How To Watch “The Last of Us” with a VPN (Even if HBO Isn't in Your Area)
The hit TV series, “The Last of Us,” has thrilled audiences around the globe. Here’s the best way to watch if it’s not available in your region.
Last updated Aug 30, 2023
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If you’ve been itching to watch HBO’s “The Last of Us” season one, which was inspired by the Naughty Dog PlayStation game of the same title, there’s no better time than now. Since we don’t yet know the release date of the second season, we’re left rewatching the first season to get our fix. Officially, “The Last of Us” is available only on HBO, but there are other services that offer HBO access where you may already have a subscription.
No matter if you have HBO or are adding Max to your current subscriptions, you may need a virtual private network (VPN) to access geo-restricted content if your location doesn’t have access. Right now, HBO Max is available in the U.S., Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Southeast Asia. While the service says it’s adding more locations, you don’t have to wait if you snag a good VPN without data caps.
Written by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, “The Last of Us” TV show is a video game adaptation that tells the story of a smuggler trying to escape a quarantine zone after a global pandemic wipes out a vast majority of the population. Survivors Joel and Ellie, played by Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, meet at the end of the first episode, and we quickly learn this isn’t going to be a happy TV series with lots of hugging.
In this article
Where to watch “The Last of Us” in the USHow to watch “The Last of Us” from anywhere
The best VPNs for “The Last of Us”
“The Last of Us” FAQ
Bottom line
Where to watch “The Last of Us” TV series in the US
“The Last of Us” is currently available only on HBO. If you don’t have an HBO Max streaming service subscription, you can still watch the channel on cable, DIRECTV, YouTube TV, or Sling if it’s included in your package. Finally, you could choose an unrelated service that includes Max as a bonus. Our cell provider gives out a monthly subscription for free, so we always have HBO content.
Cable, DIRECTV, and Sling all have a variety of packages, while YouTube TV is a flat rate. And, if you have a smart TV or a streaming-enabled device like a Roku or Firestick, you can just purchase a Max subscription. HBO isn’t included standard on any of these options, so you’ll need to add it on. Prices are:
- Cable will run you anywhere between $15 to $250+ monthly, depending on what package you choose and where you live.
- DIRECTV starts at $64.99 per month and tops out at $154.99 monthly. HBO is included in the Premier plan, or it can be added to other plans for $15.99 a month.
- Sling TV initially starts at $20 for the first month and is $40 each month after that. HBO add-on is $15 per month.
- YouTube TV is on the pricier end and will run you $72.99 monthly after the introductory three-month price of $64.99 a month. Add HBO for an extra $14.99 per month.
- Max (formerly HBO Max) ranges from $9.99 per month with ads to $19.99 per month for the “ultimate ad-free experience.”
- Hulu offers an option to add Max to your subscription for another $15.99 a month.
- Amazon Prime Video similarly sells a Max add-on for $14.99.
You can watch "The Last of Us" in a few other countries too:
- Canada: With Crave's Movies + HBO plan
- U.K., Italy, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland: With Sky Atlantic or NOW TV
- India: Disney+ Hotstar
- Australia: Binge and Foxtel
- New Zealand: Neon
How to watch “The Last of Us” from anywhere
You’ll need a VPN to access Max content if you live or travel outside areas HBO Max is offered, like Australia, South America, or Russia. Unfortunately, Max, like Netflix, works hard to block VPN usage with its app. You’ll need a good VPN that can unblock geo-restricted content on Max.
Even if you aren’t in a geo-restricted region, you may want to use a VPN while you watch “The Last of Us.” VPNs help you avoid ISP speed throttling, encrypt your home traffic, and protect your connection on shared Wi-Fi networks like public or hotel Wi-Fi. Whatever your reason, you should be able to watch what you want when you want. Of course, you’ll still need a paid subscription to Max or another service like Sling or YouTube TV to be able to view the show.
How to use a VPN to watch “The Last of Us”
The best way to ensure you get a VPN that will unblock Max is by using a reputable one with obfuscated servers. An obfuscated server makes it look like you aren’t using a VPN even when you are, in fact, connected. VPN services like NordVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost, and Proton VPN are just some of the VPN providers that offer obfuscated servers for better streaming.
You’ll need to determine if all of the servers available use obfuscation technology or if you need to connect to a streaming-optimized server. In either case, once you’ve chosen the server that will allow you to stream, all you’ll need to do is connect. You’ll then be able to log into your Max app or the Max website, and you’re ready to go!
