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The Last of Us Part II Accessibility Guide

Welcome to The Last of Us Part II Accessibility Guide! Dive into an immersive, inclusive gaming experience with our comprehensive guide designed to help players of all abilities fully enjoy this acclaimed title. From customizing controls and visual accessibility options to optimizing audio features and managing the game’s UI and HUD, we’ve got you covered. Discover invaluable accessibility resources and learn how to tailor The Last of Us Part II to meet your unique needs, ensuring a seamless and engaging adventure. Get ready to unlock the full potential of your gameplay with our expert tips and tricks!

The Last of Us Part II Accessibility Guide#

Customizing Controls#

In The Last of Us Part II, Naughty Dog has gone above and beyond to make sure everyone can play comfortably. They offer a ton of control customization options that cater to different needs and preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or someone new to the action genre, this guide will help you tailor the controls to your liking.

Accessing Control Customization#

First things first, to get to the control customization screen, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Menu: Pause the game and go to the main menu.
  2. Settings: Navigate to the ‘Options’ category.
  3. Controls: Scroll to find the ‘Controls’ settings.

Here, you’ll find a plethora of options to tweak. Let’s break down the key areas you can modify:

Remapping Buttons#

The game allows you to remap each button on your controller, which is incredibly helpful for making the game more accessible. For example, if pressing the trigger for aiming feels uncomfortable, you can switch it to another button.

  1. Select Button to Remap: Highlight the button you want to change.
  2. Assign New Button: Press the button you want to assign the action to.
  3. Confirm: Make sure to save your new configuration.

Sensitivity Settings#

Sensitivity settings are crucial in a game where quick reactions can mean the difference between life and death.

  • Aiming Sensitivity: Adjusts how quickly your aim moves when using the right stick.
  • Look Sensitivity: Controls the speed of the camera when you’re looking around.

If things feel too fast or too slow, spend a few minutes tweaking these until it feels just right.

Toggle Options#

Some players find holding down buttons for extended periods tiring or difficult. The Last of Us Part II offers toggle options for several actions:

  • Aiming: You can choose to aim with a toggle instead of holding down the button.
  • Sprinting: Similarly, you can toggle sprinting on and off.
  • Crafting: Switch to tap instead of hold for all crafting interactions.

These options make it easier to keep up during intense gameplay moments.

Motion Controls#

If you enjoy using motion controls, you can enable or adjust the sensitivity of the gyroscope for aiming. This can provide a more immersive experience and, for some players, more precise aiming.

  1. Enable Motion Aiming: Turn on the gyroscope aiming feature.
  2. Adjust Sensitivity: Fine-tune the sensitivity to match your comfort level.

Auto-Aim and Lock-On Aim#

If aiming precisely at enemies feels too tough, you can enable auto-aim or lock-on aiming. These settings help keep your reticle focused on enemies, making combat a bit easier.

  • Auto-Aim: Your crosshair automatically snaps to enemies nearby.
  • Lock-On Aim: Your aim will lock onto an enemy as long as you’re aiming near them.

These features are great for easing the difficulty curve, especially in intense firefights.

Additional Accessibility Options#

Beyond basic control customization, the game includes several other accessibility features that can help:

  • High Contrast Display: This makes it easier to spot enemies and items.
  • Listen Mode Options: Customize the radius and duration of Listen Mode, which can help you detect enemies through walls.

To wrap it up, The Last of Us Part II has robust control customization options designed to make your experience as comfortable as possible. By taking the time to tailor these settings to your preferences, you can ensure the best gaming experience. Dive in and start customizing to make Ellie’s journey your own!

Visual Accessibility Options#

The Last of Us Part II stands out not just for its gripping story and intense gameplay, but also for its impressive range of accessibility features. Here, we’ll dive into the visual accessibility options that make the game more approachable for players with various visual impairments.

