Unlocking grounded difficulty in Last of Us 1 is pretty straight forward. But what kind of twisted person would want to bring such immense suffering to themselves? It makes an already challenging game even harder. But I can tell you why the mode is such a favorite to fans of the series. It is the classic risk-reward gameplay loop. When you normally play the game, you can plan, but can also shoot from the hip, hypothetically speaking. When you play Grounded mode, every single moment has to be calculated. But once you pull it off and basically get through the game without dying, the ending resonates even more.
Some people scoffed when they heard of a Last of Us part 1 remake was coming. The overall thought was, it is just not needed. The original game still looks and plays fantastic. But for those who have played it, you know the minute it loads that it’s magic. It’s not a HD upgrade, it feels and plays like a new game. But how do you open up Grounded mode? First off, what is it?
Grounded mode tries to make the game’s intense violence even more realistic. Enemies are smarter, more aggressive and more lethal. There’s no life gauge, and taking just a few bullets is enough to end your run. On the flip side, enemies are also more vulnerable to well-placed shots. It really does feel more grounded. Now how to get it.
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How To Unlock Grounded Difficulty in Last of Us Part 1?
For the PS3, believe it or not, Grounded Mode for Last of Us part 1 was DLC you had to purchase. But then once they put out the Game of The Year edition on PS4, it was included and has been since. It is also featured on Last of Us part 2. It is also featured in the remake.
An easy way to access it and then access Grounded+ is to exploit the game and start it on easy. Play-through the prologue as soon as you finish it exit out and quit then all difficulties will be unlocked in the chapter select menu where you can select Grounded Mode+. this MAY be patched out, though, so approach with caution.
So now that you know, we really encourage gamers give the remake a try. Yes, the price that is steep, but this game is legendary. To experience it again feels like falling in love again. And we also encourage at least an attempted run at Grounded mode for the Last of Us part 1. It makes it feel like a survival game, and adds some real intensity to the overall experience. It’s low key amazing to play as Joel again, btw.
And the game will still end with you in tears, so there’s that.
