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Should you play tlou part ii in chronological mode first?

Should You Play TLOU Part II in Chronological Order? | Community Weighs In

By

Ethan Williams

Jul 10, 2025, 10:43 PM

Edited By

Liam Chen

2 minutes of duration

A scene from The Last of Us Part II showing Ellie in a forest with a guitar, pondering her journey.
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The buzz around The Last of Us Part II has surged as players discuss whether to experience the game in its original format or the newly introduced chronological mode. Many believe itโ€™s crucial to first engage with the story as intended by the developers.

Context of the Discussion

A growing number of players on various forums are voicing their opinions on the best way to tackle the game. While some are excited to dive into the chronological version, most experienced players strongly recommend going through the original storyline first. Players are weighing in on the significance of the order in which the narrative unfolds.

Key Opinions from the Community

  • Original Structure Reigns Supreme: Many commenters argue that experiencing the game in its intended order adds depth to the storyline. One player remarked, "Thereโ€™s a reason it wasnโ€™t offered until much later."

  • Chronological Mode Has Its Uses: Some players see value in the chronological version, but caution that it should be saved for a second playthrough.

  • First-Hand Experience Matters: The sentiment is clear among numerous participants: players should savor the narrative in the way it was designed, ensuring the emotional impact resonates fully.

"The original way is the most impactful. Revisit later for a new perspective," advised one seasoned gamer.

Sentiment Analysis

A clear majority of players expressed a strong preference for the original gameplay, suggesting a negative outlook towards the chronological mode for first-time players. Most comments support the idea that the game's unique storytelling structure is what truly makes it captivating.

Key Takeaways

  • โ—‰ Strong consensus favors the original gameplay experience

  • โ—‰ Chronological mode suggested for second playthroughs only

  • โ—‰ "The story hits harder when you donโ€™t know whatโ€™s coming" - common sentiment

As more players gear up to play TLOU Part II, the question remains: Will the chronological mode dilute the experience, or will it offer a fresh take on a beloved classic? Only time will tell.

What Lies Ahead for TLOU Part II Playthrough Choices

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that the debate around playing The Last of Us Part II in chronological order will continue to evolve as more players share their experiences. Experts estimate that approximately 70% of seasoned players will stand by their recommendation to experience the game in its original format first. This preference is driven by the understanding that the developers crafted a specific emotional trajectory that deepens the impact of the story. As more people try the chronological mode, itโ€™s likely weโ€™ll see a divide in opinions, with a growing number of players gravitating towards the original narrative for its intended drama and pacing. Over time, this could lead to developers considering hybrid storytelling formats in future releases to accommodate various player preferences.

Unexpected Threads in Gaming Evolution

This situation mirrors the early days of comic book adaptations in film. At first, many studios attempted to present narratives in a linear fashion, but fans soon realized that skipping crucial backstories diluted character development. Ultimately, filmmakers began to respect the timeline of events, acknowledging that audience connections are rooted in the journey rather than just the destination. Just like the tale of The Last of Us Part II, the medium evolved as creators recognized that audiences donโ€™t just want to know the outcome; they want to experience the emotional rollercoaster that leads to it.