The Last Of Us 2: Ultimate Walkthrough, Tips & Tricks
Welcome, guys, to the ultimate walkthrough for The Last of Us Part II! This game is an emotional roller coaster, a narrative masterpiece, and a downright challenging experience. Whether you're a seasoned survivor or a newcomer to the post-apocalyptic world crafted by Naughty Dog, this guide will help you navigate every treacherous encounter, solve every intricate puzzle, and uncover every hidden secret. Get ready to dive deep into a world of desperation, resilience, and the complex shades of gray that define humanity.
Introduction to The Last of Us Part II
Before we delve into the nitty-gritty, let's set the stage. The Last of Us Part II picks up several years after the events of the first game. Ellie is now 19, living in a thriving community in Jackson, Wyoming. Life, as much as it can be in a world ravaged by the Cordyceps fungus, is relatively peaceful. However, this tranquility is shattered by a brutal event that sets Ellie on a path of revenge and retribution. This journey takes her across the ravaged landscapes of the United States, primarily focusing on the overgrown and perilous city of Seattle.
The game is divided into distinct days and locations, each presenting its own unique challenges and set pieces. You'll play as both Ellie and another central character, experiencing the story from multiple perspectives. This narrative structure is crucial to understanding the game’s themes and the complexities of its characters. As you progress, you’ll encounter various types of enemies, from the infected Clickers and Runners to human factions like the Washington Liberation Front (WLF) and the Seraphites (also known as Scars). Each enemy type requires a different strategy, and mastering stealth, resource management, and combat will be key to your survival.
The Last of Us Part II is not just about surviving the infected; it's about navigating the moral ambiguities of a world where everyone is fighting for their own survival. The choices you make, the people you encounter, and the emotional toll of violence are all central to the game's narrative. So, buckle up, friends. It's going to be a long, intense, and unforgettable ride.
Day 1: Seattle, Part 1 (Ellie)
Finding Your Way Through the City
The initial section of Day 1 in Seattle as Ellie starts with a somber and determined mood. Ellie's quest for revenge propels her into the heart of the infected territory, setting the stage for a harrowing journey. As you navigate the overgrown streets, pay close attention to your surroundings. The environment in The Last of Us Part II is not just a backdrop; it's a character in itself. Look for resources tucked away in corners, behind overturned vehicles, and inside abandoned buildings. Scavenging is crucial for crafting essential items like health kits, ammunition, and makeshift melee weapons.
Your first major objective is to find a way through the city. The main path is often blocked, forcing you to explore alternate routes. This is where your observational skills come into play. Keep an eye out for climbable surfaces, gaps in fences, and windows you can smash to gain access to new areas. Early encounters with infected are relatively sparse, giving you a chance to practice stealth. Use the tall grass and debris to your advantage, moving silently to avoid detection. When faced with a group of infected, consider using bottles or bricks to create distractions, luring them away from your path or into traps.
As you progress deeper into the city, you'll encounter your first human enemies – members of the Washington Liberation Front (WLF). These encounters are significantly more challenging than dealing with the infected. WLF soldiers are organized, armed, and patrol in groups. Stealth is still your best friend here, but you'll need to be more strategic. Use the environment to your advantage, flanking enemies and using cover to break line of sight. Remember, headshots are your best bet for quick takedowns. Don't be afraid to use your crafted items – a well-placed trap mine or a Molotov cocktail can turn the tide of a fight. Managing your resources effectively is paramount; every bullet counts in this world.
Navigating the Tunnels and Subways
The tunnels and subways of Seattle present a claustrophobic and eerie contrast to the overgrown cityscapes. These underground environments are infested with infected, including the more dangerous Clickers. Clickers are blind but have acute hearing, making stealth even more crucial. Move slowly and deliberately, avoiding any sudden movements or loud noises. Using listen mode can help you pinpoint their locations, but be mindful of its limited range.
In the tunnels, you'll encounter puzzles that require you to use the environment to your advantage. This might involve moving carts to reach higher ledges, finding keys to unlock doors, or using generators to restore power. These puzzles are designed to challenge your problem-solving skills and often require a combination of observation and experimentation. Don’t rush; take your time to assess the situation and look for clues in your surroundings. Solving these puzzles not only allows you to progress but also often rewards you with valuable resources.
