The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Spoiler warning: This recap reveals major events from both The Last of Us and The Last of Us Part II, including Joel’s death and the sequel’s ending.
Before Part II, remember this: Joel rescued Ellie from the Fireflies at the end of the first game, then lied about it. Years later, that lie—and the violence he used to protect her—sets the sequel’s revenge story in motion.
What happened in The Last of Us before Part II?
At the end of the first game, Joel reaches the Fireflies’ hospital in Salt Lake City and learns they plan to operate on Ellie. The procedure would kill her, so Joel rescues her, killing the surgeon and other Fireflies in the process. He then tells Ellie the Fireflies could not make a cure. Ellie is suspicious, and the lie leaves their relationship unresolved. Push Square’s story recap covers the events leading into the sequel.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Why does Abby kill Joel?
Years later, Joel and Ellie live in Jackson, Wyoming, but Ellie remains angry and doubtful about his account of the hospital. Abby and her companions find Joel. Abby’s father was the surgeon Joel killed while rescuing Ellie. Abby kills Joel as Ellie is forced to watch. Ellie then travels to Seattle with Dina, determined to find Abby and take revenge. GameSpot’s account of the story and ending describes how the two women’s histories collide.
#1 Best Overall
- 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
How does The Last of Us Part II tell the story?
Ellie’s three days in Seattle
The first major section follows Ellie over three days in Seattle. Dina accompanies her, and Jesse later joins them as they search for Abby. They encounter the Washington Liberation Front (WLF) and the Seraphites, two groups fighting for control of the city. Ellie kills several people from Abby’s group during her pursuit; the story does not frame the conflict as a simple battle between a hero and villains.
At a theater, Abby catches up with Ellie and her companions. She kills Jesse and wounds Tommy, then defeats Ellie and Dina. Lev intervenes before Abby can kill Dina. Abby lets Ellie live, warning her to stay away.
Rank #2
- Build your own zoo with over 500 different animals at your disposal, then splice together over 300,000 different animal combinations
- Keep your animals and your itors happy, with hundreds of buildings, foliage, path and enclosure decorations
- Hire the perfect employees to deal with a variety of life events
- Control everything that happens in your park, from what your animals eat to what eats your animals…
- Decide whether you want to run your Zoo above board... or break the law and pocket the extra cash
Abby’s overlapping days
The narrative rewinds and follows Abby through her own three days in Seattle, eventually returning to the theater confrontation. Her chapters show her ties to Owen, Mel, Manny, and the WLF, as well as her growing bond with Lev and Yara, Seraphite siblings. The shift gives the player context for Abby’s actions and shows how each side sees the other as a threat.
What happens after Seattle?
After the theater confrontation, the story moves forward to a farmhouse where Ellie lives with Dina and their baby, JJ. Ellie continues to struggle with trauma and memories of Joel. Tommy arrives with information that Abby may be in Santa Barbara. Despite Dina’s plea for her to stay, Ellie leaves to pursue Abby again.
Rank #3
In Santa Barbara, Abby and Lev have been captured by the Rattlers. Ellie finds them and cuts them down from the stakes where they have been left. She still forces a final fight with Abby. Abby bites off two of Ellie’s fingers, but Ellie stops short of killing her and lets her leave with Lev.
How does The Last of Us Part II end?
A final flashback reveals that Ellie had told Joel she wanted to try to forgive him. When Ellie returns to the farmhouse, Dina and JJ are gone. Ellie tries to play Joel’s guitar, but her injured hand can no longer fret it normally. She leaves the guitar behind and walks away. The game does not say where she goes next.
Rank #4
- Flexible design
- High-quality material
- Durable
The events are clear, but their meaning is open to interpretation. GameSpot reads Ellie’s decision as relinquishing revenge and anger, while emphasizing the losses caused by her pursuit. Naughty Dog’s launch post describes the work as “a character driven story, focusing on flawed individuals and the difficult choices that they make.” Read Naughty Dog’s launch post.
Recommended Free Tools
Which version is The Last of Us Part II?
The original game was released for PS4. Naughty Dog announced The Last of Us Part II Remastered for PS5, describing the campaign alongside technical improvements, new modes, behind-the-scenes features, DualSense features, and additional accessibility options. Because platform availability and edition details can change, check the current store listing for the platform you use. PlayStation’s game page and Naughty Dog’s Remastered announcement provide the official product information.
Is The Last of Us Part II suitable for younger players?
The ESRB rates The Last of Us Part II M for Mature 17+ for Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, and Use of Drugs. See the ESRB rating details.
Quick Recap
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.