High Contrast Display#

High Contrast Display is a game-changer. When activated, it transforms the game’s visuals into simplified colors – characters and items you need to find are highlighted in bright, distinct colors like blue for allies, red for enemies, and yellow for interactable objects. This makes it much easier to distinguish what’s important, reducing any visual clutter that might get in your way.

To enable it, go to:

Options > Accessibility > High Contrast Display#

HUD Scaling#

Ever struggled to read tiny game text or see small icons? HUD Scaling helps with that. This feature lets you adjust the size of the heads-up display (HUD), so you can make text, icons, and other on-screen elements bigger and more readable. Perfect if you find smaller elements hard to see.

Adjust this by going to:

Options > Accessibility > HUD Scaling#

Enhanced Listen Mode#

Listen Mode is already a crucial tool in The Last of Us Part II, letting you sense nearby enemies through walls. Enhanced Listen Mode takes this a step further by offering more precise audio and visual cues. You’ll not only hear enemies better but also see clearer visual indicators of where your foes are. This can be a huge help if you have difficulty spotting distant or camouflaged enemies.

Find it under:

Options > Accessibility > Enhanced Listen Mode#

Subtitle and Text Customization#

The developers understand that everyone has different requirements when it comes to reading text on screen. You can customize Subtitles and Text to fit your needs. Adjust the size, color, and even add a background to make the text stand out more. You can also choose to display speaker names, making it clear who’s talking at any moment.

You’ll find these settings here:

Options > Accessibility > Subtitles#

For those who might struggle with navigating environments, Navigation Assistance helps keep you on track. When enabled, pressing the L3 button will orient you towards your destination, ensuring you never feel lost in the sprawling and sometimes confusing game world.

Activate it via:

Options > Accessibility > Navigation Assistance#

Screen Magnifier#

The Screen Magnifier is another fantastic tool. By holding the PS button and the square button, you can zoom into a specific area of the screen. It’s useful for inspecting detailed environments or reading small text without straining your eyes.

Enable it under:

Options > Accessibility > Screen Magnifier#

Colorblind Modes#

Colorblind Modes provide tailored visual adjustments for players with Protanopia, Deuteranopia, or Tritanopia. These modes adjust the color palette to help those with color vision deficiencies better distinguish in-game elements, creating a smoother and more enjoyable experience.

You can switch these modes in:

Options > Accessibility > Colorblind Modes#

Motion Sickness Reduction#

Lastly, for those sensitive to motion, the game offers options to reduce camera shake and motion blur, which can help prevent dizziness and nausea. Turning these settings down or off can help you maintain focus and comfort during long gaming sessions.

Adjust these in:

Options > Accessibility > Motion Sickness Reduction#


The Last of Us Part II makes strides in visual accessibility, proving that a little customization can go a long way in making games more inclusive. Dive into these options to tailor the experience to your needs and enjoy the game to the fullest!

The Last of Us Part II Accessibility Guide#

Audio Accessibility Features#

Welcome to our guide on the audio accessibility features in The Last of Us Part II. Whether you’re hard of hearing or looking for ways to better customize your gameplay, this section will break down everything you need to know about making the most out of the audio options.

Subtitles and Closed Captions#

  1. Subtitles: You can turn on subtitles for all dialogue. You also have options to change the size and color of the text, making it easier to read. There’s even an option for speaker names, so you know exactly who is talking!

  2. Closed Captions: Closed captions provide additional context beyond just dialogue. They include descriptions of sound effects, like “[door creaks]” or “[infected growls]“. Perfect for those who need or prefer visual cues for audio elements.

Audio Cues and Enhanced Listen Mode#

  1. Enhanced Listen Mode: This advanced feature helps if you have trouble hearing enemies or navigating environments. It visually pulses to show enemy locations and interactive objects, making it easier to plan your next move without relying on sound alone.

  2. Traversal and Combat Audio Cues: These cues help pinpoint key gameplay elements, like when you’re near a climbable surface or when enemies spot you. They come with specific sounds that stand out, so you know exactly what’s happening, even if you miss the visual hint.

