Screenshot by Destructoid.

Tips and tricks for The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered’s No Return mode

Survive all six encounters.

With The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered, you get the No Return mode which is a roguelike gameplay mode. It might be a little overwhelming for a casual player, but for those who love the game’s combat, it is the best thing ever.

Recommended Videos

Excel at it, and you’ll unlock new content, some of which you can use in the main game. To learn how to make the most of The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered‘s No Return mode, read this guide.

Abby in the woods in The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered.
Screenshot by Destructoid.

Start slow

If you’re familiar with TLOU 2, you may be tempted to crank up the difficulty. Although this will give you a challenge, you may want to start things slow first. This isn’t like the base game. You’ll be bombarded with encounters and if you aren’t ready for the long run, you’ll get killed and lose all your progress.

Whatever difficulty level you’re comfortable with, start a level or two lower than that just to get used to things.

Abby in The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered.
Screenshot by Destructoid.

Prepare to die

There is some intense disappointment that comes with dying in the No Return mode. You lose all your progress and have to start from scratch. However, you do gain experience and some mods are unlocked.

You will inevitably die several times, no matter how good you are. Take it on the chin, identify your errors, and make sure you don’t make the same mistakes twice.

The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered board.
Screenshot by Destructoid.

Avoid paths with companions

As you choose your six encounters, you’ll notice some of them have companions to help you. Avoid these. You get help in the short term, but in the long term, you’re screwed over. These routes will typically end up taking you through a particularly difficult encounter to make up for the help you previously received from your companion.

Abby on Ferris Wheel in The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered.
Screenshot by Destructoid.

Trap mines and Molotovs

Regardless of your difficulty level, these are your best tools. A well-placed trap mine allows you to trick your foes while you escape while Molotovs can take out two enemies at once if your aim is good. Whenever possible, stock up on these items.

Ellie The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered.
Screenshot by Destructoid.

Be prepared

There are a couple of challenges No Return throws at you:

  • Assault – survive against waves of foes
  • Hunted – stay alive until the timer runs out
  • Capture – break into a safe full of guarded supplies
  • Holdout – you and your in-game companion take a stand against Infected

Each challenge requires different skills from you so be prepared to approach things differently depending on the challenges you’re facing. You’ll learn the best tactics with experience, but be aware that what works in one scenario won’t work in others.


Destructoid is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission.Ā Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author
Image of Smangaliso Simelane
Smangaliso Simelane
Staff Writer - Smangaliso Simelane is a writer with a passion for all things related to video games. He has been writing about video games since 2020.