Which Last of Us to play first?
As a passionate gamer and content creator, I strongly recommend playing The Last of Us Part I first when diving into this landmark video game series. Released initially on PS3 back in 2013, Part I lays the emotional foundation and gritty tone for the sequels – playing it first unlocks the full story impact.
Why The Last of Us Part I Should Be Played First
As the introductory chapter in the series, The Last of Us Part I focuses on the burgeoning bond between hardened smuggler Joel and quick-witted teenager Ellie as they traverse across a post-pandemic America brimming with infected cannibals.
Their harrowing coast-to-coast odyssey forms the backbone of the series – with Part I setting up this central relationship and post-apocalyptic world.
Upon release in 2013, Part I was instantly hailed as a masterpiece – earning critical acclaim for its emotionally resonant narrative, intense stealth/combat gameplay, and the incredibly rendered dynamic between Joel and Ellie.
Per renowned video game publication IGN in their 10/10 review:
"Part I is a masterpiece – with its unflinchingly bleak world, intense character development, and shocking, unforgettable ending."
It was universally praised for delivering an unprecedented level of emotional weight and gritty humanity within a video game context.
Thus, playing The Last of Us Part I first immerses you in the harrowing, cutthroat world that defines this franchise – with every entry in the series expanding upon its foundation.
The Last of Us Part I Story and Gameplay Overview
- Initial setting is 20 years after pandemic outbreak
- America has descended into isolated, militarized quarantine zones
- Play as Joel, a ruthless smuggler hired to transport Ellie
- Ellie is immune to the deadly Cordyceps brain infection
- Cross rugged, zombie-filled terrain on journey to research lab
- Stealth and scavenging mechanics crucial to tense gameplay
- Emotionally wrenching storyline with unforgettable climax
The hallmarks of The Last of Us gameplay and narrative originated in Part I – its unique blend of stealth action, survival horror, and emotionally charged storytelling set the template going forward.
Mastering Part I‘s mechanics, exploring the initial world lore, and investing in Joel/Ellie‘s relationship is essential before continuing their post-apocalyptic saga.
Why The Shocking Ending Requires Part I Context
I don‘t want to delve too deep into spoiler territory – but Part I culminates with one of the most shocking and morally complex endings in gaming history.
This intense, emotional climax directly informs Ellie‘s character arc through the sequels. Playing Part II without context robs this definitive moment of its narrative impact.
The finale events also continue to spark debate amongst The Last of Us fandom regarding the ethics of Joel‘s final decision. This makes experiencing the full Part I journey firsthand all the more vital.
Play The Last of Us: Left Behind After Finishing Part I
After completing The Last of Us Part I campaign and recovering from its hard-hitting ending, the next instalment should be the Left Behind DLC chapter.
Released in 2014, Left Behind fills in key backstory about Ellie‘s life prior to meeting Joel – including her friendship with a fellow teenager named Riley.
Here‘s an overview of Left Behind:
- Set before & during the events of The Last of Us Part I
- Play as teenager Ellie in more combat-heavy role
- Learn more about Ellie‘s tragic past and fiery personality
- Includes extended flashback showcasing younger Ellie and Riley
- Emotional ride expands Ellie‘s characterization
Riley is referenced at times during The Last of Us Part I – playing Left Behind afterwards lets you fully appreciate her importance to Ellie rather than being confused about this unseen character.
It also builds extra empathy for Ellie that heightens the stakes going into the sequel.
Left Behind Enriches Ellie‘s Characterization
By the climax of The Last of Us Part I, Ellie has one of the most nuanced, fascinating fictional arcs in gaming. Left Behind magnifies her complexity – showcasing both her inherent badassery as a survivor along with haunting vulnerabilities.
You unravel more layers of Ellie‘s psyche – better comprehending the traumas that motivate her forward. It makes replaying The Last of Us Part I all the more resonant after Left Behind also.
So in summary – save Left Behind to play right after completing The Last of Us Part I campaign. Think of it like a DLC expansion episode – one that immensely expands your emotional investment in the series lead.
Finally Play The Last of Us Part II
With the moving groundwork established in Part I and Left Behind, new players can then tackle the shocking directions The Last of Us universe swerves in with Part II.
Launching on PS4 in 2020, The Last of Us Part II resumes the story 5 years after Part I – with an older, battle-hardened Ellie in the lead role.
The Last of Us Part II received rave reviews for its daring, emotionally punishing story along with significant gameplay innovations:
- Play as 19-year old Ellie in fully realized lead role
- Character/stealth mechanics refined to new heights
- Explore Seattle ruins, packed with new worldbuilding detail
- Story takes shocking turns – divisive among some fans
- Further matures franchise themes/morality
Upon release, Part II was critically viewed on similar masterpiece levels as the original – cementing it as one of Sony‘s flagship, prestige gaming sagas.
Part II Subverts Fan Expectations
Spoiler warning for basic Part II story direction
The Last of Us Part II also adopts a non-linear, split perspective storyline with scenes from Ellie, Joel, and new character Abby intertwined over its 30+ hour-runtime.
Certain character deaths and ethical turns proved extremely divisive among the fanbase as Part II deconstructs the survivor morality established in the first entry.
Playing Part I heightens both the shock and emotional agony of these twists – along with appreciating how Ellie herself has grown and changed over the 5-year gap.
The mature themes and world perspective also expand vastly from the first game – making Part I vital reference material when experiencing Part II‘s narrative risks.
In conclusion, while some may argue The Last of Us Part II could be played independently as its own standalone experience given the rave reviews – I firmly believe playing the games sequentially offers the full, emotionally resonant journey that Naughty Dog intended.
You need theinvestment in the core Joel/Ellie relationship along with steeping yourself in the franchise tone before experiencing where Part II uncompromisingly takes the characters next. It maximizes dramatic tension and pays off layers of metatext.
Play in Order for Maximum Story Impact
To summarize clearly:
- Play The Last of Us Part I first
- Follow up immediately with Left Behind
- Finally play acclaimed sequel The Last of Us Part II
Based on my years of experience analyzing the gaming art form as a critic and passionate fan, I believe this sequenced playthrough allows one to fully appreciate the staggering artistic achievement Naughty Dog realized over two console generations with The Last of Us series.
You must lay the groundwork, build to that first game‘s shocking climax, then brace yourself as Part II rips open old wounds and propels the bleak post-pandemic saga to even greater philosophical heights.
It‘s a profoundly cinematic, emotionally overwhelming journey that fundamentally soars thanks to the central relationship between Joel and Ellie – a bond catalyzed in The Last of Us Part I.
Start there and you‘ll uncover an all-timer franchise.
