Summary

  • No Return mode in The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered prevents players from listening to background music, but there is a simple solution.
  • By adjusting the in-game music setting to zero, players can then play background audio while still being able to reactivate the in-game music.
  • No Return mode offers enjoyable fast-paced combat and replay value, making it a satisfying choice for gamers looking for a combat-focused experience.

A fan of The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered expressed their frustration over an annoying aspect of the game's No Return mode, which prevents players from playing background music on their PlayStation 5. However, another fan of The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered offered an easy solution.

The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered was released to rave reviews following its debut on January 19. The updated version of the hit 2020 game introduced a new roguelike mode, DualSense support, three new levels, enhanced graphics, and more. Its roguelike No Return mode is probably the most robust addition, which includes challenges for players to complete and new items to unlock. While many The Last of Us fans have enjoyed the new mode, one user shared a common issue that has bothered many players.

Reddit user Healthy_Herb posted an image that showed a warning at the top of their screen while playing The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered's No Return mode. The message explains that background music can't be listened to while playing the new game. It's probably not common that users would want to listen to background music or a podcast while playing the game's story mode, but its No Return mode is mostly devoid of storytelling and instead focuses on combat. The post's comment section makes it clear that many users have noticed the same issue and are not fans of Naughty Dog's decision. However, another fan shared an easy fix. If one adjusts the game's music setting to zero, they can then play background music, and after doing so can reactivate the in-game music without their background audio being disabled.

How to Play Background Music or Audio While Playing The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered

  • Set in-game music setting to zero
  • Users should then be able to play background audio
  • Users can then reactivate in-game music and continue listening to background audio

The Last of Us Part 2 features heavy musical elements and a superb score, which might be the reason for Naughty Dog's attempt to disable background audio. However, this is just speculation, and the design choice could be due to something else. Regardless of this issue, fans have enjoyed No Return's fast-paced combat and satisfying progression.

There are many aspects of No Return that make it enjoyable. Its biggest strength is probably its replay value, something that The Last of Us franchise hasn't offered since the first game's multiplayer mode, Factions. The franchise's story modes are regarded as excellent by many gamers, and some users enjoy playing them over and over again. However, No Return is a more traditional option for gamers in search of a satisfying combat loop.

Rating block community and brand ratings Image
the-last-of-us-part-2-cover-art
10 /10

The Last of Us Part 2
Display card tags widget
Action
Adventure
Display card system widget
Systems
PlayStation-1
Display card community and brand rating widget Display card open critics widget
Top Critic Avg: 93 /100 Critics Rec: 95%
Display card main info widget
Released
June 19, 2020
ESRB
M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Drugs
Developer(s)
Naughty Dog
Publisher(s)
Sony
Engine
Proprietary
Franchise
The Last of Us
Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end

WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

Play the winner of over 300 Game of the Year awards, remastered for the PlayStation®5 console. Relive or play for the first time Ellie and Abby’s story, now with graphical enhancements, new gameplay modes like the roguelike survival experience No Return, full DualSense® wireless controller integration, and more. Five years after their dangerous journey across the post-pandemic United States, Ellie and Joel have settled down in Jackson, Wyoming. Living amongst a thriving community of survivors has allowed them peace and stability, despite the constant threat of the infected and other, more desperate survivors. When a violent event disrupts that peace, Ellie embarks on a relentless journey to carry out justice and find closur

How Long To Beat
24 Hours
Metascore
93
Genre(s)
Action, Adventure