Prior to the release ofThe Last of Us 2, Naughty Dog confirmed that the sequel would not have the Factions multiplayer mode from the original game. Instead, the developer revealed thatThe Last of Us 2’s Factions modehad become so ambitious that it needed to be its own game, and the developer has been working on it since this announcement. An Outbreak Day message confirmed that it is still being worked on, and it will likely join the rumoredThe Last of Usremake as one of the studio’s next games.
Since its announcement, fans have theorized thatThe Last of Us 2Factions could have everything from a battle royale mode to a more in-depth version of the metagame from the original mode. Regardless of what the new take on Factions looks like, Naughty Dog should go all in on character creation and customization, giving players a new level of control over their multiplayer avatars.
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A Proper Character Creator For The Last of Us Factions
In the original version ofThe Last of UsFactions, players were allowed to join eitherthe Firefliesor the Hunters. From there, they could customize their characters’ gestures, hats, masks, and helmets. However, their clothing was not able to be touched, and players had no control over what their character’s face looked like. Each time they dropped into a match, they would look different, with their character’s appearance being randomized apart from their chosen accessories.
One thing that the standalone version ofThe Last of UsFactions should absolutely do is add a character creator. Just like thecharacter creators in games likeElden Ring, players should have full control over their avatar’s hairstyle, skin color, and facial features. Gamers being able to make their character look like themselves would go a long way to making them connect with the game more. Naughty Dog could also add a few different voices to choose from, and if it wants to go a step further, the developer could let players choose from a set of backstories like they do in games such asMass Effect. These origin stories could change the things characters say in multiplayer, allowing gamers to make their character kinder, meaner, or something in between.
However,The Last of Usfansshould be able to customize their outfits in the character creator as well. While the options do not need to be extensive when starting out, as paid and unlockable outfits will surely be a focus of the multiplayer-only game, having more than the default outfit available could make a difference. Players could have a few different looks available for a Seraphite or WLF character, giving them a bit of variety from day one. Gamers being able to make their character look like themselves is a good start, but having the option to dress like they would in real life is the other piece of the puzzle.
Potential Cosmetics For The Last of Us Factions
When it comes to the potential cosmetics forThe Last of UsFactions, the sky is the limit for Naughty Dog. The most obvious option is to add outfits based on iconic characters from the first two games. Being able tocosplay as Abby, Ellie, or Joel in-game is something that fans will surely want to do, so giving them the outfit pieces to do just that is essential. This can range from obvious items like the characters’ signature shirts and hairstyles to some more subtle cosmetics, like Joel’s shattered watch or Ellie and Dina’s matching bracelets.
Outside of cosmetics based on beloved characters, some more over-the-top outfit choices could prove to be popular. While other games have shown that ridiculous items can be a big hit, likeHalo Infinite’s cat ears, Naughty Dog could aim to do something slightly more grounded. The option to let players dress up as Clickers, Stalkers, or other infected types would make for some memorable in-game items. Seeing the Cordyceps fungus protrude from an enemy’s head would be unforgettable, and it is something that could extend to weaponry as well. If Naughty Dog allows gamers to customize the look of their guns, a camo pattern covered in Cordyceps mushrooms could be one of many potential weapon skins.
Lastly, some crossover cosmetics based on other PlayStation franchises would work well. Games likeGhost of Tsushimahave already introducedPlayStation-inspired armor sets, andThe Last of UsFactions could do the same. Jin Sakai’s Ghost mask could be one cosmetic item worth unlocking, while Aloy’s braided hairstyle would also work as aHorizontribute. A Bridges cap and Sam’s unique glasses fromDeath Strandingwould be another cool cosmetic, while a tattoo resembling Kratos’ face paint would undoubtedly stand out. PlayStation has plenty of franchises that Naughty Dog’s multiplayer could pay tribute to, and it should not pass up on the opportunity.
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Providing Several Ways To Unlock The Last of Us Factions' Cosmetics
While the originalThe Last of UsFactions did a lot of things right, explaining its cult following and dedicated community, its approach to cosmetics would likely not do well today. Not only were certain guns locked behind paywalls, meaning that themultiplayer was very much pay-to-win, but countless cosmetics required players to spend real money. While paid cosmetics are certainly fine, most gamers want options to unlock outfits as well, something that the next iteration of Factions should strive to deliver.
In-game events that offer unlockable outfits is one way to go about this, as are sets of challenges that give players new hats or pieces of gear upon completion. The battle pass system that can be found in everythingfromDeep Rock GalactictoCall of Dutyis another viable option for Naughty Dog, and it could offer a mix of premium and free tiers. While the game prioritizing cosmetics will surely make it a moneymaker for Sony, microtransactions need to be handled tastefully. With the approach to cosmetics in the originalThe Last of UsFactions being one of its only major negatives, rectifying this mistake with the standalone game is important. Not only is more customization needed in the next iteration ofThe Last of Usseries’ multiplayer, but the customization options need to be provided in a way that does not frustrate the game’s community.
The Last of Us 2’s Factions multiplayer is currently in development.
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