The Last of Us is the original 2013 video game following Joel and Ellie's journey across a post-apocalyptic America infected by fungal parasites. It's a full-length action-adventure spanning roughly 15 hours of gameplay, focusing on their relationship as they travel toward a potential cure.
The Last of Us: Left Behind is a standalone expansion released in 2014 that serves as both a prequel and interlude to the main game. It's significantly shorter (2–3 hours) and centers on Ellie, shifting focus to her perspective and backstory. The expansion explores her life before meeting Joel, particularly her relationship with her best friend Riley, while also including flashback sequences that add emotional depth to Ellie's character.
Left Behind was later remastered for PlayStation 5 as a standalone title. The expansion delves into themes of friendship, loss, and coming-of-age in ways the main game only hints at, making it essential for players seeking a fuller understanding of Ellie's motivations and emotional journey. It features similar combat and exploration mechanics but with a more intimate, narrative-focused approach.
Both games share the same post-apocalyptic setting and mechanics, but they differ significantly in scope, length, protagonist focus, and narrative structure. Left Behind complements the original by expanding the universe and deepening character development rather than continuing the main storyline.