Sony Halts Development of Last of Us Part 2 Multiplayer Mod After Extended Efforts

It’s been almost three years since the announcement of the cancellation of the planned multiplayer game set in the world of The Last of Us. While the studio shifted its focus to new projects, some dedicated modders have been trying to create their own version of an updated multiplayer experience. However, it seems that if Sony can’t deliver a multiplayer mode in The Last of Us Part II, then no one can, as the company has reached out to the modding team with a request to halt their project.

Modder Speclizer shared an update on Twitter, revealing that they received a letter from Sony Interactive Entertainment asking them not to release the mod. While the details of the letter remain under wraps, it’s clear that the project is now shelved. Speclizer expressed disappointment but hopes that supporters will continue to back their next endeavor, which will be an original creation.

Hey everyone, as you all know, the TLOU 2 Multiplayer mod that has been in development since January was supposed to release this month. Unfortunately I recently received a letter on behalf of Sony Interactive Entertainment requesting for the mod not to be released. Extremely sad…

— Speclizer (@Speclizer_) September 13, 2026

Throughout 2026, Speclizer had been sharing updates on the mod’s development on YouTube, attracting thousands of views. The latest update, which likely marks the end of the project, had over 110k views and indicated that the mod was nearing a playable state for multiplayer in The Last of Us Part II.

While specifics of Sony’s letter weren’t disclosed, some speculate that the mod’s monetization through a Patreon subscription may have triggered the company’s intervention, as this is often a red flag for many developers.

When will people learn that locking access to mods behind Patreon subscription gates is just asking for trouble? It’s happened quite a few times now (CoD XLabs, Cyberpunk REAL VR, that one Pokémon mod for Palworld, etc.), you think it’d sink in by now.

— The Kinsie (@kinsie) September 14, 2026

Currently, the original Last of Us’ Factions multiplayer mode is available on the PlayStation 4 remaster, but it was not included in the Part I remake that launched on PS5 in 2022. With Naughty Dog’s multiplayer plans on hold and fan efforts to create a modern version thwarted, there’s a concern that if the original servers are eventually shut down, Last of Us multiplayer could become a relic of the past.

While multiplayer may not be in the cards, Naughty Dog has hinted once again that a third installment in the series is in the works.