The Last of Us 2 Review Features – A Powerful Gameplay Guide

About The Last of Us 2

The Last of Us Part II is set 35 years after the Cordyceps outbreak, long after the collapse of the civilization Joel once knew. The world lies in ruins, overrun by nature and danger, with survivors scattered across hostile territories. Humanity faces constant threats - not only from the terrifying infected who were once human but also from the desperate people who will do anything to survive. This haunting post-apocalyptic setting captures both the fragility of life and the raw beauty of a world reclaimed by nature.

Humanity has splintered into multiple factions. Some survivors turn to violence and chaos, taking from others to endure another day. Others cling to hope, joining groups that still search tirelessly for a cure. Meanwhile, small communities form in an effort to rebuild society, offering shelter and solidarity amidst the ruins.

At the heart of it all is Ellie, who embarks on a perilous journey through Seattle to hunt down Abby and settle a deeply personal score. Joined by Dina, she faces relentless enemies, infected threats, and emotional challenges that test her resolve. Her story is one of survival, vengeance, and the painful cost of holding on to what’s been lost.

The Last of Us 2 - Gameplay Summary

The Last of Us Part II features intense third-person survival gameplay that blends stealth, crafting, and brutal combat. Players must scavenge for supplies, craft weapons, and use strategy to overcome human enemies and infected creatures. Stealth is essential - using cover, shadows, and “listen mode” to detect threats. Combat feels weighty and realistic, with limited ammo and high stakes. Players can crawl, jump, and explore detailed environments that encourage tactical movement. Every encounter tests skill and precision, delivering a deeply immersive and emotional gameplay experience built on tension, resource management, and raw survival.

Things You Can Do in The Last of Us 2

Stealth gameplay

The gameplay in The Last of Us Part II emphasizes stealth and strategy, giving players multiple ways to approach each encounter. You can sneak through tall grass, crawl under vehicles or beds, and use walls for cover to perform silent takedowns. Every location is designed to encourage tactical movement and careful planning, rewarding players who master stealth kills and environmental awareness.

Aggressive Gameplay

Although resources in The Last of Us Part II are scarce, players can still adopt an aggressive playstyle, using every weapon and tool available in combat. Once you understand enemy patterns and resource locations, it becomes rewarding to take risks, switching from stealth to all-out attacks. Many players experiment with this bold approach after their first playthrough, turning every encounter into a test of skill, strategy, and adaptability. This freedom to choose between stealth or aggression makes the gameplay dynamic, intense, and uniquely replayable.

Collecting Medicine or Supplements

Collecting medicine or supplements that looks like a tablet allows you to acquire personal skills that will help you on the game as you progress. They are usually all over the game like shelves, drawers or even in small vaults that requires some combinations to unlock.

Weapon Improvements

The game features a detailed workbench system where you can upgrade and customize your weapons using collected gears found throughout the world. Each modification - whether it’s improving stability, reload speed, or firepower - adds a strategic edge to combat. What makes this system stand out is the realistic workbench animation, where your character physically upgrades the weapon, adding a layer of immersion and authenticity that enhances the overall gameplay experience.

Solving some puzzles

Unlike the complex puzzles seen in Resident Evil games, the puzzles in The Last of Us Part II are more grounded and environmental. You’ll encounter safe combination locks, rope-based challenges, and physics-driven obstacles that require observation and problem-solving. Often, clues are hidden in notes, wall markings, or the surrounding environment, encouraging players to explore and think creatively. These subtle yet satisfying puzzles break the tension of combat while adding depth and realism to the overall gameplay experience.

Grabbing enemies as hostage

One of the unique features in The Last of Us Part II is the ability to take human enemies as hostages. By sneaking up from behind, you can grab an opponent instead of performing a stealth kill, using them as a human shield while engaging others in combat. This adds a tactical layer to encounters, allowing you to control the situation and create distractions. You can even use this strategy against the infected - positioning your hostage in their path to buy time or escape danger. It’s a clever mechanic that blends stealth, strategy, and survival in one tense moment.

Use the noise to distract enemies or startle infected.

In The Last of Us Part II, players can use bricks and bottles as versatile tools for both offense and distraction. These items can be thrown to stun enemies or to create noise that lures attention away from your position. In encounters that involve both humans and infected, this mechanic becomes especially strategic - you can distract the infected to attack the human enemies while you stay hidden. Using the environment and sound manipulation effectively turns every situation into a tactical opportunity, making stealth and resource management even more rewarding.

Photo mode

The Last of Us Part II includes a powerful Photo Mode that lets players capture breathtaking scenes from the ruined world of Seattle. Whether it’s a quiet moment between characters or a cinematic shot from a cutscene, Photo Mode offers full control over camera angles, filters, and focus to create stunning images. The game’s detailed post-apocalyptic environments - overgrown streets, abandoned buildings, and moody lighting - make every shot worth sharing. It’s a perfect feature for players who enjoy exploring and showcasing the haunting beauty of this world.

Replay And Go All Out

If you finish the game, you will have an option to replay the game with an option to have an infinite ammo, that way you will have the ability take revenge on enemies and enemy bosses that bullied you during first playthrough, it takes away the challenge though and I would suggest just playing it once.

The Last of Us 2 Review - Final Thoughts

The Last of Us Part II is more than just a sequel - it’s an emotional experience that pushes storytelling and gameplay to new heights. Its combination of immersive combat, cinematic presentation, and deep character development makes it one of the most memorable titles in modern gaming. Every corner hides a story, every encounter carries weight, and every choice leaves a mark.

If you love games that blend action, emotion, and narrative depth, this is one you shouldn’t miss. It’s a masterpiece that challenges your morals, breaks your heart, and keeps you thinking long after the credits roll.

You might also like our roundup of classic RPGs that deserve a remake and our review of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

Disclaimer: This content features real gameplay footage from The Last of Us Part II, owned by Naughty Dog and Sony Interactive Entertainment. Additional images, including stylized character art and recreated scenes, were generated using ChatGPT’s AI image-generation tools. These illustrations are not official assets and are intended for commentary, review, and educational purposes.