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

The Last of Us Part II PC Remaster: PSN Account Requirement Stirs Controversy

The upcoming PC release of The Last of Us Part II Remastered on April 3, 2025, has sparked debate due to a mandatory PlayStation Network (PSN) account requirement. This isn't the first time Sony's PC port strategy has faced criticism. While bringing popular PlayStation exclusives to PC is generally welcomed, the consistent demand for PSN accounts, even for single-player titles, continues to frustrate players.

The Last of Us Part I, released on PC in 2022, also shared this requirement. Now, the sequel's PC port, as confirmed on the Steam page, will similarly necessitate a PSN account, either a new one or a linked existing profile. This easily overlooked detail has rekindled previous controversies surrounding similar requirements for other PlayStation PC ports. In fact, last year's negative response to a planned PSN requirement for Helldivers 2 led Sony to backtrack and remove it entirely.

Sony's Strategy: Expanding the PSN Ecosystem

While a PSN account is understandable for games with multiplayer or PlayStation-specific features (like Ghost of Tsushima's online modes), its necessity for a single-player game like The Last of Us Part II is puzzling. The likely motive is to encourage PC gamers to engage with Sony's services, a reasonable business goal, but one that clashes with past player backlash.

Creating or linking a PSN account, while free, adds an extra step to the gaming experience. Furthermore, the PSN's global availability isn't universal, potentially excluding some fans from accessing the game. This restriction is particularly jarring given The Last of Us' series' reputation for accessibility. The enforced PSN requirement could easily alienate a portion of the PC gaming audience eager to experience this critically acclaimed sequel.