InThe Last of Us, players are introduced to a dystopian world, and things don’t look much better inThe Last of Us Part 2. In addition to the Infected who feed on flesh, humans have to worry about hostile factions roaming around. While it seems like humanity is on the decline, there are some indications that a hopeful future is possible.
Despite the global outbreak, there are some established compounds where humans live in relative peace, as seen inThe Last of Us Part 2. It brings to question what humanity could achieve if it stopped the infighting and coordinated its efforts against the Infected. Furthermore, as long as Ellie is alive, there is always hope that a cure may be found.
RELATED:A Last of Us Prequel Should Release Before Part 3
Life Is Possible in the World of The Last of Us
In the first game in the series, gamers witness America being overcome by aCordyceps outbreak that takes control of people’s brainsand turns them into bloodthirsty monsters. The spread is rapid, and it doesn’t take long until normal society has disintegrated. Part of the problem is that is quite easy to get infected. One only needs to be bitten by an Infected, or one needs to inhale Cordyceps spores. The problem isn’t limited to America, however. A collectible in the first game reveals that around 60% of the world’s population was either killed or infected in the first year of the outbreak, stressing just what a danger it poses to the future of humanity.
Humanity’s problems aren’t limited to the Infected, unfortunately. Sometimes, humans are their own worst enemies. In the wake of the outbreak,armed factions such as the Firefliesform, and regular people resort to brutality to gain the resources they need. It becomes impossible to trust any stranger, and an act of kindness will probably be exploited. This is a very bleak view of humanity though, and inThe Last of Us Part 2, gamers begin to realize that things aren’t entirely hopeless and that relatively normal life is possible for those who aren’t infected.
This is the case with Jackson, a heavily guarded community where children can grow in peace and families can form. By no means are things perfect, but after the desolation gamers have seen, it’s practically utopian in comparison. The same can be said forthe compound the Washington Liberation Front lives in. Having taken over SoundView Stadium, they have re-purposed the facilities and live in relative safety within its parameters. Despite operating like a paramilitary group, there are genuine friendships and familial bonds within the faction. Humanity may be down, but it’s not out for the count just yet.
Unity Is Needed in The Last of Us
TheInfected ofThe Last of Usare dangerous, but they also have plenty of weaknesses. They’re slow, blind, and not very clever, and unlike humans, they can’t make use of guns. When humans work together, as seen with Jackson and the WLF, they can deal with the Infected, even when they’re significantly outnumbered. There still appears to be a plentiful stock of guns and ammunition. All that’s missing is a coordinated attack against the Infected. It would be a difficult feat, as there are constant feuds between factions such as the WLF and the Seraphites, but there is hope.
Ultimately, the only thing that will end the outbreak for good is a vaccine. So long as Ellie is alive, there is still the chance that a cure could be created. Thoughthe world ofThe Last of Usis bleakand morbid, humanity may not be defeated just yet, but it will require humanity to put aside its infighting.
The Last of Us Part 2is available on PS4.
MORE:The Last of Us 3 Should Give Players Control of New Characters like Part 2 Did with Ellie and Abby
