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Games Like 'The Last of Us Part II' to Play Next

Whether you're seeking another emotional journey or a unique take on a post-apocalyptic world, check out these 10 games.

Jon Bitner
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'The Last of Us Part II'

Courtesy of Sony

The Last of Us Part II continues the journey of Joel and Ellie, bringing more emotional writing, more explosive set pieces, and stunning graphics that show off the power of both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.

The game takes place several years after the original (The Last of Us), with the narrative following Ellie this time around instead of Joel. Despite the change of perspective, The Last of Us Part II is just as emotional and unnerving as its predecessor. Its biggest draw is a stellar script, which helped it become one of the best games on PS4.

Aside from an extraordinary plot and memorable characters, The Last of Us Part II offers engaging gameplay that helps drive the action forward. Most of the time you'll be wildly outnumbered or up against foes that can take you do in a few hits. This forces you to stick to the shadows and carefully plan your moves. But once you've put together a strategy (and built up your inventory with powerful weapons), the game turns into a surprisingly tight third-person shooter. And soon, it will also be a TV series.

The Last of Us Part II is a hard act to follow, but there are plenty of great games to pick up once you roll credits. Whether you're seeking another emotional journey or a unique take on a post-apocalyptic world, there are more than a few titles worthy of your time — one of which even comes from the same studio that created The Last of Us.

Here are 10 games like The Last of Us Part II to play next, listed by Metascore.


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Red Dead Redemption 2

Rockstar Games

Red Dead Redemption 2 (PS4)

Metascore: 97
Best for: Fans of cowboys, gunslinging, and the Wild West
Where to buy:


Also available on: PC, Stadia, XB1

Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the best-reviewed games of all time, pulling in a staggering 97 Metascore. The game follows Arthur Morgan and his band of outlaws as they roam the west and contend with a world that's slowly become more civilized. Its narrative is at turns dramatic and hilarious, and its western setting makes for a fascinating backdrop to the action. Not only will you get to experience a tense story that puts you in the middle of pulse-quickening shootouts, but also, there's a roster of relaxing side activities that include gambling, fishing, hunting, and crafting. It's a massive game, and one that is more than up to the task of replacing The Last of Us Part II in your gaming rotation.

"Red Dead Redemption 2 tests the boundaries of interactive immersion. Few games look this good, play this well, and have this much to offer." — Easy Allies


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Persona 5 Royal

Courtesy of Sony

Persona 5 Royal (PS4)

Metascore: 95
Best for: JRPG fans
Where to buy:


Also available on: PC, XB1, XBX

Persona 5 Royal is a JRPG, which makes it quite different from most entries on this list. However, its memorable ensemble of characters and impeccable story make it a game with strong appeal to fans of The Last of Us franchise. This version of Persona 5 offers new storylines, new locations, battle system changes, and a handful of quality-of-life changes to make the experience even more enjoyable. The game follows a young man known as Joker along with a group known as the Phantom Thieves of Hearts. You'll set out on a long-winded adventure filled with turn-based battles and sleek graphics as you attempt to challenge the corrupt and make the world a better place.

"Persona 5 was already a strong front-runner for being the best JRPG ever made, and Royal really gets me wondering what else could even compete." — IGN


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BioShock Infinite

2K Games

BioShock Infinite (PC)

Metascore: 94
Best for: Fans of dystopian storylines
Where to buy:


Also available on: PS3, XB360

BioShock Infinite is a brutal first-person shooter driven by a thought-provoking story. The game takes you to the fictional land of Columbia, a floating city in the sky that's not quite the utopia it set out to be. As you blast your way through increasingly difficult enemies, you'll unravel a mystery filled with political intrigue, questions about the concept of freedom, and the perils of blindly following those in charge. Aside from an arsenal of powerful firearms, you'll gain access to a bunch of Vigors — objects that grant you special powers such as the ability to throw fireballs or create a shield to block incoming damage.

"A brilliant shooter that nudges the entire genre forward with innovations in both storytelling and gameplay." — IGN


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God of War

Courtesy of Sony

God of War (PS4)

Metascore: 94
Best for: Fans of bloody, engaging combat
Where to buy:


Also available on: PC, PS2

The God of War series has always been violent, and this reboot of the iconic PS2 original is no exception. However, there's a much larger focus on Kratos and developing his backstory here. The game starts off by introducing players to Kratos and his son Atreus as they attempt to climb a mountain and scatter his wife's ashes. The trek becomes more dangerous than expected, however, as the two are constantly confronted by enemies inspired by Norse mythology. When you're not moving the story forward or tearing through the opposition, you'll find a magical world to explore that's filled with side quests and additional content.

