[Update] Naughty Dog released a statement addressing the lack of a multiplayer mode on Twitter. The official Naughty Dog account states that the scope of the Factions mode the studio originally announced for The Last of Us Part II grew to the point where it couldn't be included alongside the main campaign. That means there won't be a Factions multiplayer mode similar to what appeared in the original Last of Us. However, Naughty Dog is working on an online experience that people will eventually get to play. Exactly in what form or when, however, has not been decided and remains to be seen.

An update regarding multiplayer: pic.twitter.com/CUd98LgJGC — Naughty Dog (@Naughty_Dog) September 27, 2019

The Last of Us is most remembered for its gripping story campaign, but it had a well-loved multiplayer mode as well in the form of Factions mode. Despite Naughty Dog previously stating that The Last of Us Part 2 would also include multiplayer, plans have now changed. The developer says it's focusing purely on the single-player experience with no plans for multiplayer in its upcoming sequel.

"We're focusing on a single-player experience, so we're just making a single-player game for this," lead game designer Emilia Schatz told US Gamer. To remove any possible ambiguity, a Sony rep reportedly later confirmed that it is single-player only.

This signifies a change of plans, as Naughty Dog had previously confirmed that the multiplayer Factions mode would be making a return. The team was vague at the time, declining to talk about details.

Despite the removed mode, The Last of Us 2 looks to be a sprawling game, spanning two blu-ray discs. It aims to make you feel bad about killing enemies to reinforce the themes of the story, and that will include killing dogs. You can read more about it in our in-depth preview.

In case you are itching to play the Factions Mode or just need to catch up with the first game, it will be included as a PlayStation Plus game in October. The Last of Us 2 is coming on February 21, 2020.