Characters & Roles
Characters & Roles
The Last of Us Part II is a single-player, story-driven game with two primary playable characters: Ellie and Abby. While the game features a rich cast of supporting characters, only Ellie and Abby are directly controlled. Each has unique strengths, weaknesses, playstyles, and upgrade paths. This guide covers both protagonists and key non-playable allies, providing actionable advice for maximizing their effectiveness in combat and exploration.
---
1. Ellie
Background
Ellie is the deuteragonist of The Last of Us Part II. She is immune to the Cordyceps infection and survived the events of the first game with Joel. Driven by vengeance after a traumatic event, she embarks on a brutal journey through Seattle. Her gameplay reflects her agility, resourcefulness, and emotional volatility.
Strengths
- High mobility: Sprint speed and dodge responsiveness are superior to Abby’s.
- Stealth expertise: Faster crouch movement, quieter footsteps, and better hiding-spot usage.
- Versatile loadout: Benefits from a wide range of weapons including suppressed pistols, bows, and explosives.
- Skill tree flexibility: Three dedicated trees (Survival, Stealth, Combat) allow tailored builds.
- Lower health: Takes slightly more damage from heavy attacks compared to Abby.
- Limited raw power: Melee damage is lower, and she cannot shoulder-barge through wooden barricades (must use melee or explosives).
- No innate heavy weapon proficiency: Must rely on upgrades for accurate rifle handling.
- Weapons: Suppressed 9mm pistol (start), hunting pistol (powerful), bow (stealth), and shotgun (upgrade for close range).
- Skill priority: Max Stealth tree early (especially Hold Breath and Faster Crouch). Then Survival (more health, faster healing) before Combat (better weapon sway and melee).
- Upgrades: Focus suppressor on pistol, upgrade holster for faster weapon switch, and prioritize stamina (for sprinting) at workbenches.
- Crafted items: Smoke bombs for disoriented enemies, health packs, and silencers for pistols.
- Brute force: Higher melee damage, ability to push through enemies and shatter doors with shoulder charge (requires upgrade).
- Better health: Base health is higher than Ellie’s, allowing sustained aggression.
- Weapon variety: Heavier firearms like assault rifles and shotguns feel more natural, and she can hold larger weapons longer before stamina runs out.
- Quick time events: Stronger in scripted melee encounters (e.g., fistfights).
- Slower movement: Sprint speed and crouch-walk are slower, making stealth less effective.
- Stealth penalties: Detection noises are louder; takes more damage when detected from behind.
- No bow: Lacks a silent long-range option (has crossbow but with limited ammo and longer reload).
- Weapons: Silenced SMG (excellent up close), hunting rifle (long-range headshots), and shotgun. Crossbow is situationally useful but slow.
- Skill priority: Max Heavy tree first (shoulder charge, knockdown, increased melee damage). Then Survival (more healing items, faster crafting) and Stealth last (only for quieter movements).
- Upgrades: Upgrade the SMG’s magazine capacity, the rifle’s scope, and backpack size for extra inventory slot.
- Crafted items: Pipe bombs (devastating against groups), smoke grenades (for shock and awe), and armor vests (from workbench).
Weaknesses
Playstyle
Ellie excels in methodical, stealth-oriented encounters. Use the environment to thin enemy groups before engaging. Her dodge is quick and effective against melee enemies. The bow allows silent kills from a distance, but arrows are scarce. Her crafted explosives (mines, nail bombs) can turn tight situations. Late-game, she becomes a formidable combatant with upgraded weapons and skills.
Unlock Conditions
Ellie is playable from the very start of the game (Prologue: Jackson) through her entire campaign (Day 1, 2, 3 in Seattle and later Santa Barbara). No unlock is required.
Recommended Equipment & Builds
Team Synergy (AI Companions)
Ellie is frequently accompanied by Dina (Seattle Day 1), Jesse (Seattle Day 2), and Tommy (briefly). These AI allies provide distraction and extra firepower but cannot be directly commanded. Use them as bait: let Dina draw fire while you flank, or use Jesse’s marksmanship to cover your stealth kills. In combat, stay close to companions for revives (if playing on lower difficulties).
---
2. Abby
Background
Abby is the second playable protagonist, a former Firefly and daughter of the surgeon killed by Joel. Her campaign takes place over three days in Seattle, running parallel to Ellie’s. She is physically stronger and more direct in combat, reflecting her military background.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Playstyle
Abby plays best as a relentless hunter. Use her strength to smash down doors and create shortcuts. Engaging in aggressive shootouts is viable thanks to her health pool. Her skill tree includes a unique “Heavy” branch that unlocks shoulder charge and powerful knockdown attacks. You can still stealth but must be more patient and use distractions (bottles, bricks) to make openings.
Unlock Conditions
Abby becomes playable midway through the game after Ellie’s Day 3 (Seattle). You assume control of Abby during her own Day 1 in the same city. This is a mandatory story shift; no trick required.
Recommended Equipment & Builds
Team Synergy (AI Companions)
Abby is joined by Lev (most of her campaign) and Yara (briefly). Lev is a skilled archer who provides silent kills from a distance. Use Lev to mark enemies (when you spot them) and let him take out isolated guards. Yara is stronger in close combat. Follow their lead to discover hidden paths and pick up enemy positions. Reviving them is easier due to the larger health pool.
---
3. Key Non-Playable Characters (NPCs)
While you cannot control these characters, understanding their roles enhances gameplay and story.
| Character | Role in Gameplay | Impact on Player Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Joel | Prologue companion (Jackson). Assists in combat but cannot be healed. | Use his covering fire to clear patrols. Follow him for safe routes. |
| Dina | Ellie’s companion (Seattle Day 1). Has a horse and can ride off to set up ambushes. | When Dina rides away, you gain a tactical advantage: enemies split attention. She can also find health packs for you. |
| Jesse | Ellie’s companion (Seattle Day 2). Skilled sharpshooter. | Jesse will headshot unaware enemies. Use his presence to test dangerous areas—he’s tough and heals himself over time. |
| Tommy | Ellie’s companion (final part of Ellie’s campaign). Expert rifleman. | Tommy provides suppressive fire and can break enemy lines. He has a limited health pool, so keep enemies off him. |
| Lev | Abby’s companion (Day 1 onward). Stealth archer. | Lev can kill enemies silently if you distract them. He also has unique dialogue giving lore and tactical hints. |
| Yara | Abby’s sister-like figure (Day 1). Strong melee fighter. | Yara will charge enemies, creating openings for Abby to shoot. She can also destroy barricades. |
4. General Tips for Both Characters
- Listen Mode: Essential for both to see enemy outlines through walls. Use it frequently but be aware it drains stamina while active.
- Crafting Balance: Always carry health packs, smoke bombs, and one explosive. For Ellie, prioritize silencers; for Abby, prioritize pipe bombs.
- Weapon Upgrade Priority: The workbench upgrades (holster speed, reload speed, stability) benefit both characters. Spend parts wisely—you cannot get them all in one playthrough.
- Skill Tree Reset: There is no respec; plan your build early. For Ellie, Stealth first; for Abby, Heavy first.
- Enemy Types: Human enemies (WLF, Scars) react differently. WLF use dogs (trackers) that can follow your scent; Scars are melee-focused and use smoke. Adapt your playstyle accordingly.
---
5. Conclusion
The Last of Us Part II offers two distinct character experiences. Ellie rewards patience and precision; Abby rewards aggression and strength. Mastering each requires shifting your mindset, but the game provides ample tools for both. Use the AI companions wisely, upgrade according to your playstyle, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different weapons. There are no classes to unlock—only the gradual evolution of your own combat philosophy.