How long to beat The Last of Us Part I? Full breakdown

The Last of Us Part I takes about 19.5 hours to beat, according to players on IGDB, and around 21 hours to complete everything. It is a tight, focused game you can finish in about ten evenings. Naughty Dog's 2022 remake retells Joel and Ellie's journey and includes the Left Behind chapter, so you get the full story in one package.

Main story: about 19.5 hours

If you follow the story without much exploring, expect about 19.5 hours. It is a linear adventure split into chapters, crossing an America wrecked by an infection with Joel and Ellie. The mix of exploration, stealth and tense fights keeps a steady pace, with no filler.

With extras: roughly the same

Players who search a bit more report around 19 hours, so roughly the same. That makes sense: there are no side quests here. The extras are optional rooms, notes, workbenches for weapon upgrades and optional conversations with Ellie. They add depth, not hours.

100%: around 21 hours

To collect everything, plan on about 21 hours. Collectibles (artifacts, Firefly pendants, comics, training manuals) are easy to miss but not hidden in a cruel way. The hardest difficulty modes, like Grounded, mostly add time if you are going for every trophy.

How many evenings that is

With 2-hour evenings, 19.5 hours is about ten sessions. Play one evening a day on weeknights and you will see the credits in two weeks. It is a great game to slot between two longer open worlds, or right before The Last of Us Part II.

What not to skip

Take the time to search rooms: you find precious supplies on normal difficulty and above, and notes that tell the story of the world. Do not skip the optional conversations with Ellie, they build the relationship that makes the game special. If you want to go faster, just lower the difficulty to shorten the fights.

Verdict

The Last of Us Part I is short for a game of its scale, and that is a strength. Every hour matters, every encounter has a purpose, and the ending lands because nothing drags on before it. Even with a full-time job, you can finish it within a month without rushing. If you love this world, our list of games like The Last of Us has plenty to play next.

FAQ

How many hours is The Last of Us Part I?

According to players on IGDB, the main story takes about 19.5 hours, and a 100% completion takes around 21. Playing two hours a night, you will finish it in roughly ten evenings, which makes it an easy fit in a busy month.

Is Left Behind included in The Last of Us Part I?

Yes, the Left Behind chapter is included. It focuses on Ellie and plays as a short standalone episode, ideal right after the credits. You do not need it to follow the main story, but it adds a lot to it.

Does The Last of Us Part I have side quests?

No, the game is linear and has no side quests. Optional content is limited to collectibles, weapon upgrades and optional conversations. That is why the main story and a 100% run are so close in length.