Characters & Roles

Characters & Roles Overview

Unlike traditional class-based games, The Last of Us focuses on a small cast of deeply developed characters, each with distinct survival roles in the single-player campaign. This guide covers all playable characters (both story-controlled and AI companions) across The Last of Us Part I and The Last of Us Part II Remastered. While there are no explicit classes, each character’s unique skills, upgrades, and equipment shape their effective role: Stealth Specialist, Brawler, Medic, Trapper, or Scout. Understanding these roles helps you optimize gameplay and narrative immersion.

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Playable Characters in The Last of Us Part I

Joel Miller

• Background: A hardened survivor from Texas who lost his daughter Sarah at the outbreak. He becomes a smuggler and later tasked with escorting Ellie across the post-apocalyptic United States. Joel is a veteran survivor with decades of experience in killing and scavenging.


• Role: All-Rounder / Brawler – Joel excels at close-quarters combat and can adapt to any situation. He has high health and access to powerful upgradeable weapons.


• Strengths:

- High starting health and upgrade potential (via pills).
- Can craft shivs for stealth kills and opening shiv doors.
- Effective with shotguns, rifles, and melee weapons.

• Weaknesses:

- Slower movement compared to Ellie in Part II.
- No dodge mechanic (only sprint and vault).
- Stealth is viable but less forgiving than later characters.

• Playstyle:

- Stealth-CQB Hybrid: Use bricks/bottles to distract, then shiv or choke enemies. Reserve bullets for sudden fights.
- Gunslinger: Upgrade revolver and hunting rifle, use listen mode to peek around corners.
- Resourceful Scavenger: Always search every drawer and closet; Joel’s inventory size is moderate.

• Unlock Conditions: Automatically playable from Chapter 1 (the prologue with Sarah) and throughout the main story.


• Recommended Equipment / Builds:

- Early Game: Shotgun from Bill’s Town; upgrade revolver for damage and fire rate.
- Mid Game: Hunting rifle for distance; keep a melee weapon (machete or pipe) with a binding for extra durability.
- Late Game: Flamethrower or assault rifle (depending on weapons found). Upgrade health and weapon sway reduction first.

• Team Synergy: Works best with Ellie as a backup scout. Use Ellie to distract or provide covering fire. In combat, position yourself between enemies and Ellie to protect her.




Ellie Williams (Part I – NPC companion & playable flashback)



• Background: A fourteen-year-old girl who is immune to the Cordyceps infection. She travels with Joel across the country. In the Winter chapter, she becomes playable.


• Role: Stealth Assassin / Scout – Ellie is smaller and faster, relying on stealth and agility. She can use a bow and has unique takedowns.


• Strengths:

- Ability to use the bow (silent weapon; retrievable arrows).
- Can craft shivs and smoke bombs.
- Faster movement and smaller hitbox.

• Weaknesses:

- Lower health than Joel; cannot take many hits.
- No access to Joel’s heavy weapons (shotgun, rifle) until the end.
- Limited melee durability.

• Playstyle:

- Sniper from Shadows: Prioritize the bow; upgrade arrow capacity and accuracy. Always retrieve arrows.
- Hit-and-Run: Use sprint and slide (in Part II mechanics, but not in Part I; in Part I she has no slide). In Part I Winter, use the environment to loop around enemies.
- Scavenger: Search every corner for supplements and ammo; Ellie’s listen mode is slightly better range than Joel’s.

• Unlock Conditions: Playable during the Winter chapter (Ellie’s segment) starting at Chapter 8 (The University) to Chapter 11 (Lakeside Resort). Also playable in the Left Behind DLC.


• Recommended Equipment / Builds:

- Bow: Upgrade arrow capacity to 4 or 5; draw speed upgrades are vital.
- Shiv: Always carry a shiv for clickers; use shiv doors to get extra pills and ammunition.
- Skills: Prioritize listen mode distance and weapon sway reduction for the bow.

• Team Synergy: With Joel as companion (AI), use Ellie to clear rooms silently before Joel enters. In Winter, there is no partner; she is solo against David’s hunters. Rely on traps and the bow.




Sarah Miller (Prologue only)



• Background: Joel’s 12-year-old daughter. Users play as her during the opening prologue on Outbreak Day.


• Role: Purely Narrative – No combat. Only movement and simple interactions.


• Strengths: None (cannot fight).


• Weaknesses: Cannot defend herself; instant death if caught.


• Playstyle: Follow Joel’s instructions, stay close, and interact with objects quickly. This section is a tutorial for movement and immersion.


• Unlock Conditions: Automatically at start of game. Unskippable.