The subway sections are particularly intense. The confined spaces amplify the tension, and the infected can appear from anywhere. Be prepared for close-quarters combat. Your shotgun is incredibly effective in these situations, but remember that ammunition is scarce. Melee combat can be a lifesaver, but be mindful of your stamina and the number of enemies you're facing. Don't hesitate to use your dodge ability to evade attacks and create openings. As you navigate deeper into the subway, you'll uncover more about the history of Seattle and the events that led to its downfall. These environmental storytelling elements add depth to the game's world and provide context for the characters' struggles.
Confrontations and Key Encounters
Day 1 isn't just about stealth and puzzle-solving; it also throws you into several intense confrontations. These encounters test your combat skills and strategic thinking. One notable encounter involves navigating a building overrun with both WLF soldiers and infected. This section forces you to balance stealth and direct combat, using the chaos to your advantage. Consider luring infected towards the WLF soldiers, creating a distraction that allows you to slip past or pick off enemies while they're engaged with each other. This approach not only conserves your resources but also adds a layer of tactical depth to the gameplay.
Another key encounter involves a face-off with a particularly aggressive group of WLF soldiers in a densely packed area. This section requires you to utilize all the tools at your disposal – your firearms, your crafted items, and your knowledge of the environment. Cover is essential here. Move strategically from one piece of cover to another, flanking enemies and taking advantage of their blind spots. Don't be afraid to retreat and regroup if you're overwhelmed. Sometimes, the best way to win a fight is to disengage and reassess the situation. These confrontations are designed to be challenging, but they're also incredibly rewarding when you emerge victorious.
Day 2: Seattle, Part 2 (Ellie)
Traversing the Overgrown City Once More
Ellie's Day 2 in Seattle ramps up the intensity, throwing you into even more challenging scenarios and morally ambiguous situations. As you traverse the overgrown city once more, the environment feels both familiar and more hostile. The WLF presence is stronger, and the infected are more numerous and varied. This day emphasizes the consequences of Ellie's actions and the ever-present threat that looms around every corner. Resource management becomes even more critical as you face tougher enemies and navigate larger, more complex environments.
The day begins with Ellie grappling with the emotional toll of her quest for revenge. This internal struggle is reflected in the gameplay, with encounters that test your resolve and force you to make difficult choices. The narrative seamlessly blends with the gameplay, creating a sense of immersion and emotional investment. As you explore the city, you'll uncover more about the WLF and their motivations, adding layers of complexity to the conflict. There are no clear-cut heroes or villains in The Last of Us Part II; everyone is fighting for their survival, and the lines between right and wrong are constantly blurred.
The environments in Day 2 are more diverse and challenging than those in Day 1. You'll navigate flooded streets, dilapidated buildings, and dense forests, each presenting its own unique obstacles and opportunities. The level design encourages exploration, rewarding you with valuable resources and insights into the world. Pay attention to the details in your surroundings; environmental storytelling is a key component of the game, and you'll often find notes, artifacts, and other clues that shed light on the events that have transpired.
Navigating Infected Hotspots and WLF Territory
Day 2 introduces you to new infected types, such as the Shamblers. Shamblers are heavily armored and release clouds of toxic spores upon death, making them particularly dangerous in close quarters. Dealing with Shamblers requires a different approach than dealing with Runners or Clickers. Maintain your distance, use fire-based weapons to ignite their spores, and be prepared to dodge their explosive attacks. These encounters test your ability to adapt to new threats and utilize your resources effectively.
Navigating WLF territory in Day 2 is a constant game of cat and mouse. The WLF soldiers are more organized and patrol in larger groups, making stealth even more challenging. They also use dogs to track your scent, adding a new layer of complexity to the gameplay. To avoid detection, you'll need to be mindful of your movements and the wind direction. Using scent-blocking items can help, but they're in limited supply. Flanking maneuvers, distractions, and well-placed traps are essential for surviving these encounters. Remember, sometimes the best option is to avoid combat altogether. If you can slip past the WLF patrols undetected, you'll conserve your resources and minimize the risk of injury.
Infected hotspots in Day 2 are particularly harrowing. These areas are densely populated with various types of infected, creating chaotic and unpredictable encounters. Stealth is still your best bet, but you'll need to be quick on your feet and prepared for sudden ambushes. Using environmental hazards to your advantage can help even the odds. For example, you can lure infected into explosive barrels or use tripwires to create bottlenecks. These sections are designed to test your survival skills and force you to think creatively.
