The Last of Us is based on a video game, not a book. The original story comes from the 2013 game The Last of Us from Naughty Dog, and it launched a broader game franchise rather than a standalone novel.
Quick Answer
Short version: the TV adaptation of The Last of Us is adapted from the game of the same name, not from a book. There is no source novel, no original book author, and no audiobook version of the core story in the way you’d expect with a typical screen adaptation.
If you want the original story, start with the first game. If you want the easiest way to experience the narrative before or after the show, the series works well on its own, but the game is the true source material.
What Book Is It Based On?
None. That’s the clean answer.
A lot of people assume a story this cinematic must have started as a novel, but The Last of Us began as an interactive game. The show pulls from the game’s characters, setting, and central survival story, but it is not adapted from a book or book series.
| Screen title | Original source | Source type | Best starting point |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Last of Us | The Last of Us | Video game franchise | The first game |
If you’re browsing story origins by format, this is one of the exceptions where the “before screen” answer is a game, not a book. That also means the usual book-first reading order doesn’t apply here.
If you like tracking adaptations by medium, you may also enjoy shows based on video games and limited series based on games.
Should You Read or Listen Before Watching?
If you’re a book reader, you can skip the hunt for a source novel because there isn’t one. If you’re an audiobook listener, Audible won’t get you the original story here in the same way it would for a novel.
The practical options are:
- Play the game first if you want the original experience.
- Watch the series first if you want the easiest, lowest-friction entry point.
- Read a spoiler-light summary or recap if you want context without committing to a full playthrough.
For commuters and casual viewers, the show is usually the most convenient route. For fans who care about how the story was originally paced and revealed, the game is the better starting point.
If you want a bookish follow-up after the show, jump to best post-apocalyptic books or best dystopian audiobooks.
How Close Is the Adaptation?
Light spoiler note: this stays general and avoids major plot reveals.
The adaptation is fairly close in spirit to the game. It keeps the core survival premise, the emotional relationship at the center of the story, and many of the major story beats that made the game resonate with players.
At the same time, it is not a scene-for-scene copy. The TV version adjusts pacing, expands some characters, and adds material that works better on screen than in an interactive format. That’s normal when a game becomes a series, especially when the original story depends on player control, exploration, and gradual tension.
A helpful way to think about it: the show is built to feel faithful, but it is also built to stand on its own. If you know the game, you’ll recognize the broad shape quickly. If you don’t, the series still plays like a complete dramatic story.
Best Way to Experience the Original Story
If you want the truest original version, play the game.
That’s the version that introduced the world, the characters, and the story rhythm that the screen adaptation later translated for TV. The interactive format matters here because it changes how the story feels. Tension builds differently when you are moving through the world instead of watching it unfold passively.
A practical order:
- Play the first game if you’re open to gaming.
- Watch the series if you prefer a screen-first experience.
- Compare the two if you like adaptation analysis and character study.
If you don’t game, don’t worry about “missing” the story. The series is accessible on its own, and you can always explore the game later through a recap, commentary video, or a full playthrough. If you’re using Amazon to look for the original, remember that the source is the game, not a novelization.
For readers who want the same bleak, emotionally grounded survival mood, try books like The Road or browse survival audiobooks.
What to Read or Listen to Next
Since The Last of Us is not book-based, the smartest follow-up is to pick a novel with a similar tone rather than search for a nonexistent source book. If you want the same combination of dread, loss, and human connection, these are strong next picks:
- The Road by Cormac McCarthy — stark, stripped-down survival fiction with a heavy emotional core.
- Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel — more literary and reflective, but still great for post-collapse storytelling.
- World War Z by Max Brooks — faster-paced and more episodic, with a strong survival-worldbuilding angle.
- The Girl with All the Gifts by M. R. Carey — a smart, character-driven take on a ruined world.
- Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood — more speculative and satirical, but a good fit if you like dystopian fallout.
If you want more adaptation-first reading, these pages can help next:
- best post-apocalyptic books
- best dystopian audiobooks
- books like The Road
- post-apocalyptic TV shows
- shows based on video games
- The Last of Us watch order
- limited series based on games
- HBO adaptations by genre
FAQ
Is The Last of Us based on a book?
No. It is based on a video game of the same name, not a book.
What is the original source of The Last of Us?
The original source is the 2013 game The Last of Us. The show adapts that game’s story and characters.
Do I need to play the game before watching the series?
No. The series is made to work for new viewers. Playing the game first is optional and mainly helps if you want the original experience.
Is the TV adaptation close to the game?
Yes, in broad terms. It keeps the main emotional arc and key story elements, but it also changes pacing and adds TV-specific material.
Is there an audiobook of the original story?
Not in the usual book-adaptation sense, because there is no source novel. If you want the original story, the game is the main version.
What should I read after watching The Last of Us?
Start with The Road, Station Eleven, or World War Z if you want a similar survival or post-apocalyptic feel.