• Recommended Equipment / Builds: N/A.


• Team Synergy: N/A. Joel is the protector; just stay near him.




Ellie Williams (Left Behind DLC – playable)



• Background: A standalone prequel story set before Part I, showing Ellie’s time with her friend Riley in the Boston quarantine zone.


• Role: Stealth & Puzzle Solver – Same as Winter Ellie but with more emphasis on environmental puzzles and a brick-throwing combat alternative.


• Strengths:

- Same bow skills from Part I.
- Access to water gun for non-lethal distractions.
- Unique chemistry with Riley (co-op AI).

• Weaknesses:

- Very limited ammo and health.
- Riley can help but is not invulnerable; she will retreat if injured.

• Playstyle:

- Stealth Focus: Use bricks and bottles to herd infected. The water gun can distract Clickers without making noise.
- Traps: Use nail bombs and smoke bombs to control enemy movement.

• Unlock Conditions: Playable from the main menu after completing Part I, or automatically if playing the Remastered/Part I version.


• Recommended Equipment / Builds:

- Bow is key; upgrade draw speed.
- Nail bombs are powerful against groups.

• Team Synergy: Riley provides cover fire and can open certain doors. Use her to flank enemies or draw aggro.


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Playable Characters in The Last of Us Part II Remastered





Ellie Williams (Main protagonist)



• Background: Five years after Part I, Ellie is a 19-year-old immune survivor living in Jackson, Wyoming. Driven by a traumatic event, she embarks on a violent journey of revenge. She is the primary playable character for roughly three-quarters of the game.


• Role: Stealth Infiltrator / Trapper – Ellie has a dodge mechanic, crawl, and prone movement. She can craft traps, silenced weapons, and use a variety of explosives.


• Strengths:

- Can go prone and crawl through grass; crouch walking is silent.
- Can dodge melee attacks and perform counter-attacks.
- Access to silencers (crafted from rags and suppressors).
- Crafting includes explosive arrows, trip mines, and traps.

• Weaknesses:

- Lower health upgrade capacity than Abby; requires more supplements for same HP.
- No heavy weapon specialization (cannot use the flamethrower efficiently).
- Melee weapons break quickly.

• Playstyle:

- Prone Assassin: Use tall grass and prone to sneak past enemies or get behind them for silent takedowns.
- Trap Master: Place trip mines at chokepoints; use explosive arrows from distance.
- Brawler (risky): Use dodge and counters to defeat enemies in open combat, but ammo is scarce.

• Unlock Conditions: Playable from the start (Prologue: Jackson) through most of the game except for Abby’s sections (Days 1-3).


• Recommended Equipment / Builds:

- Weapons: Upgrade the hunting pistol (for silenced headshots) and the bow (once unlocked). Silenced submachine gun is excellent for clearing rooms.
- Crafting: Prioritize silencers, explosive arrows, and health kits.
- Skills: Upgrade listen mode distance, weapon sway, and health capacity. Stealth-related upgrades (crawl speed) are very helpful.

• Team Synergy: When teamed with Dina or Jesse, Ellie is the primary attacker. Let companions draw fire while you flank. In stealth segments, companions stay hidden unless detected.




Abby Anderson (Second protagonist)



• Background: A muscular soldier from the Washington Liberation Front (WLF). She is driven by her own revenge story. Her gameplay sections form the other half of the narrative, set in Seattle.


• Role: Brute / Tank / Brawler – Abby is physically stronger than Ellie, with higher health, stronger melee attacks, and access to heavy weapons.


• Strengths:

- Can stun enemies with a powerful kick (hold square).
- Can upgrade health to higher levels; starting HP is higher.
- Can use heavy weapons like the flamethrower, crossbow, and shotgun more effectively.
- Faster sprint speed.

• Weaknesses:

- Cannot go prone (only crouch). This limits stealth options.
- Larger hitbox makes it harder to hide behind small cover.
- No silencer for most weapons; stealth is more difficult (but still possible with bow/crossbow).

• Playstyle:

- Aggressive Pursuit: Use sprint and kick to break enemy defenses. Follow up with a melee execution.
- Crossbow Sniper: The crossbow is silent; use it from distance to thin enemy numbers. Upgrading the crossbow’s damage and fire rate is key.
- Heavy Weapons: Flamethrower is devastating against infected and humans; shotguns for close encounters.

• Unlock Conditions: Playable during Abby’s sections: Day 1 in Seattle through the end of the game (including the theater confrontation and Santa Barbara). Also the Rat King boss fight.


