Despite stumbling into a few delays, at long...last, The Last of Us Part 2 has finally arrived and we can continue Ellie and Joel’s journey through the apocalypse. Naughty Dog’s games have always been cinematic affairs, with a focus on strong storytelling, so it’s only right to prepare for this with the same excitement as our fave films and other entertainment events. Much in the same way that people might buy a new TV for the Super Bowl, you might be considering upgrading your gaming setup for TLOU2, so here’s what will get you the most bang for your buck when the clickers come calling.
Blue Light Protection
As is a grand tradition for horror games, you may want to experience The Last of Us Part 2 by cutting the lights and truly immersing yourself in the inky darkness of the PS4 Pro’s HDR scenes. However, you may also value your eyesight. That isn’t to say you have to keep the lights on (though we will be doing just that, and if possible, hiding behind the couch) but you should protect your eyes. Digital eye strain is increased markedly when the only source of light is the screen you’re playing on, but, so get yourself some protective eyewear and take it easy on your peepers.
Active Reload
If you’re planning on staying up all through the night to marathon this epic adventure, then there are other preparations you can make, too. In addition to ensuring your snacks and hydration are properly stocked for the journey ahead, take a tip from Ellie and Joel to prepare yourself. There’s nothing worse than getting halfway through an encounter with deadly cult members or clickers and running out of ammo or improvised explosive devices. The same goes for your controller running out of battery. Luckily for us, we won’t have to crouch down and furiously duct-tape cans together to continue. Just make sure you keep your DUALSHOCK®
4 topped up between sessions, or if you have a second controller then keep the replacement on a charging stand like the HyperX ChargePlay Duo so you can simply swap them out like hitting the active reload timing just right.
Immerse Yourself
If you’re braving this adventure in the dark then there’s only one step left to achieve true immersion, and that’s blocking out the rest of the sounds around you. A good sound setup for the PS4 will make your experience in TLOU2 even more intense, if you can stand it. Soundbars are great for watching films with a single static viewpoint, but 3D audio in games is best experienced through a gaming headset for full awareness of your surroundings in the post-apocalypse. If experiencing the full 3D audio soundscape is a journey you’re ready to embark upon, get the HyperX Cloud Orbit S. If you’re looking for a blend of immersive sound, while also getting freedom from wires, your best gear upgrade is a wireless gaming headset like the Cloud Stinger Wireless Gaming Headset for PS4. Put them on, tune out, and enjoy the ride.
