The Last of Us Part 2 features a New Game Plus (NG+) mode, allowing players to start a new campaign with previously unlocked weapons and abilities, while facing more challenging gameplay and stricter rules. For players seeking an even greater challenge, the mode includes an option like permadeath, adding a new layer of difficulty for those who found the initial playthrough too easy. However, before you can dive into these heightened challenges, you need to unlock the NG+ mode. Below, I’ll explain how to unlock New Game Plus in The Last of Us Part 2, detailing what the mode entails and what elements from your initial playthrough will carry over.
Contents of The Last of Us Part 2 New Game Plus Mode
After completing the main campaign of The Last of Us Part 2 on any difficulty level, you’ll receive a notification indicating the unlock of the New Game Plus Mode. This mode will become the first option in the main menu and introduces several enhancements and changes:
What Persists in New Game Plus?
- All previously acquired upgrades and skill tree progress.
- All weapons and their modifications (available after reaching Seattle).
- All crafting recipes.
- All previously found collectibles.
Changes in Story Mode:
- A slight increase in overall difficulty, adjustable to your preference.
- The option to select “Grounded Mode” for an even more challenging experience.
In New Game Plus, you can replay the game with all the upgrades and progress attained in your initial playthrough. This includes skill tree advancements, crafting recipes, weapons and their modifications, and collectibles. However, while skill tree upgrades and crafting recipes are immediately accessible, the weapons you’ve accumulated will become available once Ellie reaches Seattle.
Tackling Grounded Mode with New Game Plus in The Last of Us 2
New Game Plus Mode in The Last of Us Part 2 offers a strategic advantage, especially when replaying the campaign on the challenging Grounded Mode. Grounded Mode intensifies the gameplay experience by disabling Listen Mode, significantly reducing available resources, and even offering a permadeath option among other modifications. It’s a formidable challenge, but starting with all your previously earned upgrades, weapons, and resources intact makes this tough journey more manageable.
In New Game Plus Mode, players can still scavenge for resources, providing an opportunity to fully maximize Ellie’s skill trees and weapon upgrades. This feature is particularly useful in the resource-scarce environment of Grounded Mode. For those looking to uncover every secret and maximize their experience in this post-apocalyptic world, our guide on The Last of Us 2 Safe Combinations and Codes provides essential information to unlock valuable resources and insights, further enhancing the immersive journey of New Game Plus.
Additionally, New Game Plus Mode is a boon for completionists. It allows you to hunt for any collectibles you may have missed in your first playthrough, such as artefacts, trading cards, and coins, without the need to recollect those already obtained in a previous save. This makes it a more efficient way to complete your collection and experience everything the game has to offer.
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