After a lengthy wait of nearly five years, The Last of Us Part 2 has made its grand entrance onto PC in the form of The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered. With the premiere of HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2 slated for April, this release provides a timely opportunity for PC gamers to engage with the compelling narrative that inspired the series. For the first time, players on PC will have the chance to delve into the harrowing and brilliantly crafted single-player campaign, along with exciting additional content featuring new No Return characters. However, there is still a lingering concern regarding Sony’s policies for PC releases.
In recent years, Sony has mandated the creation of a PlayStation Network (PSN) account for various titles available on PC, such as Helldivers 2, God of War: Ragnarok, and Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered. This has posed significant issues for gamers in numerous countries, including Algeria, Cameroon, the Dominican Republic, Nigeria, the Philippines, and Venezuela, among others, who lack access to PSN. Moreover, attempts to bypass this limitation using a VPN are treated as a violation of the Terms of Service, leaving players in these regions unable to play. Fortunately, Sony has recently adjusted its approach, but creating a PSN account remains beneficial for those seeking additional in-game perks.
PSN Account Now Optional for TLOU Part 2 Remastered on PC
A Positive Development for PC Gamers of PlayStation Titles
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In January, Video Games Chronicle reported that The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered was set to require a PSN account, which was initially confirmed on the game’s Steam page. However, on January 29, the PlayStation Blog revealed that Sony has rolled back these requirements for all its PC offerings, including future releases like Spider-Man 2 and Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, in addition to The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered.
With this change, players no longer need to have a PSN account to enjoy these titles on PC, though those who do create an account can unlock extra features, such as trophy tracking and friend management. Previously, the enforcement of PSN accounts seemed aimed at increasing their user base; however, Sony’s decision to make this optional is commendable, as it grants access to over 100 countries, allowing many to explore outstanding PlayStation exclusives on PC.
Benefits of Signing In with a PSN Account
The Superiority of PlayStation Trophies Over Steam Achievements
With PSN now being optional for PC users, there are appealing bonuses and features available to those who choose to sign in. Chief among these is the ability to earn PlayStation Trophies on Steam, an experience that significantly surpasses the typical Steam Achievement system. The Trophy system provides a more substantial sense of accomplishment, making it an excellent way for PC gamers to engage in trophy hunting, a feature also applicable to Steam releases like God of War: Ragnarök.
Furthermore, those who log in while playing The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered will receive unique bonuses, including a special jacket from Naughty Dog’s upcoming title, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, in addition to 50 in-game points. These points can be used to purchase various items such as skins and concept art, although note that most purchasable content becomes available after completing the game. For players in regions where PSN access is granted, signing in to a PSN account appears advantageous, but the option to play freely is a welcome relief for those without that access.
References: VGC, PlayStation Blog, PlayStation/YouTube