The Last of Us Part 2 PC Port Will Require PSN Account

Summary

• Playing The Last of Us Part II Remastered on PC requires a PlayStation Network (PSN) account, a decision met with mixed reactions from potential players.
• The game's PC release is set for April 3, 2025.

The Last of Us Part II Remastered, arriving on PC later this year, will necessitate a PlayStation Network account. This continues a trend that has sparked controversy surrounding Sony's PC ports of previously PlayStation-exclusive titles. While bringing beloved games like The Last of Us Part II Remastered to Steam is a positive step, the mandatory PSN account requirement has drawn criticism.

The PC release of The Last of Us Part I (a remastered version of the original) in 2022 paved the way for this sequel's PC debut on April 3, 2025. This is exciting news for many, as the award-winning sequel was previously only accessible to PlayStation users (requiring a PS5 for the remaster). However, the PSN account requirement may dampen enthusiasm for some.

The official Steam page clearly states the PSN account necessity, allowing players to link existing accounts to their Steam profiles. While seemingly a minor detail, this requirement has proven contentious. Past instances of similar requirements in other PlayStation PC ports have resulted in significant backlash. Last year, the negative response was so strong that Sony even reversed course, removing the PSN requirement from Helldivers 2 before its implementation.

Sony's Continued Push for PSN Account Creation

While a PSN account is understandable for games with multiplayer components (like the PSN requirement for Ghost of Tsushima's PC port, needed for multiplayer and the PlayStation overlay), The Last of Us Part II is a single-player experience. The lack of online features makes this requirement unusual. It's likely a strategic move to encourage users without a PlayStation to engage with Sony's services. This business decision, however, is risky given past negative player reactions.

While a basic PSN account is free, the added step of creating or linking an account adds friction for players eager to begin playing. Furthermore, the PSN's unavailability in some regions could prevent access for certain fans. This restriction contrasts with the Last of Us series' reputation for accessibility, potentially alienating some players.