The Last of Us games depict constant tragedy through moral decisions, shocking deaths, and the brutal consequences of the Cordyceps brain infection. Many of the series' most shocking moments come from character deaths, since the games don't shy away from killing off prominent figures. However, non-fatal decisions can also be just as unexpected throughout The Last of Us, though, as its complex characters are put in incredibly difficult positions.
The two The Last of Us games depict a bleak future for a post-pandemic society, showcasing shocking moments and contrasting narratives. While both games share similarities in their gameplay, they diverge dramatically in tone and scope. The first part presents a hopeful and transformative journey, while the sequel unfolds into a devastating tale of revenge and desperation.
The Last of Us series spans roughly 26 in-universe years when counting from the first game's prologue on Outbreak Day. Both games don't shy away from killing prominent characters unceremoniously, providing plenty of shocking and unexpected turns throughout the collective story of Joel, Ellie, and Abby.
At the very start of the series, players control Joel, a struggling but loving single father, as he attempts to protect his daughter, Sarah, from the devastating Cordyceps brain infection that spreads across Boston. The sequence depicts Joel's journey as he grapples with his role as a protector and a loving father, while the prologue establishes his character and sets the tone for the entire series. The heartbreaking ending of the prologue shows the tragedy and loss that Joel and Sarah endure, while Sarah's death serves as a pivotal moment that shapes Joel's transformation into the jaded smuggler players later in the series.
The Last of Us Part 1's expansion, Left Behind, centers on a shared night between a younger Ellie and her best friend, Riley, who is planning to leave Boston. However, Riley's absence from the rest of the game leads to tragedy and an emotional whirlwind that leaves Ellie devastated. The sequence also implies a tragic conclusion to their relationship, leaving her heartbroken and vulnerable.
Facing The Rat King The Last Of Us Part 2
The Rat King is one of the most horrifying infected in either game. A grotesque amalgamation of flesh, the creature is incredibly resistant as it hunts down Abby and Lev while the two desperately attempt to escape the Seattle hospital. The Rat King's grotesque form reveals the true horrors of the Cordyceps brain infection, which is left unchecked and secluded for years. By the time players are progressing through Abby's leg of TLOU Part 2, they've likely been desensitized to the body horror of infected beings taken over by fungus, but the Rat King is a stark reminder of what humanity is up against in the fight against the Cordyceps fungus.
One of the most harrowing scenes in the original game comes after Joel is impaled, when Ellie seemingly befriends but is subsequently captured by, the cannibal, David. Playing as Ellie for a short stint turns the game on its head, highlighting the desperation involved in someone so young surviving in such circumstances. Ellie had killed another uninfected human before – in Joel's defense earlier in the game – but the struggle to kill David, and the brutality of using a machete to accomplish it, is one of the most stomach-turning moments in the game.In Pittsburgh, Joel and Ellie befriend two brothers, Sam and Henry, also attempting to survive the hunters that have taken over the city. Sam's death is telegraphed to the player – he's bitten on the leg and hours away from turning when the four are setting up camp for the night. The shock comes the next morning, when a turned Sam attacks Ellie, forcing Henry to kill his younger brother. In one of the heaviest moments from the original game, Henry then turns his pistol on himself before Joel can stop him. It's an abrupt, cruel end to The Last of Us' Summer section, and a stark reminder that the game world is indifferent to its characters.
Roughly halfway through The Last of Us Part 2, prominent characters dying isn't necessarily surprising, but the sudden and brutal demise of Jesse makes it hard to swallow. In the midst of Jesse having a poignant conversation with Ellie, Abby arrives at the theater, and the two rush to Tommy's aid. They run through a set of double doors, but Jesse is immediately shot in the head before they can intervene. Like many deaths in TLOU, there is no time for the player to process what just happened, leaving Ellie and Abby to fight it out and witness the aftermath. This scene further explores the psychological trauma and emotional burden of living through such a tragedy.
Ellie's third day in Seattle ends on a cliffhanger as Jesse is killed, Abby's anger reaches a fever pitch, and she mercilessly takes aim at Ellie and Tommy, leading to a tense standoff that leaves the outcome uncertain. The scene jumps back and forth several times throughout Abby's three days in Seattle, showcasing the escalating conflict and the desperate struggle for survival.At the end of The Last of Us, Joel learns that attempting to synthesize a cure via Ellie's immunity will require a fatal surgical intervention, a risky procedure that could be considered a significant milestone in human history. However, despite his initial reluctance, he cannot bear to sacrifice Ellie, even for the greater good of humanity.After Joel kills Marlene, his beloved and loyal companion, he lies to Ellie, claiming there are dozens of people immune to the Cordyceps infection, rendering her immunity a myth. His decision to shield his loved ones from the horrors he has endured weighs heavily on his conscience, shattering the fragile hope for their future together. As Ellie's immunity becomes a bittersweet reality, her heartbreak and confusion deepen, setting the stage for the heartbreaking conclusion of The Last of Us Part 2.
Killing Joel in The Last of Us Part 2's prologue is an ambitious and divisive choice on the writers' part. Despite Joel's journey towards finding peace and reconciliation with Ellie throughout the first game, he is brutally murdered by Abby, violating the principles of mercy and justice that Joel had fought so hard to establish. This decision, while motivated by vengeance, feels cruel and disproportionate to the player's investment in him.
Ellie's fury reaches a fever pitch when her beloved Joel's death unfolds, serving as a catalyst for her vengeful path that leads her down a destructive path. The tragedy unveils the complexities and moral complexities surrounding Joel's demise, prompting Ellie to confront her own feelings and the consequences of her actions.The final act of The Last of Us Part 2 depicts Ellie navigating a deeply emotional and morally complex journey. Haunted by her past and burdened by the consequences of her actions, she embarks on a misguided quest for revenge against Abby. Her relentless pursuit has irrevocably shattered her life, leaving her devastated and yearning for a moment of respite. The final moments of the game are deeply impactful, as Ellie's emotional state reaches a breaking point, revealing the profound impact of her journey and the enduring power of human resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity. The unexpected ending leaves the player with a profound sense of loss and a poignant reflection on the fragility of human connections and the enduring wounds of war.