The future of The Last of Us has suddenly become much more interesting. Naughty Dog has confirmed that it is working on two new projects set within The Last of Us universe, with both currently in the early stages of development.
The announcement has naturally reignited speculation surrounding The Last of Us Part 3, although Naughty Dog has not officially confirmed that either project is the third mainline game.
Naughty Dog Confirms More The Last of Us Stories
In a September 28, 2026 update, Naughty Dog studio head Neil Druckmann addressed one of the biggest questions surrounding the franchise: whether the studio plans to return to The Last of Us.
Druckmann confirmed that Naughty Dog has “a couple” of new projects in very early stages, and revealed that both will expand the canon of The Last of Us beyond Part I and Part II.
The announcement is significant because it confirms that Naughty Dog is not finished exploring the world created by the studio.
Naughty Dog’s official announcement about the future of The Last of Us
Is The Last of Us Part 3 Actually Happening?
For now, the answer is not officially confirmed.
Naughty Dog has not called either of its newly revealed projects The Last of Us Part 3. The studio also has not announced a release date, platforms, characters or gameplay details for either project.
However, the confirmation that multiple projects are expanding the franchise’s canon gives fans plenty of reason to speculate.
Recent reporting has also highlighted the possibility of multiple future projects connected to The Last of Us, while making clear that Part 3 itself has not been officially announced.
This distinction is important: The Last of Us Part 3 remains unconfirmed, while new The Last of Us projects are officially confirmed.
What Could These New Projects Be?
There are several possibilities.
One project could eventually become a full-scale sequel, potentially continuing the story after The Last of Us Part II. Another could explore a different period, character or storyline within the same universe.
Naughty Dog’s wording is particularly interesting because the studio specifically says these projects will expand the canon beyond Part I and Part II. That leaves the door open for stories that do not necessarily follow Ellie directly.
Naughty Dog Is Taking Its Time
The projects are still described as being in their very early stages, meaning fans should not expect a near-term release.
Naughty Dog is also heavily focused on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, its upcoming new IP. The studio has confirmed that Intergalactic is currently in development for PS5 and said it plans to fully reveal the game in 2027.
Naughty Dog’s official Intergalactic announcement
This makes it unlikely that fans will receive substantial information about the newly confirmed The Last of Us projects immediately.
The Last of Us Franchise Is Not Finished
The latest announcement is nevertheless a major development for the franchise.
Naughty Dog previously cancelled The Last of Us Online after determining that supporting a large live-service game would require too many studio resources and could negatively affect its single-player projects. The studio said at the time that it had more than one ambitious new single-player project in development.
The latest announcement now provides a clearer picture of the franchise’s future.
For fans hoping for The Last of Us Part 3, the news is promising—but it is still too early to say that Part 3 is definitely one of the two projects.
Naughty Dog’s update on The Last of Us Online
What Happens Next?
For now, Naughty Dog is keeping details secret.
The studio has confirmed that two new projects will expand The Last of Us canon, but no titles, release windows or gameplay information have been announced.
That means The Last of Us Part 3 remains speculation, while the existence of additional The Last of Us projects is now official.
If one of those projects eventually becomes The Last of Us Part 3, it could mark the next major chapter in one of PlayStation’s most celebrated franchises. Until Naughty Dog provides more details, however, fans will have to wait.
For now, the biggest confirmed news is simple: The Last of Us universe is not over.
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