‘The Last of Us Part 2’ release date: New status effect mechanics will make the game harder than its predecessor

“The Last of Us Part 2” will be releasing a new trailer soon centered on the battle and stealth mechanics of the game. Unfortunately, there’s still no confirmation when the footage will drop, but it was supposedly showcased during the recently-concluded Gamestop Manager Show.

“The Last of Us Part 2” preview is highly anticipated by the gaming community since the developers said they’ve changed a lot in terms of battle mechanics this time around. Stealth is the main focused on this game on account of Ellie’s smaller frame.

Where Joel could take a hit and still has the strength to put an enemy through the wall, the teenager thrives in the shadows since injuries will cripple her quickly. Indeed, co-game director Anthony Newman previously said that “The Last of Us Part 2” will have a mechanic that would render an arm useless if an enemy manages to connect on that limb, Gamesradar reported.

The Last of Us Part 2 will have smarter AIs

That’s not all, a host of other status effects have been injected into the game to make difficulty and immersion more prominent. Add the fact that “The Last of Us Part 2” will have smarter AIs this time around and being stealthy becomes all the more crucial.

Take hiding, for instance. In “The Last of Us Part 2,” enemies are aware of certain locations where Ellie might use a potential cover. Under cars, inside thick vegetation, and other spots will be constantly checked once enemies are aware that you’re in the area.

And that’s just for the human factions, we still don’t know how Naughty Dog adjusted the AI of the Infected. The upcoming “The Last of Us Part 2” trailer has reportedly highlighted some details regarding this front and players can supposedly make use of Clickers as an advantage. If so, then that will be a great layer to put on top of the stealth mechanic as creating a distraction is always a welcome tactic when skulking around enemy camps.

The Last of Us Part 2 unlikely to arrive this year

As for why the Seraphites have nicknamed Ellie the “Wolf,” nothing has been revealed on this front either. What’s known so far is the group is using their own lingo to communicate with each other, including a whistling noise that’s been showcased in the 2018 demo, Kotaku reported. With regards to the release date of “The Last of Us Part 2,” it’s unlikely to come out this year.

Game journalist Jason Schreier said that the sequel was originally slated to drop this November but was pushed back when “Death Stranding” took the window. Schreier added that February 2020 is the most realistic date for the title to drop, speculation that’s been fanned by voice actress Ashley Johnson.