PS5 Gets Free The Last of Us Background, Naughty Dog Teases TLOU Day 2026

Naughty Dog released a free The Last of Us animated background for PS5 and teased announcements for TLOU Day on September 28, including a partnership, collaboration, and digital surprises.

Ever wanted your PS5 to feel a little more post-apocalyptic? Naughty Dog has you covered. The studio just dropped a free The Last of Us-themed background for the PlayStation 5 Welcome Hub, and it's available right now. No download required—just head to your console and grab it.

The background features both the younger and older versions of Ellie from the two mainline games. It's not the dynamic theme or wallpaper that fans have been begging Sony to bring back, but it does add a bit of flavor for those still holding out hope for the series' return in games. To snag it, navigate to the Welcome Hub, hit the Change Background button in the top corner, and select The Last of Us background under the Games tab.

Why the sudden gift? Naughty Dog is gearing up for The Last of Us Day 2026. September 26 is the official Cordyceps-breakout holiday, but the studio won't share any big announcements until Monday the 28th. In a social media post, Naughty Dog said, "We'll be celebrating #TLOUDay on Monday, but we do have a fun surprise for you today." So consider this a little appetizer before the main course.

So what can you expect on the 28th? Naughty Dog promised a "partnership announcement, a very cool collaboration, digital surprises, and more." There's also a No Return charity stream on Twitch. While it doesn't sound like The Last of Us Part 3 will be discussed, fans are still hopeful. After all, a comment from creator Neil Druckmann back in March sparked theories about a third chapter in Ellie's story. Sony hasn't confirmed Part 3 yet, as work continues on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.

In other TLOU news, HBO's The Last of Us Season 3 has added some new and familiar faces: John Goodman, Laura Bailey, and Ian Alexander. Goodman, an award-winning actor new to the series, will play a character named Joey. Bailey, who played Abby in The Last of Us Part 2 and a nurse in Season 1, will play a Seraphite leader named Elizabeth. Alexander, who first appeared as Lev in the second game, will play a currently unnamed character.

It's a lot to look forward to, even if we're still waiting on that elusive Part 3 announcement. For now, at least your PS5 can look the part. Will you be downloading the new background? And what are you hoping to see on TLOU Day? Let us know in the comments!