"Kratos' new beginning is full of heart, loaded with action and is easily one of the best games of this generation." — Gaming Age


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Uncharted 4: A Thief's End

Courtesy of Sony

Uncharted 4: A Thief's End (PS4)

Metascore: 93
Best for: Fans of Hollywood blockbusters
Where to buy:


Also available on: N/A

Uncharted 4 brings Nathan Drake's treasure-hunting adventures to an end. Long-time fans of the series will appreciate the appearance of several familiar faces, along with gameplay that makes small but significant changes to the standard gameplay loop. Enemy encounters feel more natural, maps are littered with alternate routes that offer different playstyles, and a newly drivable Jeep all help keep the action fresh until the credits roll. Of course, no Uncharted game is complete without a bunch of platforming segments, and clambering across ancient ruins and skyscrapers has never felt better.

"Uncharted 4's swagger makes it easy to succumb to the ride, its craftmanship, sense of adventure and willingness to open up to its players providing a potent sugar-rush of popcorn gaming pleasure." — Telegraph 


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The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

CD Projekt RED

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (PS4)

Metascore: 92
Best for: Fans of mature RPGs
Where to buy:


Also available on: PC, Switch, XB1

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt follows Geralt as he slays magical beasts and tracks down the Child of Prophecy — a person foretold to have the ability to change the fate of the universe. The game is filled with mature themes, along with visceral combat that only grows more brutal (and exciting) as you unlock more skills and weapons. Coupled with a sprawling open world and eye-catching visuals, it's easy to see why The Witcher 3 continues to be one of the most RPGs around. Folks who get sucked into its world can also check out the Netflix series, which offers even more monster-slaying fun.

"Its shockingly cohesive world is as beautiful as it is demanding, and it's packed full of mature content that throws you from one emotional response to the next." — Push Square


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Deathloop

Bethesda Softworks

Deathloop (PS5)

Metascore: 88
Best for: Fans of stylish shooters with impeccable level design
Where to buy:


Also available on: PC

Deathloop is an ultra-stylish shooter that throws you into a time loop with very little backstory. It'll be up to you (playing as Colt, a former mercenary) to figure out why the day repeats when the sun sets and put a stop to it. The end of each day also means the loss of most of your progress. You'll eventually discover a way to keep certain items with you across each loop, and the ability to check out different locations at different times of day ensures the action stays fresh until the very end. It's a wild concept, but one that works incredibly well, thanks to fast gunplay and level design that lets you play as you see fit.

"Deathloop is Arkane at its best, combining its system-driven immersive-sim gameplay with a unique and fascinating story set-up." — The Loadout 


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Horizon Forbidden West

Courtesy of Sony

Horizon Forbidden West (PS5)

Metascore: 88
Best for: Fans of gigantic open worlds and robotic dinosaurs
Where to buy:


Also available on: PS4

Horizon Forbidden West once again throws players into the shoes of Aloy as she tries to save the world from impending disaster. It doesn't make radical changes to its predecessor, so expect to be climbing around ruins, upgrading gear, and facing off against towering mechanical foes. The heart of the experience comes from analyzing each threat before engaging in combat, as you can pinpoint their weak spot to make your battles less daunting. The story of is just as compelling as before, and the action looks nothing short of stunning on PlayStation 5.

"A lock-the-doors sci-fi epic packed to the brim with fascinating characters and countless pleasures that will take players many hours to completely devour." — Screen Rant


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Resident Evil Village

Capcom

Resident Evil Village (PS5)

Metascore: 84
Best for: Fans of survival horror games
Where to buy:


Also available on: PC, PS4, Stadia, XB1, XBX

Resident Evil Village is an uncompromising survival horror game. If you're easily spooked (aka can't stand a few jump scares), it might be best to give this one a pass. However, folks who don't mind having nightmares will be treated to one of the best Resident Evil experiences in years. The game once again follows Ethan Winters, who is pulled back into action after a familiar face hunts him down in a peacefully village far from his past. Played from a first-person perspective, Resident Evil Village makes you come face to face with its horrors and overcome them with whatever weapons you can pillage from your surroundings.

"Village doesn't pull any punches when it comes to horror, but a consistent rollout of new weapons and tools makes it hard to walk away from these terrors." — Game Informer


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Alan Wake Remastered

Epic Games

Alan Wake Remastered (PS5)

Metascore: 79
Best for: Fans of atmospheric adventures
Where to buy:


Also available on: PC, PS4, XB1, XBX

Alan Wake Remastered takes the cult classic and revives it for a new generation of players. New 4K visuals, its two original expansions, reworked character models, and the ability to run at 60fps make this the best way to experience the chilling tale. Alan Wake is an author that's searching for his missing wife, but as the search goes on, he begins finding pages of a story written by him — although he has no recollection of writing it. The unsettling action-adventure game gives you plenty of puzzles and action sequences to work through, although the world itself (along with its story) are the most compelling reasons to check out this classic.

"A definite improvement in the visual department, offering the same great story and intense gameplay throughout." — God is a Geek