Key Release Times and Dates at a Glance
Not every time zone received The Last of Us at the same moment. Below are the verified launch windows for the original 2013 debut and the 2023 remake, broken down by platform and region.
| Platform & Game | Date | Time (Local) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 3 (Original) | June 14, 2013 | ~00:01–02:00 (early morning) | Australasia led; most regions followed June 14–15 |
| PlayStation 4 (Remake) | January 26, 2023 | 12:00 AM–8:00 AM (rolling window) | Platform exclusive at launch; staggered by region |
| Xbox, PC (Remake) | March 28, 2023 | Varies by retailer and platform storefront | Multi-platform; preload windows applied |
| The Last of Us Part I (Remake) | September 2, 2022 | 00:00–08:00 (regional windows) | PlayStation 5 exclusive at launch |
| The Last of Us Part II | June 19, 2020 | 00:00–09:00 (regional windows) | PlayStation 4 |
The Last of Us: 2013 Original Launch Details
Australasia and Early Global Windows
The Last of Us first launched in June 2013, with release times varying by region. In Australasia, physical copies hit shelves around 00:01–02:00 on June 14, making it the earliest region to receive the game. Other regions followed throughout June 14 and into June 15, with standard PlayStation Store availability typically activating at 00:00 local time. Physical retailers often opened doors earlier to accommodate fans.
The Last of Us Remake (2023): January Launch
Platform Availability and Staggered Releases
The Last of Us remake launched on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 on January 26, 2023. While many digital storefronts allowed preload starting January 23, actual access windows varied. In some regions, the first playable access began at 00:00 local time, while others saw availability creep into the morning hours, often by 08:00 at the latest. Physical copies mirrored these windows, subject to retailer logistics.
Part I and Part II Remakes: 2022 and 2020
PlayStation Platform Rollouts
The Last of Us Part I (2022) and Part II (2020) both adhered to staggered regional activation. Part I launched on PlayStation 5 on September 2, with early access in some territories at 00:00 and full rollout by 08:00. Part II launched on PlayStation 4 on June 19, 2020, following a similar pattern with regional windows between 00:00 and 09:00. Preload options were typically available 24–48 hours prior.
Platform and Retailer Variables
Digital vs Physical and Regional Differences
Release times for The Last of Us titles depend on platform, retailer, and local regulations. Digital versions on PlayStation Store often activate at 00:00 local time, but physical copies can launch earlier when retailers open overnight. Time zones mean players in the same country may access the game at slightly different hours. Always check your region’s specific window to avoid midnight confusion.
- Preload availability: Usually 24–72 hours before launch
- Early-access physical copies: Common at major retailers
- Regional windows: Can shift by several hours across territories
Planning Your Playtime
How to Confirm Your Local Release Time
To find your precise access window, verify the platform-specific date and time with your retailer or console storefront. Enable preload, set reminders for activation windows, and confirm time zone settings on your device. For highly anticipated releases, digital storefronts often publish precise local activation times ahead of launch, reducing ambiguity for players.