• Recommended Equipment / Builds:

- Weapons: Crossbow (highly recommended), hunting rifle, shotgun, and the flamethrower for late-game.
- Skills: Upgrade health, weapon sway, and melee damage. The “hold breath” skill helps with crossbow accuracy.
- Pills: Spend on stamina (for sprinting up ledges) and health.

• Team Synergy: When accompanied by Lev or Yara, Abby is the frontline fighter. Lev can provide cover fire and scouting. Use Lev’s bow to silently kill enemies before Abby charges in.




Lev (AI companion – Abby’s sections, partially playable in a small segment)



• Background: A Seraphite child who escapes her strict religious group. She becomes Abby’s ally and moral compass. In one brief section (the boat chase), players control Lev.


• Role: Scout / Support – Lev is agile, can use the bow, and has no desire for excessive violence. She often provides tactical advice.


• Strengths (as AI):

- Can distract enemies and perform silent takedowns.
- Her bow is effective and retrievable.
- Can open certain paths.

• Weaknesses:

- Low health; if injured, she will limp and slow down Abby.
- No heavy weapons.
- Cannot be directly controlled most of the time.

• Playstyle (playable segment): In the boat chase, Lev uses a boat and a rifle. Short segment; just follow the path.


• Unlock Conditions: Fully AI companion from Abby Day 1 through Day 3. Playable briefly during the Harbor section (Chapter: The Boat).


• Recommended Equipment / Builds: N/A (AI controlled). For playable segment, use the rifle to take out enemies on docks.


• Team Synergy: Abby protects Lev. Lev can fire arrows from elevated positions. Keep enemies off Lev to maintain stealth.




Yara (AI companion – Abby’s Day 2, also playable briefly)



• Background: Lev’s older sister, also a Seraphite. She is wounded early but later helps Abby. You briefly play as Yara in a flashback.


• Role: Bruiser / Secondary Warrior – Yara is larger and more aggressive than Lev, but less adept at stealth.


• Strengths:

- Can use melee weapons effectively.
- Has a pistol with limited ammo.

• Weaknesses:

- Injured arm limits her ability to climb or hold weapons properly (story-wise).
- Less stealthy.

• Playstyle (playable segment): During the flashback (Chapter: The Forest), Yara fights off WLF soldiers with a pistol and melee. Use the environment to flank.


• Unlock Conditions: AI companion during Abby’s Day 2 (before Yara dies). Playable briefly in the flashback.


• Recommended Equipment / Builds: For her playable segment, there’s no customization; just shoot and bash.


• Team Synergy: Yara is a distraction; Abby can flank while Yara draws fire.




Jesse (AI companion – Ellie’s Day 2 and 3)



• Background: Ellie’s friend and Dina’s ex-boyfriend from Jackson. He joins Ellie’s journey to help find Tommy.


• Role: Tactical Support – Jesse is a capable fighter with a rifle and pistols. He often provides covering fire.


• Strengths:

- Good marksmanship; can take down enemies from distance.
- Can revive Ellie if she is downed (in certain sections? Actually, no – in Part II, companions cannot revive you. But Jesse provides fire support).
- Knowledge of Seattle.

• Weaknesses:

- AI can sometimes be reckless and get spotted.
- Cannot be directly controlled.

• Playstyle: Let Jesse engage enemies while you flank; his presence reduces the number of enemies you have to kill.


• Unlock Conditions: AI companion from Ellie Day 2 (Seattle Downtown) until Day 3 (Hillcrest). He also appears in the flashback.


• Recommended Equipment / Builds: N/A.


• Team Synergy: Ellie is the stealth specialist; Jesse is the firepower. Use his noise to draw enemies away from your path.




Dina (Playable in flashback and AI companion)



• Background: Ellie’s girlfriend, a resourceful Jackson resident. She joins Ellie’s journey but later returns to Jackson.


• Role: Trapper / Medic – Dina can craft traps and health items. She also has a knack for finding supplies.


• Strengths:

- Can craft nail bombs and health kits.
- Good with a rifle.
- Provides emotional support (no in-game effect).

• Weaknesses:

- Injured later in the story; performance is limited.
- Cannot be controlled in most sections (only in the Jackson prologue, you play as Ellie, but Dina is companion).

• Playstyle (AI): Dina will often pick off enemies with her revolver. She can also heal Ellie (story-based).


• Unlock Conditions: AI companion from Prologue through Day 1. Playable in a brief flashback (the party) as herself? No, only Ellie is playable. Dina is always AI.


• Recommended Equipment / Builds: N/A.


• Team Synergy: Use Dina to cover your back; she is less prone to being detected than Jesse. In the synagogue section, she provides crucial fire support.




