Sony shuts down Last of Us 2 multiplayer mod weeks before launch

A fan-made multiplayer mod for The Last of Us Part 2 has been canceled just weeks before it was expected to launch, after its creator says Sony asked them not to release it.

Modder Speclizer had been working on the unofficial PC project since January 2026, gradually turning The Last of Us Part 2's single-player gameplay into a functioning multiplayer experience.

The project had made significant progress in recent months, supporting 4v4 matches, matchmaking, leaderboards, and a map based on the Seraphite Forest area. It was scheduled to be released in September.

TLOU Part 2 online mod shut down by Sony

However, those plans have now been scrapped, as the modder revealed that Sony had contacted them and asked for it not to be made publicly available.

“Unfortunately I recently received a letter on behalf of Sony Interactive Entertainment requesting for the mod not to be released,” Speclizer announced on September 13.

“Extremely sad that this never got to see the light of day but I hope you'll continue to follow me onto the next project, this time something of my own.”

https://twitter.com/Speclizer_/status/2091216328183193835?s=20

The modder thanked fans for supporting the project over the last year and said they hope to return with “something bigger and better soon.”

They didn't elaborate on why Sony decided to shut the mod down, but the fact that fans could pay for it through Patreon may have been a contributing factor.

Fans have been clamoring for more TLOU multiplayer ever since The Last of Us Part 2 launched with just the single-player campaign.

The first game in the series featured the Factions multiplayer mode, which was well-received by players. Then, the 2020 sequel was supposed to feature its own online portion, but it became too big and was broken off into a standalone project.

However, in 2023, Naughty Dog announced that The Last of Us Online had been scrapped, as it would have required too much long-term focus to keep it updated. This is likely what inspired modders like Speclizer to create their own version, but this one will never make its way into players' hands.