Awareness Indicators#

  1. Awareness Indicators: These are on-screen symbols that show when you’re making noise that enemies can hear. They’re super handy if you’re trying to stay stealthy but aren’t sure how much noise you’re making.

Sound Mixing Options#

  1. Customizable Sound Balance: If you find some sounds overwhelming or not loud enough, you can change the balance between dialogue, effects, and music. This helps create a more comfortable audio experience tailored to your needs.

Audio Tutorials and Guidance#

  1. Audio Tutorials: If you’re new to the game or the PlayStation ecosystem, audio tutorials guide you through menus and settings. These are spoken directions to help you understand all the options available to you.

  2. Menu Narration: The game also offers menu narration for easier navigation. When this is enabled, a voice reads out menu options and settings, helping you move through the game’s interface without guessing where things are.

Alternate Audio Outputs#

  1. Stereo or Mono Output: The Last of Us Part II lets you switch between stereo and mono outputs. Mono output can help if you have hearing loss in one ear, ensuring you don’t miss any critical audio cues.

  2. Haptic Feedback: While not strictly an audio feature, the game also uses the controller’s haptic feedback to provide tactile responses to certain audio cues. This adds an extra layer of immersion, especially useful in tense situations.

Tuning It Just Right#

The Last of Us Part II really shines in its commitment to making the game accessible for all players. You have a suite of features at your disposal to ensure the audio experience suits your personal needs. Spend some time in the options menu, experiment with different settings, and find out what works best for you.

Let us know if these features helped your gameplay, or if you have any tips to share with other players. Enjoy surviving in the world of The Last of Us Part II!

Managing UI and HUD#

When you’re surviving in the world of The Last of Us Part II, having a clean and helpful HUD (Heads-Up Display) can make all the difference. Keeping track of your health, ammo, and surroundings while immersed in the game is key. Here’s how you can manage your UI and HUD to tailor your experience and get the most out of your gameplay.

Customizing Your HUD#

The game offers plenty of options to tweak the HUD according to your preferences. You can decide how much information you want visible on your screen. Whether you like a fully detailed display or a more minimalistic look, you’ve got options.

  1. Health and Weapon Bar:

    • Go to Options > HUD.
    • Here, you can choose to display, minimize, or completely turn off the Health and Weapon HUD.
    • For those who like immersion and a challenge, try hiding these elements. Just remember, you’ll need to stay on top of Ellie’s health and ammo count by checking your inventory.
  2. Ammo Count:

    • This can be toggled to always show, only when aiming, or turned off completely.
    • Having it visible when aiming can be a sweet spot, giving you necessary info without cluttering the screen.
  3. Stealth Meter:

    • This handy tool indicates how visible you are to enemies.
    • Navigate to Options > Accessibility and scroll to HUD.
    • You can toggle the stealth meter to be always on, off, or only show in specific situations.

Navigating the complex environments in The Last of Us Part II can be tricky. Luckily, the game offers several features to help you out.

  1. Enhanced Listen Mode:

    • By enabling this in Accessibility Options, you can have visual cues that point you toward your next objective or interactable items.
    • This is especially useful if you tend to get lost or miss important items scattered around the world.
  2. Directional HUD:

    • Go to Options > HUD and toggle Compass.
    • This HUD element shows the main direction you need to head towards, reducing the time spent wandering aimlessly.

Alerts and Notifications#

The game will also let you customize how and when you get alerts about items you pick up or get injured.

  1. Pick-Up Notifications:

    • To turn these on or off, go to Options > Notifications.
    • While notifications can be helpful, they might disrupt the immersive experience for some players.
  2. Damage Indicators:

    • Found in Options > HUD, these indicators show the direction from which you’re taking damage.
    • Turning these off can up the realism, but keep them on if you often find it hard to tell where the attacks are coming from.

