If you’re thinking about diving into The Last of Us 2 and wondering how long it takes to beat the game, you’re not alone. With its gripping story, intense gameplay, and emotional weight, it’s totally normal to want to know how much time you’ll need to set aside. Whether you’re in it just for the story or planning to 100% the whole experience, here’s everything you need to know.
On average, The Last of Us 2 takes about 25 to 30 hours to complete if you’re focusing primarily on the main story. This includes most cutscenes, main missions, and standard levels of exploration. If you’re taking your time, reading every note, and slowly moving through the world, you may hit the higher end of that range.
For players who want to go beyond the core narrative and complete side content, find all the collectibles, and explore every area, you’re looking at closer to 35 to 40 hours. The game is full of hidden items, optional conversations, safes, weapon upgrades, and lore-building materials that extend playtime for completionists.
If you’re aiming for a Platinum Trophy, expect to spend 40+ hours, especially if you’re playing on higher difficulty settings or going back to find anything you missed in your first run.
The Last of Us 2 is a single-player-only experience, so all your playtime is tied to the campaign. There’s no multiplayer mode (though it’s rumored to return in a separate title), and the game doesn’t feature branching paths or alternate endings that significantly alter the runtime.
In short:
- Main story only: 25–30 hours
- Story + side content: 35–40 hours
- Completionist run: 40+ hours
No matter how you play, it’s an unforgettable journey—and totally worth every minute.