The arrival of The Last of Us Part II Remastered on PC marks a pivotal moment for fans who’ve waited years to experience this narrative masterpiece outside PlayStation ecosystems. As developers optimize the title for keyboards and high-end hardware, understanding its system requirements becomes critical for gamers aiming to balance visual fidelity with seamless performance. This guide explores everything you need to know about hardware demands, optimization strategies, and what to expect from this visually intense remaster.
Why PC Specs Matter for The Last of Us Part II Remastered
Unlike console gaming, where hardware is standardized, PC performance hinges on diverse configurations. The remastered edition leverages advanced features like ray tracing, 4K textures, and enhanced physics simulations – all of which demand robust hardware. Investing in the right components ensures you experience the game’s haunting landscapes and emotional storytelling without technical hiccups.
Key Enhancements Driving Hardware Demands
- Ray-traced shadows and reflections: These require GPUs with dedicated RT cores.
- DualSense controller integration: Haptic feedback and adaptive triggers may influence CPU utilization.
- AI-driven enemy behavior: Improved NPC logic increases CPU workload.
Minimum System Requirements
For players targeting 1080p at 30 FPS on low settings, these specs provide a baseline:
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit (version 1909 or newer)
- CPU: Intel Core i7-4770K or AMD Ryzen 5 1500X
- GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1060 (6GB) / AMD RX 580 (8GB)
- RAM: 16GB DDR4
- Storage: 150GB NVMe SSD
- DirectX: Version 12
These specs prioritize playability over visuals, potentially requiring resolution scaling for smoother framerates.
Recommended System Specifications
Aim for 1440p at 60 FPS with high settings using these components:
- OS: Windows 11 64-bit
- CPU: Intel Core i7-10700K / AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 / AMD Radeon RX 6800
- RAM: 32GB DDR4
- Storage: 150GB PCIe 4.0 SSD
- DirectX: Version 12 Ultimate
This tier enables native resolution rendering with partial ray tracing effects enabled.
Performance Expectations Across Setups
Entry-Level Rig (GTX 1060 / RX 580)
Expect 40-50 FPS at 1080p using FSR 2.0 upscaling. Disable shadow caching and reduce texture filtering for stability.
Mid-Range Build (RTX 3060 Ti / RX 6700 XT)
Target 60-75 FPS at 1440p with mixed medium/high settings. Enable AMD FSR or NVIDIA DLSS for headroom to activate ambient occlusion.
High-End System (RTX 4080 / RX 7900 XTX)
Delivers 4K at 90-120 FPS with maximum settings, including full ray tracing. Use VRAM monitoring tools to avoid bottlenecks during intense scenes.
Optimization Strategies for Smoother Gameplay
- Driver Updates: Install Game Ready Drivers (NVIDIA) or Adrenalin Edition (AMD) pre-launch.
- Texture Streaming: Reduce to «Medium» if experiencing stuttering.
- Shadow Quality: This setting impacts both GPU and CPU; lower it first if framerates dip.
- Background Processes: Disable RGB software and browser tabs to free up RAM.
The SSD Imperative
Naughty Dog’s asset streaming technology relies heavily on storage speed. Mechanical drives may cause texture pop-ins and extended loading screens despite meeting other specs.
Future-Proofing for Upcoming Titles
While the RTX 4070 handles current demands, consider these trends for longevity:
- VRAM: 12GB+ becomes standard for uncompressed 4K textures.
- CPU Cores: Games increasingly utilize 8-core/16-thread processors.
- DirectStorage: Windows 11’s GPU decompression tech will reduce CPU overhead.
Console vs. PC Performance Breakdown
The PS5 version targets 4K/60 FPS using dynamic resolution scaling and checkerboard rendering. Equivalent PC hardware (RTX 3080) achieves native 4K with higher-quality post-processing effects, demonstrating the platform’s scalability.
Conclusion: Preparing for the Journey Ahead
The Last of Us Part II Remastered pushes hardware boundaries to deliver one of gaming’s most visceral experiences. By cross-referencing your system against these benchmarks and applying targeted optimizations, you’ll ensure nothing distracts from Ellie’s harrowing story. As release day approaches, verify drivers, clear storage space, and consider strategic upgrades – your PC is about to become the ultimate conduit for this unforgettable narrative.