Highlights
- Uncharted's multiplayer modes have maintained a small but loyal player base, showcasing the potential for greater success in multiplayer territory.
- The chances of a multiplayer-focused Uncharted game being released are slim, given Naughty Dog's focus on singleplayer games.
- However, if another developer takes on Uncharted or Naughty Dog changes its mind, the multiplayer should be taken to the next level with a co-op story mode and a battle royale mode.
Much like The Last of Us’ Factions mode developed a steady player count due to its stealth-focused multiplayer combat, the arcade gameplay of Uncharted’s multiplayer modes saw them maintaining small but loyal player bases. Those who tried the multiplayer modes in games like Uncharted 2: Among Thieves will likely remember rushing toward the center of the map to grab a powerful grenade launcher before an enemy in a Doughnut Drake skin or a Skelezor outfit reached it. Moments like this were always fun, and they show that Naughty Dog could find success if it ever wanted to take Uncharted even further into multiplayer territory.
Obviously, an Uncharted multiplayer game is hugely unlikely to ever see the light of day. Not only did the Uncharted multiplayer modes in the past fail to attract more than a cult following, but Naughty Dog has reiterated that it is focused on singleplayer games after canceling The Last of Us Online. Additionally, it seems content with where it ended the Uncharted series, with Neil Druckmann recently saying that the studio has fully moved on from the franchise. Still, there is always a chance that another developer tackles Uncharted, or that Naughty Dog changes its mind to capitalize on the nostalgia for the series further down the road. If that does happen one day, then Uncharted should take its multiplayer to the next level while also adding co-op to its story mode.
Single-Player Games Naughty Dog Could Now Make Before The Last of Us 3
Naughty Dog has an established pedigree of high-quality single-player franchises, and it might be time to bring some of them back.
Why a Multiplayer Focus For The Next Uncharted Could Work Well
Uncharted Already Has The Perfect Setup For a Co-Op Mode
Considering how many Uncharted segments see players working together with AI partners, whether it be Nate and his trusty mentor Sully or Chloe and her friend Nadine, it is a bit surprising that co-op has never been attempted by the franchise. As shown by successful games like It Takes Two, cinematic moments can easily be maintained with just two players, ensuring that Uncharted would not lose its setpieces if a second player was added to the mix. Though co-op could be completely optional, gunning down mercenaries or solving puzzles alongside a friend would be a lot of fun, and it could even be used to create more memorable moments where players have to work together to survive the series’ trademark falls.
An Uncharted 5 or a soft reboot could have a perfect co-op pairing with Nathan Drake and his daughter Cassie . Not only would the dialogue between the two characters be adorable, but letting players emote together could make for even cuter interactions.
Uncharted Has The Right Tone and Gameplay For a Battle Royale Offering
Instead of another arcadey multiplayer mode, Uncharted should take the leap into battle royale territory. Unlike the grounded tone boasted by The Last of Us franchise, which would have made the battle royale content that was planned for The Last of Us Online difficult to pull off, Uncharted’s lighthearted and adventurous nature would make it a perfect battle royale candidate. The silly taunts of Uncharted 4 and ridiculous skins like Uncharted 2 and 3’s Genghis Khan show how memorable the cosmetics could be, and Naughty Dog or another developer would not need to worry too much about storytelling in such a mode.
An Uncharted battle royale mode would not only be an attractive premise for Sony due to its live service plans for PlayStation games, but it could gain the attention of those that like the genre due to a unique style of gameplay. While gamers fans have seen everything from building and hero shooter mechanics inside their battle royale titles, Uncharted’s platforming and verticality would be a breath of fresh air. Players fighting each other while hanging on ledges as a storm closes in would be thrilling, and weapons like the M32-Hammer could make for game-changing loot drops. With Uncharted’s solid gunplay and melee combat able to be channeled as well, a battle royale experience could actually work, even if finding success in the genre is easier said than done.
