Since Naughty Dog‘s latest exclusive, The Last of Us, was announced, a multiplayer facet was always a speculation, but over time, the rumors began evolving to reality, and now with the release of The Last of Us within our reach, we’ve finally got the scoop on the who, what, when, where, and why of The Last of Us‘ multiplayer experience. This is Factions.
Sticking true to the origin of the story line, The Last of Us‘ multiplayer mode Factions plans on putting players into dark, violent situations, in which they will be in charge of surviving, gathering supplies, and banding together to help protect their team. It’s going to be one of the most immersive online experiences, putting players in a position to channel their instincts and really test the limits of how far they’ll go to survive.
In Factions, there are two multiplayer modes: Supply Raid and Survivors. Factions are defined as groups, and just as the definition states, you will be in charge of protecting and expanding said group (or clan, if you will). Initially you’ll get to pick which side you’d like to be a part of, the Hunters or the Fireflies, and from there, you’ll be able to play either Supply Raid or Survivors to push your limits, test your fate, and show just how strong you really are.
In Supply Raid, you and your team will scour the area to collect supplies, while keeping each other alive. Performing brutal combat against enemy forces, the fate of you and your team hangs in the balance between survival and solitariness.
In Survivors, you’re given one chance against the opposing team. There is no respawning, so once you’ve been eliminated, you are out until the next round.
“It’s a best of seven rounds in which the first team to win four rounds wins the match.”
– Eric Monacelli, Naughty Dog
The tone of the multiplayer experience will not stray far from the single player experience. Players will still experience the biting, intense struggle and will need to stay alert at all times. Instead of just creating a multiplayer that thrived off everyday game-modes like Team Deathmatch, Naughty Dog wanted The Last of Us to feel the same on every level, and have the two types of gameplay (single player and multiplayer) coincide with each other.
Which clan will you choose?
The Last of Us will be available in 9 days on June 14th.
