All game modes in The Last of Us No Return

The Last of Us' Ellie aiming a rifle
Credit: NaughtyDog

The Last of Us' Ellie aiming a rifle
Credit: NaughtyDog

Despite remastering an existing title, NaughtyDog is bringing something new to the table when they release The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered. Alongside the refreshed sequel to the beloved franchise, the next release of the series will also include a survival mode called No Return. If you want to know more about it, then read on to find out all the game modes included in No Return.

No Return is the biggest of a few changes that you'll anticipate when you pick up a copy of The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered. Included in the latest edition will also be a free-play mode for guitar enthusiasts, cut levels with commentary, and some new outfits to coincide with the game's visual improvements.

We've got you covered with everything you'll want to know about The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered. Take a look at our release hub to get an idea of when the game is coming out and more, as well as what pre-order bonuses are included if you get the game ahead of time.

A screenshot of a Last of Us player aiming their gun at incoming Infected
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Credit: NaughtyDog

The Last of Us No Return game modes

No Return is set to be a roguelike spin on the popular zombie series which will task players with completing a series of randomly generated challenges in a single "run". Death is permanent in this game mode, meaning you'll have to start from the beginning if you are felled while warding off the Infected.

There are a plethora of playable characters from the franchise that you can choose from, something that will delight fans of the series, each with their own set of strengths, weaknesses, and skills to tackle the challenges ahead.

While each challenge in No Return is randomly generated, you can have some idea of what to expect if you make yourself aware of the game modes on offer. Each round of the run will fall into one of these four categories;

  • Assault - this mode is as basic as it gets, but that doesn't mean it'll be easy. Assault mode tasks you with surviving a wave of incoming Infected.
  • Capture - to survive Capture mode, you'll have to break into a safe full of valuable supplies that are guarded by other humans or Infected.
  • Holdout - In Holdout, you and an AI-controlled partner will defend your base against a constant swarm of Infected.
  • Hunted - In a race against the clock, you'll need to hold your ground and survive until the timer expires and enemy reinforcements are exhausted.

These game modes are just the tip of the iceberg. Should you make it all the way to the end of a run, you’ll fight one of six successively unlocked boss encounters, which includes some of the main game's most memorable adversaries. The encounters won't mirror those in the game's main story, so expect familiar, albeit deformed, faces in new settings. Once you've run the gauntlet and topped all six bosses, the final challenge of any run will become randomly selected as well.

That's all you need to know about No Return's game modes. For more intel on The Last of Us, take a look at what's become of The Last of Us Online, as well as how lost levels missions are being adapted for the TV show.