UPDATE 13/8/20: The Last of Us Part 2’s Grounded Update – which introduces new way to play Naughty Dog’s acclaimed adventure with the likes of a permadeath mode, gameplay and visual modifiers, and more is out today on PlayStation 4.
Leading the charge is the the titular Grounded Mode, returning from the original Last of Us, which lends the update its name. This new difficulty option is selectable from the off whenever players start a new game, and is designed to deliver a substantially tougher challenge. To that end, it features deadlier enemies, as well as scarcer ammo, upgrades, and crafting materials, and it disables key survival tools including Listen mode and certain elements of the HUD.
The Last of Us Part 2’s Grounded Mode is also accompanied by a new permadeath option, which gives players a single life to complete the game. If that’s a bit intimidating, however, it’s also possible to enable per-chapter or per-act checkpoints. Each new mode unlocks a new Trophy, but Naughty Dog notes neither is required for Platinum.
Elsewhere, the update introduces a host of new modifiers, affecting everything from sound and visuals to gameplay. You can, for instance, enable infinite ammo, or to mirror the world, and there’s even an option for One Shot insta-kills. Visual modifiers, meanwhile, add filters that simulate cel-shading, noir-ish black and white, sepia tones, even a pixel-y retro 8-bit look.