Best Settings for Smooth Performance
- Textures: Ultra (if VRAM allows)
- Shadows: High
- Volumetrics: Medium/High
- Ambient Occlusion: High
- Upscaling: DLSS/FSR Quality
- Motion Blur: off or low (player preference)
Gameplay & Combat – Still One of the Best in the Genre
The Last of Us Part II Remastered remains a masterclass in grounded, intense action design:
What stands out in 2026:
- highly reactive AI that flanks, communicates, and searches for you
- brutal, grounded combat with weighty animations
- smooth stealth transitions (you can hide, crawl, break line-of-sight naturally)
- detailed weapon upgrades with tactile feedback
- incredible sound design (especially with headphones)
The expanded remaster also includes:
- No Return, an addictive roguelite mode with randomized encounters
- new character unlocks
- new weapon & encounter modifiers
- replayability far beyond the original release
This mode alone gives the game dozens of additional hours.
World, Story & Presentation
The story remains divisive — and that’s fine. It was never meant to be comfortable.
But visually and emotionally, the PC remaster elevates everything:
- higher fidelity facial animation
- better micro-expressions
- more realistic wounds, sweat, rain, and dirt
- improved environment density
- smoother transitions between gameplay and cutscenes
The world feels more alive, threatening, and immersive than ever.
Length & Content (2026)
- 25–35 hours main story
- 40–60+ hours including No Return mode
- multiple playstyles (stealth, aggressive, mixed)
This is one of the most complete single-player packages available.
Cheapest The Last of Us Part II Remastered PC Key Deals (2026)
| Store | Edition | Region | Lowest Price (2026) | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Instant Gaming | Standard Edition | US / Canada | $39.99 | Check Deal |
| CDKeys | Standard Edition | Global | $42.50 | Check Deal |
| Eneba | Steam Key | Global / EU | $40–43 | Check Deal |
| Other Key Stores | Standard Edition | Regional | varies | Compare Deals |
👉 Check the Best The Last of Us Part II Remastered PC Key Deal Today
Pros & Cons
Pros
- phenomenal narrative and character performance
- top-tier graphics & animation on PC
- excellent optimization (finally)
- deeply emotional and mature themes
- fun, replayable No Return mode
- strong accessibility options
Cons
- story tone may feel heavy for some players
- linear design won’t suit open-world fans
- enemy encounters can be intense and stressful
- demands a decent GPU for high settings
FAQ – TLOU Part II Remastered (PC, 2026)
Is the PC version good?
Yes — it’s significantly better optimized than Part I was, with stable performance on mid-range hardware.
How long is the game?
25–35 hours for story alone, 40–60+ with No Return.
Is No Return worth it?
Yes. It adds strong replay value and makes the remaster feel like a fuller package.
Does the game run at 60 FPS?
Yes — even mid-tier GPUs can hit 60+ with the right settings.
Do you need to play Part I first?
It helps emotionally, but the game is still enjoyable on its own.
Conclusion
The Last of Us Part II Remastered on PC in 2026 is everything players hoped Naughty Dog would deliver. Smooth performance, enhanced visuals, an unforgettable story, and a new replayable mode make this the definitive way to experience Ellie’s journey.
If you waited for the PC version, this is the perfect time to jump in — and the key deals have never been cheaper.
