No, The Last of Us Part II Does Not Have Split-Screen Co-Op

I can definitively state that no, there is zero capacity for local multiplayer or split-screen co-op in The Last of Us Part II on Playstation 4 or Playstation 5. Naughty Dog consciously focused development resources on delivering a technically ambitious single-player experience, rather than dividing focus across multiplayer formats.

But why omit a feature that was present in the original 2013 release? Why deprive fans of experiencing the harrowing yet profound emotional journey with a friend by their side? To analyze the reasoning, we must first understand the wider context…

The Complex History of Co-Op in The Last of Us Franchise

Naughty Dog has flirted with co-operative functionality across the wider Uncharted and The Last of Us series for over a decade with varying results. Uncharted 2 in 2009 first popularized the developer‘s approach to online cooperative modes, with the wave-based survival arenas proving wildly popular.

They expanded on these ideas in The Last of Us multiplayer, allowing groups up to 8 to engage in tactical skirmishes in post-pandemic America. Later Uncharted entries also iterated with both competitive and cooperative offerings.

So why deprive fans of multiplayer options with The Last of Us II? Here are the key factors:

Emphasis on Narrative Immersion Over Social Experience

Creative director Neil Druckmann emphasized in interviews that their paramount goal was to immerse players so deeply in Ellie and Abby’s emotional journey that adding secondary cooperative elements could undermine that vision.

We see that singular focus manifest in the lengths taken on performance capture, writing quality and gameplay innovation. Based on over 240 Game of the Year awards, that emphasis certainly paid off artistically if not universally for critics.

Technical Limitations of PlayStation 4 Hardware

Rendering the lifelike visual quality and environmental detail that matched Part II’s narrative ambition meant pushing the PS4 beyond its limits. Supporting a smooth split-screen experience could have necessitated graphical downgrades.

We see evidence of this in the higher target render resolutions in the PS5 remake of the original Last of Us, increasing from a native 1080p capped 30 FPS on PS3, to 4K targeting 60 FPS in Part I. The power afforded by the PS5‘s custom SSD and GPU uplift could allow for flexible split-screen implementation moving forward.

Console Hardware Specifications via Playstation.com, DF Analysis

Substantial Workload for Minimal Engagement?

Based on co-op play metrics from Sony Interactive Entertainment, less than 20% of players regularly engage in multiplayer or co-op across various franchises.

Allocating resources to develop, test and support a technically flawless split-screen component for a mere fraction of players is quite an ordeal with possibly low returns. Hence Part II doubling down as a single-player epic makes fiscal sense.

What About Part III?

Rumors continue to swirl regarding Naughty Dog‘s secretive standalone multiplayer Last of Us title reportedly codenamed "T1X". Job listings reference a project leveraging the Part II engine to create new faction-based experiences.

If built from the ground up for next-gen specifications to support online connectivity, we could feasibly see the co-op dream realized. Integrating concepts from live service peers like The Division or Destiny into the brutal yet beautiful Last of Us universe remains an enticing vision into fruition after years of growing anticipation.

Part II‘s Strengths Outweigh any Multiplayer Shortcomings

At the end of the day, The Last of Us Part II tells a profoundly human story that innately does not require a second participant to appreciate. Experiencing Ellie and Abby‘s journey alone paradoxically makes their shared humanity resonate more universal.

And while fans may pine for the glory days of competitive beachfront brawls or cooperative Boston warehouse raids, we have the PS5 remake of the original Last of Us to revisit those cherished memories.

Both titles form complementary pillars holding aloft the most critically and commercially successful franchise of the Playstation dynasty thus far. We await with bated infected breath whatever comes next whether it be Part III, Factions or an unexpected new direction entirely.

So while no, there is no split-screen to directly experience The Last of Us Part II shoulder-to-shoulder with a friend, there are grander gifts on offer for those willing to travel solo into the light.

Let me know your thoughts on co-op versus single player focus for the series going forward in the comments!