The Last of Us Part 2 PC Port Will Require PSN Account

The Last of Us Part II Remastered's PC release on April 3, 2025, necessitates a PlayStation Network (PSN) account, sparking controversy among potential players. This requirement, also present in previous PC ports of PlayStation exclusives, forces users to create or link a PSN account to play, a move that has faced significant backlash in the past.

While Sony's decision to bring the acclaimed sequel to PC is welcome news, the PSN mandate is a point of contention. The official Steam page clearly states the PSN requirement, allowing players to link existing accounts. However, this detail is easily overlooked and potentially alienates players who have previously voiced strong opposition to such requirements. The reversal of a similar PSN requirement for Helldivers 2 last year, due to negative player response, highlights the potential risks of this policy.

While a PSN account is necessary for multiplayer features in some PC ports (like Ghost of Tsushima), The Last of Us Part II is a single-player experience. The requirement appears designed to encourage PSN adoption among PC gamers, a strategy understandable from a business perspective but potentially counterproductive given past negative feedback.

The free baseline PSN account may seem insignificant, but the process of creating or linking an account adds unnecessary friction for players eager to start gaming. Furthermore, PSN's unavailability in certain regions creates an accessibility barrier, contradicting the accessibility-focused reputation of The Last of Us franchise. This restriction could leave some fans unable to play the PC port, potentially damaging the game's reception.