Next Uncharted Game Release Date Speculation, Story Predictions and More

Naughty Dogs Uncharted franchise has seen massive success over the years, and after the recent Legacy of Thieves collection (a remaster of the two most recent games, A Thief's End and The Lost Legacy), many wonder what will be next for Nathan Drake and the series as a whole. More specifically, fans want to know if there is another Uncharted game on the horizon.

Well, you don't need to wonder for much longer as this article will delve into all the details we know so far surrounding the series and its possible future. We'll discuss a speculative release date, the content we expect based on the story events previously, and much more, so without further delay, let's jump right in.

Update on 10 April 2024: We've checked for any news or leaks on the next Uncharted game and updated this article accordingly.

When Will a New Uncharted Game Be Released?

Although Naughty Dog has not made an official announcement about Uncharted 5, there have been a few hints suggesting its development. Notably, Jason Schreier of Bloomberg reported that Sony Bend was working on a new Uncharted game under Naughty Dog's supervision.

Another clue comes from a recent PlayStation Spotlight Ad, which sparked rumors of the game being in the works. While the ad itself doesn't provide concrete information about Uncharted 5, it gives off the impression that Nathan Drake might embark on another thrilling treasure hunt.

The ad primarily focuses on well-known titles like Marvel's Spider-Man 2 and God of War Ragnarok. However, it briefly shows a clip of a girl with a flaming torch approaching a pedestal in a cave. This led fans to speculate whether this character was Cassie, the daughter of Nate and Elena introduced in the epilogue of Uncharted 4.

Unfortunately, Sony Bend has withdrawn from the project, and we've seen no further hints in recent Sony advertising of a new Uncharted game, leaving the status of a fifth game uncertain. As we eagerly await further news, let's reflect on the previous Uncharted games and discuss some features we hope to see in the upcoming installment.

What will Uncharted 5 be about?

The prologue of Uncharted 4: A Thief's End provides a satisfying conclusion to Nathan's story, offering hints about his and Elena's activities in recent years and introducing their daughter, Cassie. However, it leaves some room for further adventures for the family, leaving fans curious about who will take the lead in Uncharted 5 or any future installment.

Uncharted 5 has the potential to become a passing-of-the-torch narrative, with Nate and Elena guiding and teaching Cassie the ways of a treasure hunter, possibly with assistance from Sam and Sully. This approach aligns with Naughty Dog's style and would be a fitting continuation of Nathan's legacy through his daughter.

In an interview with Buzzfeed, Neil Druckmann of Naughty Dog mentioned the following regarding a potential sequel: "For us, Uncharted was incredibly successful — Uncharted 4 was one of our best-selling games — and we were able to put the final touch on that story and declare that we're finished. We're moving on."

Considering this statement, it appears logical to conclude that Uncharted 4 served as a perfect conclusion to Nathan Drake's saga. While a story featuring Chloe and Nadine might be enjoyable, it's unlikely to happen anytime soon.

Uncharted 5 Possible Gameplay

Depending on the developer chosen for Uncharted 5, the game mechanics can take two possible routes. If Naughty Dog continues their involvement, players can expect a similar gameplay experience: a third-person perspective platform-style adventure game where Nathan Drake explores diverse locations and overcomes adversaries. 

Alternatively, if a different developer takes the reins, there may be a departure from the original formula, while still retaining core elements to appeal to existing players, along with fresh combat and exploration mechanics to provide differentiation.

Cassie Drake, as a protagonist, would likely have a distinct playstyle compared to Nathan, who is known for his brawling and swashbuckling approach. It is reasonable to expect Cassie to prioritize stealth more than her father while still incorporating some swashbuckling moments.

In the brief snippet mentioned earlier, the protagonist is seen carrying a torch and a variety of tools, diverging from Nathan's everyman appearance with his partially tucked shirt and gun holsters. Therefore, it would be interesting to witness a more grounded approach to how Cassie Drake, as a treasure hunter, navigates her surroundings.

Who will develop Uncharted 5?

Naughty Dog remains the top contender for the future of the Uncharted series, even though Druckmann's statement may suggest otherwise. 

While it's true that a developer can find new inspiration for a franchise that has been dormant, Naughty Dog's focus may have been on concluding the specific story they intended to tell. However, as with treasure hunting, there's always the potential for a new adventure to be uncovered in the Uncharted universe.

Another contender for the future of Uncharted is Bend Studio, known for their work on Golden Abyss. However, they are currently focused on developing a new IP utilizing the open-world system from Days Gone. This puts the spotlight back on Naughty Dog as the primary candidate unless Bluepoint Games takes on the task of remaking the original Drake's Fortune.

And there you have it, a high-level look at the prospect of a new Uncharted game, or Uncharted 5 that we do ultimately expect to release in the future. For now, be sure to check back here soon as we update this listing with more information regarding what we know about a new Uncharted game.