The Last of Us Left Behind: play order, length and what is included

See when to play Left Behind, how long it takes and which current editions include it.

By Game Guide PortSource reviewed:

Applies to: Part I and earlier releases · premise spoilers only

Quick answer

Play Left Behind after finishing the Part I main story on a first playthrough. It includes prequel scenes but also reveals information presented during the main campaign. Part I includes the rebuilt Left Behind chapter; a typical run takes about two to three hours.

Ellie and Riley in the Left Behind chapter
Official Steam store screenshot · © Sony Interactive Entertainment / Naughty Dog · Source ↗

When to play

Finish Part I first on a first playthrough. Although part of Left Behind occurs earlier, its framing assumes knowledge from the main campaign and reveals a gap at a deliberate point in that story.

Which editions include it?

Part I includes a rebuilt Left Behind chapter. The PS4 Remastered package also includes the earlier version. On the original PS3 release it began as separate downloadable content.

How long?

A first story run commonly takes two to three hours. Searching for optional conversations, artifacts and trophies takes longer.

Sources

PlayStation Part I FAQ · Fandom reference index

How this guide was checked

Official product and patch facts are linked to PlayStation, Steam and Naughty Dog. Location and playtime answers are attributed and were cross-checked between established guide sources.

Not independently play-tested. This is not a claim that every platform or game version was tested. Source review: Oct 12, 2026.