Subtitles and Captions#

For those who prefer reading dialogue, or need visual cues for audio effects, subtitles and captions can be highly beneficial.

  1. Subtitles:

    • Turn on subtitles for all dialogues by going to Options > Accessibility > Subtitles & Captioning.
    • Customize size, color, and background to ensure readability.
  2. Combat and Environmental Captions:

    • These can be enabled under the same menu for audio cues like enemy footsteps or distant explosions.
    • Great for players hard of hearing or who want visual representation of important sound cues.

Keeping It Clean#

Overloading your screen with too much information can be distracting. Tweak these settings above to find the balance that works for you. A clean HUD aligned with your playstyle can transform your experience from chaotic to controlled.

Remember, The Last of Us Part II is all about crafting your unique journey through its world of decay and survival. The right HUD setup ensures you focus on what’s important - staying alive and uncovering Ellie’s story.

Accessibility Resources#

The Last of Us Part II is known for its attention to detail, including its commitment to accessibility. Naughty Dog has gone above and beyond to ensure players of all abilities can enjoy the game. Here’s a breakdown of the key accessibility features available:

Vision#

Text-to-Speech and Magnification#

  • Text-to-Speech: This feature reads out all on-screen text, from menu options to in-game notes, ensuring players who have difficulty reading or seeing on-screen text can still follow the story.
  • Magnification: Players can press a button to magnify parts of the screen, making it easier to read small text or see hidden details.

High Contrast Display#

  • This mode changes the game’s visuals so key elements (like characters and interactive items) are highlighted in different colors, making it easier for players with low vision to spot important details.

HUD Scaling#

  • You can adjust the size of the HUD (Heads-Up Display) to make sure information like health bars and ammo counts are clearly visible.

Hearing#

Subtitles and Closed Captions#

  • The game features highly customizable subtitles. You can change their size, color, and background to ensure they are always readable.
  • Closed Captions: These go beyond dialogue, detailing sound effects and music cues for players who are hard of hearing.

Audio Cues#

  • Audio cues provide important gameplay information, like when an enemy is nearby or a critical event is happening, helping players who rely more on auditory signals.

Motor#

Controller Customization#

  • You can remap all the controls to suit your preferences. There are multiple presets available, or you can create your own custom settings.
  • The game also supports various controller options, including adaptive controllers for players with different motor abilities.

Input Assistance#

  • Features like aim assist and lock-on aim help players who may find precise aiming difficult.
  • Hold and Toggle Options: For actions that require holding a button, there are options to toggle them with a single press, reducing hand strain.

Cognitive#

Combat and Puzzle Aids#

  • Players can adjust the difficulty of combat and puzzles separately. If combat is too challenging but you still want to enjoy the story and puzzles, you can turn down combat difficulty while keeping puzzle difficulty the same.
  • Enhanced Listen Mode: This enhances the already robust Listen Mode, making it easier to detect enemies and navigate stealth sections by highlighting important objects and paths.
  • Navigation assistance points you towards your next objective, helping you stay on track.
  • Traversal Assistance: Helps with in-game climbing and jumping sequences, automatically guiding you to the next spot so you can focus more on the story and less on tricky platforming.

General#

Game Speed#

  • Players can slow down the overall game speed. This is great for players who need more time to react and plan their moves.

Skip Puzzles#

  • If a puzzle is proving too difficult or frustrating, you have the option to skip it and continue on your journey.

Conclusion#

These features are just the tip of the iceberg, but they show Naughty Dog’s dedication to making The Last of Us Part II accessible to everyone. Whether you have visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive needs, there’s likely an option to help tailor the experience to you. Dive into the settings and explore what works best. Happy gaming!

The Last of Us Part II Accessibility Guide
https://www.rappy-world.com/posts/the_last_of_us_part_ii_accessibility_guide/
Author
Rappy-World
Published at
2024-01-10