The Last Of Us Part 2 Ending Explained (In Detail)

Naughty Dog's is a devastating tale of parallel protagonists. Its inciting incident is a brutal torture sequence, and the game only spirals into more stomach-turning violence from there on. By the time reaches is unflinchingly bloody finale, it's difficult to feel as though something has actually been accomplished after experiencing a narrative that has only plummeted wildly into chaos. 's core tenet seems to be a warning that violence only begets violence, and the game's focus on insatiable revenge only leaves those involved with traumatic uncertainty.

[Warning: The following article contains spoilers for The Last of Us Part 2.]

The beginning of the end for comes alongside the first "" chapter, following an extended stint playing as Abby, recounting the three days in Seattle that were first experienced from Ellie's point of view. With a halting word from Lev, Abby spares Dina and Ellie in the theater. The latter two attempt to start an idyllic life on a farm raising JJ, Jesse and Dina's son. Abby and Lev, on the other hand, eventually make their way to Santa Barbara in search of the Fireflies, who are rumored to be regrouping.

To say Ellie is haunted by Joel's murder is an understatement. Clanging farm tools and a slamming barn door trigger a panic attack, almost assuredly a symptom of post-traumatic stress. Ellie has a vision of Joel, mid-torture, calling out to her for help. It's a corrupted, false recollection of his final moments, steeped in the survivor's guilt Ellie has dealt with since Riley's shocking death in . Her guilt is likely exacerbated by more recent events as well – Jesse was killed, Tommy lost an eye, and Ellie even admitted to Abby that she blames herself for Joel killing Abby's father.

For Ellie, there was only one way to avenge Joel: killing Abby. Now, she's settled down to a quiet life, and even though she killed all of Abby's friends, her mission remains unaccomplished, misguided as it is. Dina is adamant that they need to move on, which is