Highlights

  • The Last of Us multiplayer mode, called Factions, was originally available on PlayStation 3 but was shut down in 2019. It is still accessible on PlayStation 4 via The Last of Us Remastered, but is not on PS5 or PC.
  • Factions offers different game modes, including Supply Raid, Survivors, Sudden Death and Last Man Standing, and Interrogation. Each mode has unique objectives and gameplay mechanics.
  • The player base for The Last of Us Factions remains active and highly skilled, with dedicated fans and content creators still engaged in the multiplayer. Newcomers may face challenges against experienced players, but there are tips and strategies available to help them improve their skills.

The Last of Us has experienced a remarkable surge in popularity in recent years, fueled by the launch of remastered editions and its adaptation into a highly successful live-action TV series on HBO. With the constant evolution of gaming technology and the ever-improving quality of graphics in newer releases, the fate of older games often hangs in the balance. This raises the intriguing question of whether The Last of Us' multiplayer on PlayStation 3 or 4 still commands an active player base, or if many people are even aware of that multiplayer's existence.

The Last of Us, originally released for the PlayStation 3 in 2013, featured a multiplayer mode called Factions that is unfortunately no longer accessible. Naughty Dog made the decision to shut down the PS3 multiplayer servers six years after the game's release, in 2019. With the subsequent release of The Last of Us Remastered for the PlayStation 4 in 2014, it seems that there was a shift in focus toward making the multiplayer experience more accessible on the newer platform, leading to the closure of the PS3 servers. Unfortunately, players on PS5 or PC do not have access to the multiplayer, though they can still enjoy it via the PS4 version.

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What is The Last of Us Factions Multiplayer?

the last of us multiplayer factions mode

In The Last of Us's multiplayer mode called Factions MP, the player leads a group of survivors for 12 weeks as either Fireflies or Hunters. Both factions have the same multiplayer abilities, and changing factions after 12 weeks doesn't erase the player's progress. Every game the player participates in represents one day, offering opportunities to collect supplies and support their clan's growth. There are multiple Factions game modes to choose from, each providing a unique experience set within the diverse, gritty world of The Last Of Us.

Supply Raid

  • Teams start with 20 respawns.
  • Goal: Eliminate the opposing team.
  • Red loot boxes across the map contain crafting materials.
  • Teamwork is crucial; going solo is not recommended.

Survivors

  • Each player has one life per round with no respawns.
  • First team to win 4 rounds wins the match.
  • Teams play to the best of seven rounds, even if tied 3-3.

Sudden Death and Last Man Standing

  • Starts when the last player can no longer respawn; in Survivor, when a player is alone.
  • Radar briefly reveals enemy locations every 5 seconds in Sudden Death.
  • No survival skill keeps players off the radar during this phase.

Interrogation

  • Teams locate a Lockbox by capturing and interrogating enemies.
  • Five interrogations reveal the lockbox's location.
  • Teams must defend their lockbox once located.
  • No lives; players respawn infinitely, no "sudden death."

What Kind Of Player Base Does The Last of Us Factions Have Today?

Today, the player community remains robust, with thousands actively engaged in the nine-year-old Factions mode (10-year-old if counting the PS3 version). This includes a diverse range of YouTubers and streamers, alongside a dedicated fanbase. Prospective players entering the multiplayer scene should anticipate a highly skilled player base, as those that have stuck by the game for years and know it extremely well make up the player count. Some concerns have been raised about lobbies filled with seasoned level 999 players, well-versed in every aspect of the game, which can indeed present a formidable challenge for newcomers. A piece of advice often passed among newcomers is to learn the ropes by playing as a medic first, then learning the complex mechanics later on. However, a new multiplayer title is on the way, providing the chance for a whole new experience.

Players can anticipate an enthralling narrative in the upcoming multiplayer title, featuring an entirely new ensemble of characters. Naughty Dog's ambitious goals for the upcoming multiplayer installment of The Last of Us could have a far-reaching impact on the entire Last of Us franchise. Judging from the unveiled concept art, it seems highly probable that the game will adopt large maps, challenging players to overcome notorious infected mobs from the franchise, including runners, clickers, bloaters, stalkers, and others. While eagerly anticipating the release of the multiplayer title, fans can continue to enjoy the experience of the original Factions, available only on PlayStation 4.