Planning on hitting up Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights this year? Well, good news: according to a press release we just received here at FANGORIA HQ, this year’s Halloween Horror Nights lineup will feature a house based on Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us game franchise (which, yes, also inspired the blockbuster HBO series of the same name). Ever wanted to come face-to-face with an Infected? Well, that sound unhingeds, but Universal’s gonna make it happen for ya – on both coasts.
Says the press release:
“Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights dares guests to survive The Last of Us as Naughty Dog and PlayStation’s award-winning post-pandemic video game comes to life – for the first time – as an all-new haunted house at Universal Orlando Resort, beginning Friday, September 1, and at Universal Studios Hollywood, beginning Thursday, September 7.
“Set in a ravaged civilization, where Infected and hardened survivors run rampant, Naughty Dog and PlayStation’s The Last of Us video game, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, has captivated audiences since its release. And now, guests can immerse themselves in a real-life experience that puts them directly into the game’s frightening world.
“The Last of Us haunted houses on both coasts will propel guests into a world of carnage and mayhem as they follow in the footsteps of the game’s protagonists, Joel and Ellie, who endure a brutal journey in a world overtaken by a fungal virus that turns humans into various forms of a new threat known as the Infected. As guests encounter the Infected – Runners, Stalkers and Clickers – along with The Hunters, a band of hostile humans, they will need to navigate the Pittsburgh Quarantine Zone, including iconic locations from the video game such as the creepy and desolate The Hotel Grand and a labyrinth of dark and dank tunnels, in a desperate attempt to escape and survive.”
Runners, Stalkers and Clickers? Good lord. Playing through Naughty Dog’s Last of Us games is enough a harrowing experience as it is; doing it live, with Clickers right up in your face, is certain to be a waking nightmare.
Says Naughty Dog Co-President Neil Druckmann:
“As a massive fan – and frequent attendee – of Halloween Horror Nights, we are honored to have The Last of Us included in this year’s lineup. It has been an incredible thrill for us at Naughty Dog to collaborate with Universal, bringing the world of the game to life, focusing on even the tiniest details that our fans know so well. Having just celebrated the 10th anniversary of The Last of Us, it’s a perfect time for our fans to team up with Joel and Ellie and come face-to-terrifying-face with Clickers, Raiders and much more!”
Tickets are now on sale for this year’s Halloween Horror Nights, and you can get yours – and learn more about this year’s planned events – via the links embedded above. And, hey, if you happen to make it to the Last of Us house this year, send pics? We wanna know what those Clickers look like in person!
Stay tuned for more on this year’s Halloween Horror Nights as further updates roll in, folks!
