Recommended Free Tools
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
Yes—but the scene was not originally the ending of The Last of Us Part II. Neil Druckmann said a Joel-and-Ellie epilogue written for the 2014 One Night Live stage event later became the opening of The Last of Us Part II. Troy Baker was part of the Gamescast conversation where Druckmann explained its history; the account is Druckmann’s, not a revelation by Baker alone.
What was the scene’s original purpose?
One Night Live presented scenes from the first The Last of Us. For the event, Druckmann wrote an additional epilogue in which Joel gives Ellie the guitar he had promised her and sings a Pearl Jam song. In the Kinda Funny Gamescast spoiler-cast conversation with Baker and Greg Miller, Druckmann said the scene stayed with the team and “became the opening of the second game.” (Kinda Funny Gamescast transcript)
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
The Last of Us Part II - Standard Edition [PlayStation 4] (Uncut) | $39.70 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
The Last of Us Part II (PS4) (Renewed) (EU Version) | $28.62 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
The Last of Us Part II (PS4) | $34.81 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
PlayStation Sony ps4 Last of US 2 - ps4 | $39.99 | Buy on Amazon |
So “final scene” can be misleading: this was an epilogue added to a live presentation of the first game, not the final scene of Part II. The released sequel repurposed it as its opening.
What changed between the stage version and Part II?
Druckmann described the scene as almost identical to the version used in the game, including its joke and other content. The specific change he identified was a mention of Joel’s girlfriend, Esther. The team later cut that storyline because they felt it was unnecessary to the story they wanted to tell. The interview does not suggest that the entire sequel or its opening was already fixed when the stage scene was written.
#1 Best Overall
- Eine intensive, von starken Charakteren getragene Geschichte, durch das Erfolgsstudio Naughty Dog perfekt inszeniert
- Langerwartete Fortsetzung von "The Last of Us" kommt endlich auf PS4
- Dank modernster Motion-Capturing werden die Emotionen noch realistischer transportiert
- Unberechenbare Begegnungen mit Feinden durch das erstklassige KI-System
Was the “previously on” recap the same opening idea?
No. A television-style recap of the first game was a separate proposal for Part II’s opening, intended to remind returning players what had happened. GameSpot reported on that discarded idea in 2020; it was not the guitar epilogue and neither proposal should be confused with the other. (GameSpot’s report)
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where can you hear more of the cast and creators’ commentary?
The Last of Us Part II Remastered includes developer commentary featuring Troy Baker and other cast and creative leads, according to PlayStation’s announcement. PlayStation lists the remaster for PS5 and PC and describes features including graphical enhancements, the No Return mode, and DualSense support on its US product page. The official page lists January 19, 2024 as the release date; check the relevant storefront for current availability and platform-specific terms.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- LAST OF US 2 - PS4
Rank #3
- Five years later An intense, harrowing and emotional adventure awaits Ellie and Joel return for an epic journey in the sequel to the critically acclaimed game by Naughty Dog.
- Experience the escalating moral conflicts created by Ellies relentless pursuit of vengeance. The cycle of violence left in her wake will challenge your notions of right versus wrong, good versus evil, and hero versus villain.
- Set out on Ellies journey, taking her from the peaceful mountains and forests of Jackson to the lush, overgrown ruins of greater Seattle. Encounter new survivor groups, unfamiliar and treacherous environments, and terrifying evolutions of the infected.
- New and evolved gameplay systems deliver upon the life-or-death stakes of Ellies journey through the hostile world. Feel her desperate struggle for survival through improved features such as high-intensity melee combat, fluid movement, and dynamic stealth.
Rank #2
- Five years later An intense, harrowing and emotional adventure awaits Ellie and Joel return for an epic journey in the sequel to the critically acclaimed game by Naughty Dog.
- Experience the escalating moral conflicts created by Ellies relentless pursuit of vengeance. The cycle of violence left in her wake will challenge your notions of right versus wrong, good versus evil, and hero versus villain.
- Set out on Ellies journey, taking her from the peaceful mountains and forests of Jackson to the lush, overgrown ruins of greater Seattle. Encounter new survivor groups, unfamiliar and treacherous environments, and terrifying evolutions of the infected.
- New and evolved gameplay systems deliver upon the life-or-death stakes of Ellies journey through the hostile world. Feel her desperate struggle for survival through improved features such as high-intensity melee combat, fluid movement, and dynamic stealth.
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.