The best VPNs for “The Last of Us”
If you’re looking for some of the best streaming VPNs to watch “The Last of Us” but don’t know where to look, check out our suggestions. These are some of the best VPNs available, and they include obfuscated servers and streaming-optimized servers to make sure you can binge the entire series uninterrupted. Just promise you’ll take a break long enough to hydrate and stretch.
- NordVPN: There’s a reason you see NordVPN mentioned everywhere. It’s a powerful VPN that knows what it’s doing. The obfuscated servers offered mean you’ll likely be able to watch “The Last of Us” without HBO Max blocking your VPN.
Get NordVPN | Read Our NordVPN Review
- Surfshark: Surfshark very quickly became one of the most popular and trusted VPNs on the market. It offers over 3,200 servers to choose from, so you can watch “The Last of Us'' as well as geo-restricted HBO content from other countries. Surfshark makes it easy to use obfuscated servers by simply switching your protocol to OpenVPN. Once you do, you’re ready to stream.
Get Surfshark | Read Our Surfshark Review
- CyberGhost: CyberGhost is the Stream Queen. Seriously. CyberGhost loves Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Disney+, and so many more you won’t believe what you can watch. You’ll really be able to watch from anywhere.
Get CyberGhost | Read Our CyberGhost Review
- Proton VPN: Proton VPN is one of our favorites. It’s superfast, secure, and offers quality VPN services. It’s privacy-focused with a strict no-logs policy that’s been independently audited and confirmed. We love how easy to use it is and how well it unblocks streaming platforms.
Get Proton VPN | Read Our Proton VPN Review
4.9
Limited-time offer: 69% off + 3 extra months
NordVPN
-
High-quality VPN offering safety and speed
-
Loads of servers for multiple connection options
-
Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix
-
Too many confusing plans
How to watch “The Last of Us” FAQ
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Can I use a free VPN to watch “The Last of Us”?
Any VPN that unblocks the Max app can be used to watch “The Last of Us,” but you’ll want to make sure you use a free VPN with a high data cap so you aren’t stuck waiting a month to watch another episode. The biggest issue you’ll run into aside from data caps is the logging policies and data sharing, so make sure you’re using a VPN you can trust.
You can try out different ones for yourself, but we have a guide to the best free VPNs available.
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Can I watch “The Last of Us” for free?
Legally, you could gain access to “The Last of Us” for free on Max if you have another service that offers a free Max subscription. Sometimes cell providers or credit card companies will include free streaming subscriptions for using their services. Check the special offers with services you already have or ones you’re considering.
If you want to check the show out before you commit to paying for a membership, Max offers the ability to watch certain Max and HBO originals for free without entering a payment method. This will allow you to check out more than just “The Last Of Us.” Max offers other amazing shows like the “Game of Thrones” spinoff, “House of the Dragon,” or “Euphoria,” as well as limited series like “Chernobyl.”
If you’re talking about finding it free online, that’s still considered illegal pirating. Your best bet is to sign up for a free trial to know if you’re interested in watching the entire thing. You could also befriend someone with a Max account. You bring the VPN, they’ll bring the Max subscription, and the two of you can split a pizza.
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Is “The Last of Us” on Hulu?
Yes, “The Last of Us” can be streamed from Hulu with an HBO Max subscription add-on. You’ll need to add the HBO add-on to your current subscription through your accounts page. As of right now, it costs an additional $15.99 per month to include HBO content on your Hulu subscription.
Bottom line
It can be endlessly annoying to want to watch a hit TV show you’re hearing about nonstop and not be able to access it. That’s why using a VPN to watch “The Last of Us” and other HBO shows is a painless option. VPNs offering obfuscated servers can even help you hide your VPN usage if you’re in a location that outlaws VPNs.
Just make sure it’s legal in your area. No one needs to go to jail for Pedro Pascal. Well, maybe. Speaking of the internet’s favorite fictional dad, if you’re looking for a way to watch “The Mandalorian,” one of the best VPNs for streaming can help with that too. There’s nothing wrong with binging them back to back!
4.9
Limited-time offer: 69% off + 3 extra months
NordVPN
-
High-quality VPN offering safety and speed
-
Loads of servers for multiple connection options
-
Works with popular streaming services, including Netflix
-
Too many confusing plans
Author Details
Mary lives in Los Angeles and has been a cybersecurity writer for over five years. With a B.S. in Liberal Arts from Clarion University and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Point Park University in Pittsburgh, her career in online security began in sales and content creation for a private cybersecurity firm.
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