Fan Mod Rebuilds The Last of Us Factions Multiplayer in Part II

A PC modder known as Speclizer is currently rebuilding the canceled The Last of Us Online multiplayer experience, known as “Factions,” within the engine of The Last of Us Part II. According to project updates shared by the developer, the mod currently features 25 minutes of functional gameplay, including synchronized character movement, weapon swapping, and basic combat mechanics. The project is tentatively scheduled for release in September 2026, though it remains subject to potential legal action from Sony and Naughty Dog.

How is the Factions mod being built?

Speclizer is utilizing the existing assets and engine architecture of The Last of Us Part II to reconstruct the multiplayer mode from the ground up. According to technical documentation released by the developer, the project began in January 2026 as a local test involving two independent instances of Ellie. The developer successfully resolved complex hit-registration issues by reassigning remote player collision layers to match those used by NPCs, allowing the game’s internal raycasting system to recognize other players as combatants.

Pro Tip: When testing mods of this nature, creators often use local instances to bypass server-side authentication, a common hurdle in modern AAA titles that require constant connectivity.

What features are included in the current build?

The mod has evolved beyond simple movement tests to include core gameplay loops inspired by the original Supply Raid mode. Based on recent gameplay footage, the project currently supports:

UI Systems: Loading menus and map selection screens built with Naughty Dog’s proprietary Widget system.
Player Synchronization: Working crouch movement, weapon inventory management, and sprint animations.
Environmental Interaction: Functional doors, backpack animations, and traversal through tight spaces.
Combat Mechanics: A radar system, re-spawning logic, and a custom death manager designed to prevent level crashes.

Could Sony shut down the project?

The future of the mod remains uncertain due to potential DMCA intervention from IP holders. Industry precedent suggests that community-led projects involving high-profile intellectual property are frequently subject to takedown notices. For example, the shutdown of the RAGE:MP project for GTA V illustrates how developers are often forced to cease operations when a platform owner asserts control over their proprietary code and online infrastructure.

Did you know?

Speclizer previously gained recognition in the modding community for attempting to reimplement the “Hold Up” mechanic, a feature that was originally cut from the final release of The Last of Us Part II.

FAQ

Is this an official Naughty Dog project?: No. The project is an independent effort by a PC modder and has no affiliation with Sony or Naughty Dog.
What is the release date for the mod?: The developer is targeting a release date of September 2026.
Will this mod be available on consoles?: No. Due to the nature of modding tools and file access, the project is strictly limited to the PC version of the game.
What inspired the gameplay mechanics?: The mod is heavily inspired by Supply Raid, the competitive mode featured in the original The Last of Us multiplayer.

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