The Last Of Us Part 3 Splits Gamers Over Final Chapter

3 hours ago 2

Published Apr 7, 2026, 8:30 AM EDT

Known as 'Cyberpunk 2077's' biggest fan, Angharad is a Welsh games writer who thrives in anything related to digital storytelling. If a video game explores the intricacies and horrors of womanhood, she is there.

Thanks to previous work at GAMINGbible, GameByte, The Loadout, Game Luster, Angharad has built a strong understanding of both the digital world and what fans want from it and is eager to share her thoughts and expertise with readers.

Three or not to three? That is the question when it comes to whether or not The Last of Us video game series will continue. First released back in 2013 with The Last of Us with its sequel, The Last of Us Part II following in 2020, the Naughty Dog franchise has cemented itself as one of the best of all time. With multiple remasters under its belt, alongside a live-action television adaptation, fans are always eager to immerse themselves in the post-apocalyptic world where humans and monsters go hand-in-hand.

If The Last Of Us Part 3 Arrives, It's Definitely The End

Ellie in a rage in The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered.

Since The Last of Us Part II concluded back in 2020, Naughty Dog has given fans a few mixed messages when it comes to the future of the franchise. With the studio's head, Neil Druckmann, stating in an interview with Variety back in March 2025, "I guess the only thing I would say is don’t bet on there being more of ‘Last of Us.’ This could be it", many believed that the beloved franchise has truly come to an end. However, in 2024's Grounded II: Making The Last of Us Part II documentary, Druckmann said the complete opposite.

"I've been thinking, "is there a concept there?" And, for years, I haven't been able to find that concept, but recently, that has changed. I don't have a story, but I do have that concept. To me, it's as exciting as [The Last of Us Part 1] and [The Last of Us Part II], it is its own thing, and it has this "through line" for all three. And so it does feel like there is probably one more chapter to the story".

So what do we believe? Put simply, The Last of Us Part III has not yet been officially confirmed by Druckmann or Naughty Dog. It is also worth noting that the studio has now turned its attention to brand-new IP, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, which is slated to be its next major release, so if there was to be a third TLOU installment, it would not be for quite a few years yet. Nevertheless, fans agree that there should be one chapter left in Ellie and Abby's stories.

The Last Of Us Fans Aren't Ready To Say Goodbye

Image shows Joel and Ellie in The Last of Us

Over on r/thelastofus back in 2024, fans spoke about Druckmann's comments in the Grounded documentary, especially focusing on how there is still "one more chapter" left to tell in The Last of Us' universe. "I’m glad he’s saying one more part instead of saying he’ll make as many as he can," the top comment read. "Ellie and Joel’s story deserves an ending." Another added, "Please please please don’t forget about Abby and Lev. I would also love to see Ellie’s story wrapped up with the introduction of a new character, maybe."

However, one other user summed up the perfect conclusion to The Last of Us franchise, sharing, "I remember reading a post a long time ago about someone's hopes for Part 3 and I really liked it. From what I remember, Part 3 should be about hope. Part 1 — Love and the lengths you'll go to protect. Part 2 — hate and the detriment of revenge. Part 3 — Hope, and the strength to find purpose, solace, move forward towards something. And I think they could make a very gripping story while moving Ellie to a better place of recovery, and maybe even where Abby and Lev go from here!"

Regardless of what you think should happen in The Last of Us Part III, it is clear to see that fans are not ready to say goodbye to the dark and beautiful world that Naughty Dog has created, so hopefully, this is not the end.