The Last of Us will get a new difficulty mode in the latest DLC, which will add new incentive to replay the game again. People might be wondering what’s new in this additional difficulty mode. According to Arne Meyer, Community Strategist at Naughty Dog, this new difficulty mode is “a step beyond” even the Survivor mode.
Replying to the comments on the official PS Blog, Arne Meyer explained this new difficulty mode.
Grounded Mode is an advanced difficulty mode for the single-player content. Imagine a step beyond even Survivor Mode.
Update: On official PS Blog, Naughty Dog have listed this difficulty as offering “Super aggressive AI” and they consider this mode for “toughest of the hardcore.”
Survivor mode was the hardest difficulty mode for The Last of Us. It disabled the ability to use the “Listen mode” for Joel. Button prompts also disappeared when we sneaked behind enemy, or when we had to use a QTE, we had to trust our instinct here. Not only that, ammo/supplies were scarce and enemies used to take double the amount of damage to take down, and did double the damage.
How exactly is the new “Grounded mode” beyond this difficulty settings, it is not yet known. Maybe along with the additions of Survival difficulty, the AI might also behave more intelligently, making it difficult for the players to fool them. In any case, this new mode is definitely welcome for most of the veterans of The Last of Us.
Arne Meyer also assured that The Last of Us Remastered won’t miss its Summer 2014 release, and most of the release dates by online retailers are just placeholders, when referring to the end of the year release date from these retailers.
Naughty Dog will also keep a close eye on the latest DLC and tweaks so the MP doesn’t become a run and gun type of mode, according to Meyer.
We’ll keep an eye on things and make adjustments if it doesn’t turn out balanced like we want or planned for it to be.
Are you excited for the upcoming DLC for The Last of Us? Let us know in the comments below.
