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Conditional yes. If you disliked the ending but remain open to a grim story that shifts your perspective between Ellie and Abby, the rest of the game may still be worth experiencing. If what you wanted was a particular revenge payoff, though, more play will not unlock a happier or alternate ending. The decision is whether the journey and gameplay are worth the ending you already got.

First, what did you dislike?

Your reason matters more than whether you simply liked or disliked the final scene. The game asks players to move between Ellie’s and Abby’s perspectives, including a substantial shift that some players may find difficult to accept. Consider which of these reactions best describes yours:

  • You object to the outcome. If the ending failed because you wanted a different resolution, continuing will not change it. The released game ends with Ellie sparing Abby.
  • The perspective shift or pacing lost you. The shift is central to the story, not an optional detour. If inhabiting both characters’ stories is something you might reconsider, there may be value in reflecting on the whole arc; if that structure itself felt unearned, the game may not win you over.
  • The emotional tone was too much. The story is deliberately grim and demanding. If that was the main problem, the remaining experience is unlikely to feel like a lighter alternative.

Spoilers: the ending does not change

The final confrontation ends with Ellie sparing Abby. A GameSpot report on interviews with creative director Neil Druckmann and narrative lead Halley Gross says the developers considered a darker version in which Ellie killed Abby. That history shows the released ending followed a debated creative direction; it does not prove that the choice works for every player.

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The perspective shift is also a deliberate part of how the story is built. The game asks you to spend time with a character whose actions and role may make that difficult. You can understand the construction and still decide it did not earn the ending for you. A second playthrough is not a guaranteed fix for that reaction.

What player and critic reactions can—and cannot—tell you

Reactions are divided. PlayStation Store comments include praise for the story and gameplay as well as criticism of pacing and story choices; critic reviews on Metacritic also include positive and negative appraisals. Those examples show disagreement, not a precise consensus about the ending.

The PlayStation Store displayed an average of 4.53 stars from 304,736 ratings when accessed in 2026. That is a changing store snapshot, not a poll asking whether players liked the ending, so it cannot predict whether you will accept the story.

Rank #2
Sale
The Last of Us Part I – PlayStation 5
  • Enhanced visuals: Completely rebuilt from the ground up using Naughty Dog’s latest PS5 engine technology to improve every visual detail, The Last of Us experience has been faithfully enhanced with more realistic lighting and atmosphere, more intricate environments and creative reimaginings of familiar spaces.
  • Fast loading: Initial loading times are near instant, and seamless after the first instance thanks to the PS5 console’s SSD – so you can pick up where you left off in the story and load specific encounters and chapters more quickly.
  • Haptic feedback: DualSense wireless controller haptic feedback support for every weapon elevates combat encounters, and environments are brought to life through DualSense wireless controller haptic sensations of subtle falling rain, the crunch of stepping on snow and more.
  • Adaptive triggers: All The Last of Us iconic weapons, including Joel’s revolver and Ellie’s bow, now deliver dynamic DualSense wireless controller trigger resistance and kickback on firing for deeper combat immersion.
  • 3D Audio: Designed to make use of the PS5 console’s Tempest 3D AudioTech, Naughty Dog’s newly upgraded audio engine delivers richer soundscapes, bigger explosive moments and more visceral gameplay through compatible stereo headphones (analogue or USB) or TV speakers.

Is there more to the game than its ending?

Yes: the decision is not only about the final scene. The Remastered edition adds graphical enhancements and modes including No Return, Lost Levels, and Guitar Free Play. These features may matter if you value the gameplay or want more ways to engage with the game, but they do not alter the story’s ending.

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If your main objection is the emotional destination, extra modes may not change your view. If you still value the characters’ journeys, combat, or the experience of seeing the story through, those parts may be enough to make the game worthwhile despite your disappointment.

Rank #3
Last of Us Part II Collector's Edition for PS4 PS5
  • Game: The Last of Us Part II, SteelBook, 48-Page Art Book, Ellie Statue, Ellie’s bracelet, Four stickers, 6 Pins, Digital Art Book, Digital Soundtrack
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PS4 original or PS5 Remastered?

Sony lists The Last of Us Part II Remastered for PS5 and PC. Its official page describes graphical enhancements, extra modes, DualSense integration, and accessibility additions. The choice of edition affects features and platform, not the story outcome.

Edition Platform and features Upgrade information
PS4 original PS4 release. The Remastered page describes the enhanced graphics and extra modes for the Remastered edition. Eligible PS4 owners may have an upgrade path to the PS5 digital version; check Sony’s page for current eligibility and regional details.
PS5 Remastered PS5; Sony lists graphical enhancements, No Return, Lost Levels, Guitar Free Play, DualSense integration, and accessibility additions. For a PS4 disc-copy upgrade, the PS5 must have a disc drive, and the disc must be inserted to download or play the PS5 digital upgrade.
PC Remastered PC availability is listed on Sony’s official product page. The PS5-specific features above should not be assumed to apply identically to PC. PS4-to-PS5 upgrade eligibility does not describe a PC upgrade path.

Prices and promotions vary by region and change over time, so check the relevant store before buying.

Who should play on, and who should stop?

It may be worth continuing if

  • You disliked the ending but are still interested in what the two protagonists’ journeys are doing thematically.
  • You can tolerate a grim tone and a perspective shift that may remain uncomfortable.
  • You value the gameplay or additional modes independently of whether the ending satisfied you.

It may not be worth continuing if

  • Your enjoyment depends on Ellie getting the revenge payoff you wanted.
  • You reject the perspective shift itself, rather than merely finding it surprising or difficult.
  • The game’s emotional tone was the main reason you stopped enjoying it.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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