The Last of Us Part II Plot Explained: What Happens in the Sequel?
With the release of The Last of Us Part II, Naughty Dog continued the gripping narrative that began with its predecessor, while introducing a much more complex and emotionally charged plot. The sequel, set years after the events of the first game, delves deep into the consequences of Joel's decision to save Ellie at the expense of the Fireflies’ mission.
The game begins not long after Joel confesses to his brother Tommy about what really transpired in Salt Lake City. Four years later, Joel and Ellie have settled into life in Jackson, Wyoming, with Ellie becoming a key member of the community. The peaceful life they’ve built is soon shattered when a new character, Abby, arrives in Jackson seeking revenge. It’s revealed that Abby is the daughter of the doctor Joel killed at the end of The Last of Us, and she ultimately kills Joel as retribution. This moment drives the main plot of The Last of Us Part II as Ellie, devastated by Joel’s death, sets out on a mission of vengeance.
Ellie’s journey takes her and her girlfriend Dina to Seattle
Where Abby and her group, the Washington Liberation Front (WLF), are based. Along the way, Ellie’s quest for revenge leads her to kill several members of Abby’s group, with each encounter further fueling her obsession. As the plot unfolds, players witness Ellie’s emotional turmoil as her desire for revenge begins to consume her.
A major twist occurs when the game shifts perspectives, placing players in Abby’s shoes for a significant portion of the story. This narrative device forces players to see the events from Abby’s point of view, humanizing her and offering insight into her motivations. Abby’s story mirrors Joel's from the first game, as she forms a bond with Lev, a young member of the Seraphites, a religious cult. This dual perspective approach challenges players to question their initial judgments and confront the moral complexities of revenge.
The game’s non-linear structure weaves together
The stories of both Ellie and Abby, slowly revealing key details over time. One significant flashback shows the strained relationship between Ellie and Joel. After returning to Salt Lake City, Ellie learns the truth about Joel's decision to save her and the lie he told about the Fireflies. This revelation caused a rift between them, and they had only just begun to reconcile before Joel’s tragic death.
In the game’s final act, Ellie and Abby face off in a brutal confrontation. However, Ellie ultimately chooses to let Abby live, breaking the cycle of violence. This decision is informed by Ellie’s last conversation with Joel, where she tells him that she is willing to work toward forgiving him, a moment that weighs heavily on her as she chooses mercy over vengeance.
The Last of Us Part II sparked intense debate
Among fans due to its controversial narrative choices, including Joel’s death and the switch to Abby as a playable character. The game’s exploration of themes like revenge, forgiveness, and the gray areas of morality pushed the boundaries of storytelling in video games.
As HBO’s The Last of Us series gears up for its second season, it’s expected that only part of The Last of Us Part II will be adapted, as the story is too expensive for just one season. How the show’s creators will handle the intricate plot and emotional weight of the sequel remains to be seen, but fans can expect some changes and expansions in the transition to television.