Key Puzzles and Environmental Challenges
Day 2 features several intricate puzzles that require a combination of observation, problem-solving, and resourcefulness. One notable puzzle involves restoring power to a building by finding and connecting generators. This puzzle requires you to explore the environment thoroughly, locate the generators, and figure out the correct sequence for connecting them. The catch is that the building is also infested with infected, adding a layer of tension to the puzzle-solving process. These puzzles are not just obstacles; they're opportunities to immerse yourself in the game's world and appreciate the attention to detail that Naughty Dog has put into the level design.
Another environmental challenge involves navigating a flooded area using a boat. This section requires you to steer the boat through narrow passages, avoid obstacles, and deal with infected that lurk in the water. The boat adds a new dynamic to the gameplay, allowing you to explore areas that were previously inaccessible. However, it also makes you a more vulnerable target, so you'll need to be vigilant and prepared for ambushes. The flooded areas are visually stunning, but they're also treacherous, reflecting the post-apocalyptic world's beauty and brutality.
These puzzles and environmental challenges are integral to the gameplay experience in The Last of Us Part II. They break up the intense combat sequences and give you a chance to catch your breath while still engaging your mind. They also add to the sense of immersion, making you feel like you're truly exploring a ruined world and using your wits to survive.
Day 3: Seattle, Part 3 (Ellie)
The Descent into Darkness
Ellie's Day 3 in Seattle marks a descent into darkness, both literally and figuratively. This day is characterized by increasingly challenging encounters, morally ambiguous choices, and a palpable sense of desperation. The consequences of Ellie's actions are more pronounced, and the lines between her and her enemies become increasingly blurred. The environment reflects this shift in tone, with darker, more oppressive settings and a pervasive sense of dread.
As you begin Day 3, Ellie's mental and emotional state is visibly strained. The cumulative effects of her journey, the violence she has witnessed, and the choices she has made are taking their toll. This emotional burden is reflected in the gameplay, with more introspective moments and encounters that force you to confront the human cost of revenge. The narrative becomes even more complex, challenging your perceptions of right and wrong and forcing you to question Ellie's motivations.
The environments in Day 3 are more claustrophobic and menacing, often plunging you into darkness and relying on your flashlight for navigation. This adds a layer of tension to the gameplay, as you never know what lurks around the next corner. The infected are more aggressive and varied, including the terrifying Rat King, a grotesque amalgamation of multiple infected that represents one of the game's most challenging encounters. The WLF presence is also stronger, with patrols that are more numerous and heavily armed.
Confronting the Rat King and Other Terrors
The Rat King is undoubtedly one of the most terrifying and challenging enemies in The Last of Us Part II. This monstrous creature is a grotesque fusion of multiple infected, resulting in a hulking behemoth with multiple limbs and a relentless drive to kill. The encounter with the Rat King takes place in a confined, maze-like environment, adding to the claustrophobia and tension.
Defeating the Rat King requires a combination of strategic thinking, quick reflexes, and resource management. The creature has multiple stages, each with different attack patterns and vulnerabilities. It can charge, swipe, and unleash a barrage of spores, making it difficult to predict and dodge. Fire-based weapons are effective against the Rat King, but ammunition is scarce, so you'll need to use it wisely. Maintaining your distance, utilizing the environment for cover, and exploiting the creature's weak points are crucial for survival.
Beyond the Rat King, Day 3 throws you into several other harrowing encounters. One notable section involves navigating a hospital overrun with infected, including Clickers and Stalkers. The hospital is a labyrinthine environment, with dark corridors, tight spaces, and numerous hiding spots for the infected. Stealth is essential in this section, but you'll also need to be prepared for close-quarters combat. Utilizing traps, distractions, and melee attacks can help you conserve ammunition and survive the onslaught. These encounters are designed to push your skills to the limit and test your ability to adapt to unpredictable situations.
Moral Choices and Narrative Turning Points
Day 3 is punctuated by several key narrative turning points that have profound implications for the story and its characters. These moments often involve difficult moral choices that force you to question your own values and consider the perspectives of others. The game does not shy away from portraying the consequences of violence, and the choices you make have a tangible impact on the narrative.
One particularly impactful choice involves a confrontation with a key character that forces you to confront the complexities of revenge and the human cost of conflict. This encounter is emotionally charged and leaves a lasting impression, highlighting the game's themes of empathy, forgiveness, and the cyclical nature of violence. The narrative structure, which allows you to experience the story from multiple perspectives, adds depth to these choices, forcing you to consider the motivations and perspectives of characters who might initially seem like adversaries.
