A new player-versus-player mod for The Last of Us Part 2 is reportedly targeting a September release, offering a multiplayer experience for PC players following Naughty Dog's cancellation of its official online component. Modder Speclizer has shared early gameplay footage showcasing a PvP mode that features character selection, matchmaking, and loadout customization.
The mod, which began development in January 2026, is still in its early stages but appears to be progressing steadily. Speclizer has been providing regular updates on their progress via their X/Twitter account, including videos demonstrating various maps such as school, Seattle, and gas station locations, as well as footage of a 1v1 match. The modder has also explored the inclusion of additional playable characters and costumes, hinting at a potentially robust offering.
Naughty Dog officially canceled its long-anticipated multiplayer project, The Last of Us Online, in late 2023. The studio cited the massive scope of the project and the need to dedicate significant resources to post-launch content, which would have impacted their ability to develop future single-player games. This decision shifted Naughty Dog's focus back to its heritage of narrative-driven, single-player titles.
While the specifics of Naughty Dog's original Factions mode remain unknown, former Sony Interactive Entertainment executive Shuhei Yoshida had previously described it as "great." Reports earlier this year indicated that the official multiplayer component was nearly 80% complete at the time of its cancellation. Speclizer's mod aims to fill the void left by this canceled project, potentially offering fans a way to engage with The Last of Us Part 2 in a competitive multiplayer setting.