Naughty Dog may be developing Uncharted 5, according to a new report from MP1st corroborated by VGC. The studio, currently focused on its upcoming new intellectual property, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, is also reportedly working on a sequel to the Uncharted series, which last saw a new entry in 2017 with The Lost Legacy. This latest installment is said to be led by Shaun Escayg, who directed Uncharted: The Lost Legacy before a stint at Crystal Dynamics.
If the reports prove true, Uncharted 5 could be Naughty Dog's next release following Intergalactic, with The Last of Us 3 expected to follow afterward. This timeline aligns with Naughty Dog's recent confirmation of multiple new projects set within The Last of Us universe.
While specific details about Uncharted 5 remain scarce, the report indicates that the franchise's iconic protagonist, Nathan Drake, will feature in some capacity. This leaves open the possibility for his daughter, Cassie Drake, who was introduced at the conclusion of Uncharted 4: A Thief's End, to potentially assume the lead role in future installments.
Contrary to speculation, the upcoming game is reportedly not a remake, as Naughty Dog is said to have abandoned plans for such projects some time ago. Uncharted 4 was originally presented as the conclusive chapter for Nathan Drake's narrative, but the studio has previously expressed openness to revisiting the franchise. In 2022, Escayg himself commented on the possibility, stating that it is "a world the studio wants to see more of" and that they "can never say never."
Escayg's own social media activity has fueled speculation, including a vague Instagram post from February featuring a cannon in a tropical setting with the caption "research." This may hint at work related to the Uncharted series.
Regarding a potential release window, Uncharted 5 is more likely to arrive on the PlayStation 6, which is anticipated around 2028. Intergalactic, Naughty Dog's more immediate project, is slated for a full reveal in 2027, though its release date remains unconfirmed.