These moral choices and narrative turning points are what make The Last of Us Part II such a compelling and thought-provoking game. They challenge you to engage with the story on a deeper level and consider the nuances of human behavior in extreme circumstances. The game's narrative is not just about survival; it's about the choices we make, the relationships we forge, and the impact we have on the world around us.
Tips and Tricks for Survival
Mastering Stealth and Combat
In the brutal world of The Last of Us Part II, mastering both stealth and combat is paramount to your survival. Stealth allows you to avoid unnecessary confrontations, conserve resources, and strategically position yourself for ambushes. Combat, on the other hand, is inevitable, and knowing how to effectively utilize your weapons, abilities, and the environment can mean the difference between life and death.
Stealth is your best friend in The Last of Us Part II. The game's environments are designed to encourage stealthy gameplay, with plenty of tall grass, debris, and cover to utilize. When approaching an area with enemies, take your time to observe their patrol patterns and identify potential routes. Use listen mode sparingly to pinpoint enemy locations, but be aware that it has a limited range and can alert enemies if used too frequently. Moving slowly and crouching will minimize your noise and reduce your chances of being detected.
When you need to engage in combat, be prepared to adapt your strategy based on the type of enemy you're facing. Human enemies are often organized and patrol in groups, making stealth takedowns challenging. Utilize flanking maneuvers, distractions, and the environment to your advantage. Headshots are crucial for quick kills, but remember that ammunition is scarce, so aim carefully. Infected enemies, such as Runners and Clickers, require different tactics. Runners are fast and aggressive, so maintaining your distance and using ranged weapons is key. Clickers are blind but have acute hearing, so stealth is essential. If you're forced to engage them in close combat, a well-timed melee attack can stagger them, creating an opening for a follow-up attack.
Resource Management and Crafting
Resource management is a core element of The Last of Us Part II. Ammunition, crafting materials, and health supplies are limited, forcing you to scavenge carefully and make tough choices about how to use your resources. Scavenging is not just about finding items; it's about knowing what to prioritize and how to maximize your inventory space.
Explore every nook and cranny of the environment. Look for resources tucked away in corners, behind obstacles, and inside drawers and cabinets. Pay attention to the color-coded items, as they indicate the type of resource they provide. Crafting materials, such as alcohol, rags, and blades, are essential for creating health kits, Molotov cocktails, and other useful items. Ammunition is always a valuable find, but remember that different weapons use different types of ammunition, so plan your loadout accordingly.
Crafting is a crucial skill in The Last of Us Part II. It allows you to create essential items that can turn the tide of a fight or help you navigate a challenging situation. Prioritize crafting health kits and ammunition, as these are essential for survival. Trap mines and Molotov cocktails can be incredibly effective against groups of enemies, but they require specific resources, so use them judiciously. As you progress through the game, you'll unlock new crafting recipes, expanding your arsenal and giving you more options for dealing with threats.
Exploring the Environment and Finding Collectibles
The Last of Us Part II's environments are not just battlegrounds; they're also rich with storytelling details and hidden secrets. Exploring the environment is not only rewarding in terms of resources and crafting materials, but it also provides valuable insights into the world and its inhabitants. Collectibles, such as artifacts and trading cards, offer glimpses into the lives of the people who lived in these areas before the outbreak and the events that have transpired since.
Take your time to explore each area thoroughly. Look for alternate routes, hidden passages, and off-the-beaten-path locations. These areas often contain valuable resources, crafting materials, and collectibles. Pay attention to your surroundings and use the environment to your advantage. Climb over obstacles, crawl through tight spaces, and swim through flooded areas to reach new locations.
Collectibles, such as artifacts and trading cards, provide context and depth to the game's story. Artifacts include notes, letters, and other documents that shed light on the events that have unfolded and the characters who have lived in these areas. Trading cards are a fun collectible that offers a glimpse into the popular culture of the pre-outbreak world. Finding these collectibles is not just about completing your collection; it's about immersing yourself in the game's world and appreciating the attention to detail that Naughty Dog has put into its creation.
Conclusion
The Last of Us Part II is a masterpiece of storytelling, gameplay, and environmental design. This walkthrough has provided you with a comprehensive guide to navigating its challenges, uncovering its secrets, and experiencing its emotional depths. Whether you're a seasoned survivor or a newcomer to the series, the journey through The Last of Us Part II is one that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Remember to master stealth and combat, manage your resources wisely, explore the environment thoroughly, and most importantly, engage with the story and its characters. This game is not just about surviving; it's about the choices we make, the relationships we forge, and the impact we have on the world around us. Happy surviving, folks!
