Let's be real. You want to play The Last of Us free, and who wouldn't? It is widely considered one of the greatest stories ever told in a video game. But here is the thing: Sony doesn't just hand out their crown jewels for nothing. Not usually, anyway. If you are looking for a legal way to dive into Joel and Ellie's brutal world without dropping sixty or seventy bucks, you actually have a few options, though they often come with a "yes, but" attached.
The "free" landscape for Naughty Dog’s masterpiece is a bit of a moving target.
The PS Plus Situation: Is It Actually Free?
Technically, if you own a PlayStation 5 and you subscribe to PlayStation Plus Premium, you can play a trial of The Last of Us Part I (the remake) at no extra cost. It is a time-limited trial. Usually, you get about two or three hours. That is barely enough time to get through the prologue and reach the outskirts of the Boston QZ, but it’s enough to see if your heart can handle the stress.
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Then there is the Game Catalog.
In the past, The Last of Us Remastered (the PS4 version) was a staple of the PS Plus Collection. Sony eventually retired that collection in 2023. This annoyed a lot of people. Nowadays, the game rotates in and out of the Extra and Premium tiers. You aren't paying for the game specifically, but you are paying for the subscription. Is that "free"? To some, yeah. To your bank account, not quite.
Honestly, the best time to look for the game at a "zero dollar" price point is during major Sony events like Days of Play. Sony has been known to drop massive hits into the monthly "Essential" lineup. If you claim it then, it stays in your library as long as you have an active sub. If you missed those windows, you're currently looking at the subscription model as your primary gateway.
PC Players and the "Free" Dream
If you're on PC, the "free" conversation gets a lot messier. When The Last of Us Part I launched on Steam and Epic, it was—to put it lightly—a technical disaster. Stuttering. Crashes. Eyebrows disappearing. It was a mess. Because of that rocky start, the game hasn't seen the same aggressive deep-discounting or "free weekend" treatment that older ports might get.
You might see some shady sites promising a "The Last of Us free download." Don't do it. Seriously. These are almost always phishing scams or malware delivery systems. There is no "free" standalone PC version that is legitimate.
However, keep an eye on AMD or Nvidia GPU bundles. Sometimes, when you buy a new graphics card, they'll bundle a AAA Sony title. That is how a huge chunk of the PC community got their copies without a separate transaction. If you're building a rig in 2026, check the promo codes in the box.
The "Free" Upgrade Loophole
Did you know you might already own it? Many people forget they picked up the PS4 Remastered version years ago during a sale. If you have that disc gathering dust, you can play it on your PS5 via backwards compatibility. It isn’t the flashy remake with the fancy haptics, but it’s the full experience for zero additional dollars.
Also, libraries.
I’m talking about the brick-and-mortar building with books. Most modern public libraries have massive video game collections. You can walk in, use your library card, and check out The Last of Us Part I or Part II for free. You get to keep it for a week or two, beat it, and bring it back. It is the most underrated way to play expensive games for $0.
What About the HBO Show Connection?
Whenever a new season of the HBO show drops, Sony likes to capitalize on the hype. We saw this with the first season—interest spiked, and suddenly there were "Save 50%" banners everywhere. While they rarely make the game entirely free to celebrate the show, they often expand the "Game Trial" duration for subscribers. If you're waiting for Season 2 to hit, keep your eyes on the PlayStation Store that week. They want to convert viewers into players, and a low-friction "free" entry point is their favorite way to do it.
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Why You Shouldn't Hold Your Breath for an Epic Games Store Freebie
We’ve all been spoiled by the Epic Games Store giving away GTA V and Death Stranding. It makes us think every game will eventually be free on Thursdays. But Sony is different. They treat The Last of Us like Disney treats The Lion King. They know it has "evergreen" value. They would rather put it on their own service, PS Plus, than give it away for free on a competitor's storefront.
The only way you're getting it "free" on PC is if it eventually lands on a service like PC Game Pass, but given the rivalry between Sony and Microsoft, that’s about as likely as Joel and Abby going on a peaceful hiking trip together.
Actionable Steps to Play for Less (or Free)
If you’re determined to play without a $70 hit to your wallet, follow this checklist.
- Check your local library's online catalog. Use apps like Libby or just visit the branch. You’d be surprised how many copies of the PS5 remake are sitting on shelves.
- Monitor PS Plus Monthly Games. Check the announcement on the last Wednesday of every month. Sony often uses The Last of Us as a "big draw" during slow months or holiday seasons.
- Utilize the PS Plus Premium Trial. If you just want to see if you like the mechanics, use the 2-hour trial. It’s enough to get through the heartbreaking opening.
- Check "Used" Markets for Disc Swaps. Sites like GameFly often have free trials for new members. You can sign up, rent the game for free, finish it in a weekend, and cancel before the billing cycle hits.
- Verify your hardware rewards. If you recently bought a Sony TV, a PS5 Pro, or certain PC components, check your email for "loyalty rewards" or "voucher codes." Sony frequently sends these to new hardware owners.
The reality is that The Last of Us free offers are usually tied to a subscription or a temporary promotion. By staying patient and using the library or trial systems, you can experience one of gaming's peak achievements without the steep entry fee.