Summary
The Last of Us Part 2is a hard-hitting game that explores various topics, including the cyclical nature of violence and the consequences of lying. It features Ellie who goes on a quest for revenge after the Washington Liberation Front harms a loved one, but the journey brings more than anyone could have bargained for. For fans of Naughty Dog and the studio’s storytelling abilities, this is a title that is not to be missed.
The Last of Us Part 2does a good job of explaining its gameplay mechanics and ensuring players aren’t lost. However, there are a few unwritten rules that are learned only through sinking hours into the game. It’s useful for first-time players and veterans to know these rules, as it enhances the gameplay experience immensely.
The Unwritten Rules of The Last of Us Part 2’s Story
Playing The Last of Us Part 1 is a Must
Naughty Dog’s sequel is a narrative-heavy title, and players should expect long cutscenes and plenty of exposition. With a lot of franchises, it’s possible to play sequels without playing prior titles. However, this isn’t the case withThe Last of Us Part 2.PlayingTLOU 1is a must, as it provides the context necessary to understand the plot ofTLOU 2.
Furthermore, it’s useful to spend time withJoel and Ellieto make sense of the characters and the decisions they make. InThe Last of Us Part 1, the pair go on a cross-country adventure together, and during the trip, they form a close bond. It’s vital to understand the relationship they have to feel the full weight of some ofTLOU 2’s most emotional moments.
Avoid All The Last of Us Part 2 Spoilers
Prior to the launch ofThe Last of Us Part 2,Naughty Dog suffered a massive leakthat revealed key parts of the game’s plot. In most situations, spoilers don’t ruin a game, because knowing what happens in a game is not the same as playing through it. This isn’t the case withTLOU 2, which has such a heavy focus on the plot that packs plenty of surprises. It’s advised that players avoid spoilers as much as possible if they wish to enjoy the many twists the game contains.
The Unwritten Rules of The Last of Us Part 2’s Gameplay
It’s Not Necessary to Kill Every Enemy
During Ellie’s journey, she encounters several enemy factions, including theWashington Liberation Front, the Seraphites, and the Rattlers. The encounters take place in semi-open areas teeming with foes. It can be overwhelming at times, but things get easier when one realizes that it’s not necessary to eliminate every single enemy. Just making it to the end of the level is sufficient.
Stealth Makes Everything Easier
In most situations, it’s not a good idea to dive intoTLOU 2’s combathead-first. Enemies have good aim, and there are so many of them that Ellie is bound to get overwhelmed by multiple attackers. Instead, it’s wise to go the stealth route for as long as possible and take out enemies quietly. Ellie can go prone, making it possible to hide in tall grass and under objects such as cars and beds. With that said, stealth isn’t a foolproof method, as some enemy factions make use of dogs that can sniff Ellie out, so players should keep this in mind.
TheLast of Us Part 2is an intense game when it comes to its story and gameplay. It’s stomach-churningly violent at times, and an emotional tear-jerker at other times. The game represents some of the best gameplay Sony’s first-party titles have to offer, and by learning the unwritten rules ofTLOU 2, players can make the most of the game.
The Last of Us Part 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Play the winner of over 300 Game of the Year awards, remastered for the PlayStation®5 console. Relive or play for the first time Ellie and Abby’s story, now with graphical enhancements, new gameplay modes like the roguelike survival experience No Return, full DualSense® wireless controller integration, and more. Five years after their dangerous journey across the post-pandemic United States, Ellie and Joel have settled down in Jackson, Wyoming. Living amongst a thriving community of survivors has allowed them peace and stability, despite the constant threat of the infected and other, more desperate survivors. When a violent event disrupts that peace, Ellie embarks on a relentless journey to carry out justice and find closur