Tommy (Playable briefly in Part II flashback)



• Background: Joel’s younger brother, a former Firefly turned Jackson leader. He joins Ellie in the early revenge quest but becomes separated.


• Role: Sniper / Scout – Tommy is an expert marksman with a hunting rifle.


• Strengths:

- Exceptional rifle accuracy.
- Can spot enemies from distance.

• Weaknesses:

- Limited playable time (only the Jackson flashback).
- No close-combat specialties.

• Playstyle: Stay at range; use the rifle to take out enemies before they get close. Use listen mode to track.


• Unlock Conditions: Playable during the flashback (Chapter: The Patrol) – you control Tommy and Ellie? Actually, you control Ellie but Tommy is AI. There is no playable Tommy segment. Correction: Tommy is never playable. He is only AI companion. (In the Patrol section, Ellie is playable; Tommy is AI.) So Tommy is not a playable unit. But he is a major character. We will include him as AI.


• Team Synergy: Tommy provides sniper cover; Ellie should clear the immediate area while Tommy eliminates distant threats.


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Multiplayer/No Return (Part II Remastered) – Playable Characters



The Last of Us Part II Remastered features a roguelike survival mode called No Return where players can choose from several characters beyond the main duo. Each has unique traits and starting equipment.



Ellie (No Return)



• Traits: Starts with a hunting pistol and bow. Abilities: Dodge, prone, silencer crafting.


• Role: Stealth Glass Cannon.


• Strengths: Silent kills, trap crafting.


• Weaknesses: Low health, no heavy weapon start.




Abby (No Return)



• Traits: Starts with a large pistol and shotgun. Abilities: Kick, inability to prone, higher health.


• Role: Aggressive Brawler.


• Strengths: High health, powerful kick, shotgun.


• Weaknesses: No prone, louder movement.




Joel (No Return – unlockable)



• Traits: Starts with revolver and shotgun. Abilities: Melee upgrade, cannot dodge (no dodge button).


• Role: Heavy Survivor.


• Strengths: Quick melee kills, durable.


• Weaknesses: No dodge, limited stealth.




Dina (No Return – unlockable)



• Traits: Starts with revolver and melee weapon. Abilities: Faster crafting and healing.


• Role: Medic/Support.


• Strengths: Heals faster, craft efficiency.


• Weaknesses: Lower starting weapons.




Jesse (No Return – unlockable)



• Traits: Starts with rifle and pistol. Abilities: Increased accuracy while moving.


• Role: Marksman.


• Strengths: Good with ranged weapons.


• Weaknesses: Poor close combat.




Tommy (No Return – unlockable)



• Traits: Starts with hunting rifle and revolver. Abilities: Longer listen mode, can spot traps.


• Role: Sniper/Scout.


• Strengths: Excellent range, awareness.


• Weaknesses: Melee penalties.




Lev (No Return – unlockable)



• Traits: Starts with bow and small pistol. Abilities: Faster crawl speed, silent kill bonus.


• Role: Stealth Specialist.


• Strengths: Superior stealth, fast movement.


• Weaknesses: Very low health.




Yara (No Return – unlockable)



• Traits: Starts with pistol and flame thrower? (Check: She starts with a hunting pistol and molotov). Abilities: Increased fire damage resistance.


• Role: Support/Burnisher.


• Strengths: Fire resistance, molotovs.


• Weaknesses: Limited ammo.

Unlock Conditions for No Return characters: Complete specific challenges (e.g., finish a run with Ellie to unlock Joel, etc.). Full details available in the No Return unlockables guide.

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Summary Table of Roles

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Final Tips for Mastering Character Roles

• Switch playstyle per character: If you are struggling with Ellie’s low health, use prone and stealth rather than open combat. For Abby, lean into her strength by learning the kick combo (square then push triangle).


• Listen mode is universal: All characters have listen mode; upgrade it early for both Joel/Ellie and Abby. It reveals enemy outlines and patrol routes.


• Don't ignore companions: While companions cannot die, they can give away your position. In stealth, avoid making noise that triggers your companion’s reaction.


• No Return characters: Experiment with each character’s unique trait to find your favorite for higher difficulty runs. Joel’s durability and Abby’s aggression are easier for beginners; Lev and Dina require precision.


• Upgrade priority: Always upgrade health first for any character; then weapon sway or listen mode distance. For Ellie (Part II), upgrade the dodge ability early.


• Teamwork in story: When you have an AI partner, let them take the first shot to create a distraction, then move to flank. This works for both Ellie/Dina and Abby/Lev.