Although the game’s coming in only a few months’ time, fans still don’t know a lot about The Last of Us 2. The sequel's release date trailer and accompanying gameplay footage might’ve been the most revealing glimpse yet, but it doesn’t change the fact that Naughty Dog has been incredibly tight-lipped about where the next installment of Joel and Ellie’s story will head next.
Yet, it appears fans might’ve just learned a new gameplay detail about the title from an unusual source, that being a licensed artbook for the upcoming sequel that comes with the Deluxe Edition of the game. The promotional image that accompanies this special edition copy of The Last of Us 2 features a single glimpse of the artbook that comes with the package, with the page on display showing concept art of Ellie and Dinah fighting a horde of the infected on horseback.
It’s far from a solid confirmation, but it appears to hint that the game will feature horseback combat scenes where the player has to fend off enemies. This would make sense seen as one of the gameplay sequences already shown sees the player navigating a snowy environment in search of supplies atop a horse. It makes sense that using horses will be more than just a method of traversal, perhaps featuring an intense set-piece where the player has to fight off the infected while atop their trusty steed.
Of course, if horseback combat is added to the game, it won’t be the only new feature making its way to the sequel. Back in September fans learned that Ellie will play differently to how Joel did in the original game, with a bigger emphasis on stealth over traditional combat, while new enemy types such as the terrifying Shambler and the addition of dogs will also look to shake up the core gameplay. The Last of Us 2 will need it as well, with the game looking to be the longest experience Naughty Dog has developed to date.
Naturally, it’s good to hear that The Last of Us 2 could be adding a number of brand new strings to its bow when it releases in May. The first game is held up by many as one of the greatest games of the last decade and a major influence on a number of story-focused titles that have launched since its release. The sequel is going to need to bring the big guns if it looks to revolutionize this decade to the same extent as its predecessor did the last.
The Last of Us 2 will be released on May 29 exclusively for the PlayStation 4.