Summary
On June 03, 2025, Naughty Dog announced that work onThe Last of Us Onlinehad permanently ceased, with the project canceled due to the studio’s vision becoming too grand and it being incapable of delivering on its plan. Instead of releasing a game that does not live up to the standard ofNaughty Dog’s other releases, the studio has moved away from the project and focused its attention fully on its two in-development singeplayer projects. While more singleplayer content from Naughty Dog is obviously exciting, it is a shame that four years of hard work essentially resulted in nothing - especially for the Factions community.
To be clear, the writing was on the wall regardingThe Last of Us Online’s inevitable deathquite some time before the cancelation. Reports from reputable journalists like Jason Schreier suggested that the project was in trouble behind the scenes, with Bungie supposedly evaluating it and arguing that it did not have the depth required to survive as a live service title. Naughty Dog had also put out an earlier statement confirming that it had nothing to show for the game after years of work, which was a bad sign that had many expecting it would be publicly canceled a few months later. Sadly, those fans were right, meaning those who loveThe Last of UsFactions remain without a modern multiplayer experience.
The Last of Us Online Was Supposed to Justify The Death of Factions
Prior toThe Last of Us’ multiplayer spin-off being announced, Naughty Dog had said thatThe Last of Us 2would be receiving a Factions mode just like the original game had. This would have released alongsideThe Last of Us 2’s critically acclaimed singleplayeroffering, but the studio released a statement months prior to the game’s release stating how the multiplayer would be uncoupled from the story mode of the game. While disappointing, Naughty Dog had promised that this project would be worth the longer wait, but sadly, fans’ patience was not rewarded.
What made matters worse was thatThe Last of Us Part 1, a PS5 remake of the original game, did not include an updated version of the Factions multiplayer mode. Again, this was somewhat forgiven because of the existence of the in-developmentThe Last of Us Online, though fans were understandably still a bit disappointed. For many, a prettier version ofthe originalLast of UsFactionswith a new batch of players and a handful of fresh content was all that they needed. Now, not only have those players gotten no Factions in the PS5 remake, but the spin-off that was supposed to justify its removal has not come to fruition.
Rumors suggested that deep, story-focused gameplay would have been featured inThe Last of Us Online, while an image showing abattle royale modecomplete with a battle pass has leaked. Again, Factions fans did not ask for this or need it, as another small-scale 4v4 experience would have been enough.
There is Nothing To Fill The Void of The Last of Us Factions
Part of the reason whyThe Last of UsFactions was a cult classicis because it was so unique. The idea of a stealth-focused multiplayer experience with small teams was not only fairly unique in 2013, but it still is today, as it is hard to think of a valid replacement for those who love Factions. Additionally, the 12 Weeks metagame where players have to provide for their camp was surprisingly intense and very interesting, and something that a standalone game could have taken to new levels by actually letting players explore their camp. While the version of Factions inThe Last of Us Remasteredstill has players, its status as a PS4 game means that this player count will only shrink over time, as the mode looks and feels older with every passing year.The Last of Us Onlineoffered hope for Factions fans desperate for a similar experience, but with it canceled andPart 1skipping multiplayer, fans are forced to abandon those dreams.
The Last of Us
WHERE TO PLAY
Experience the emotional storytelling and unforgettable characters in The Last of Us, winner of over 200 Game of the Year awards. In a ravaged civilization, where infected and hardened survivors run rampant, Joel, a weary protagonist, is hired to smuggle 14-year-old Ellie out of a military quarantine zone. However, what starts as a small job soon transforms into a brutal cross-country journey. Includes the complete The Last of Us single-player story and celebrated prequel chapter, Left Behind, which explores the events that changed the lives of Ellie and her best friend Riley forever.
