Following the events ofThe Last of Us Part 2and with a sequel seeming all but inevitable among fans, a potentialThe Last of Us Part 3could explore new frontiers as the series dives deeper into fleshing out humanity’s struggle through the fungal post-apocalypse. At present, Naughty Dog continues to be coy aboutThe Last of Us Part 3, as series creator Neil Druckmann remains non-committal when asked about a third entry to the franchise during interviews. But while Druckmann forewarns thatThe Last of UsPart 2could be the series' end, Naughty Dog has an incidental tradition of finishing with a trilogy.
So just as good things come in threes, a third game seems inevitable even if fans are leftwaiting years forThe Last of Us Part 3like forUncharted 4.But just as Naughty Dog once advised that Joel and Ellie’s story was finished inPart 1andPart 2making good on this with Joel’s death and Ellie’s future uncertain, so a direct sequel will need to find new characters, stories, and places to explore. More specifically,Part 3should expand its horizons and go globe-trotting to see how the rest of the world fared in the face of the Infected.
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The Last of Us Around The World
It seems that whenever the gaming community is treated to the spectacle of the post-apocalypse, it is invariably through the lens of the United States of America. But while it’s understandable that this creative decision stems from the commonality of America in virtually all forms of entertainment, there’s a distinct pushback by gamers for franchises that seem to struggle to go beyond the US’s borders. For instance, Bethesda has been hit with renewed calls from fans for a futureFalloutgame set outside the US after the highly anticipatedFallout Londonmodbroke the news of an official release date.
Naughty Dog should likewise consider doing the same, especially if it’s giving serious thought to moreThe Last of Usspin-offsthat don’t wind up fatiguing players with yet more journeys through infected Americana. Western analogs to the US would be one way to transition the series outside the country, with immediate options ranging from the UK, Europe, Japan, or Australia. Alternatively, Naughty Dog could capitalize on a non-US game and go even further, venturing to countries with different cultural, social, and political backdrops that might have influenced responses to the initial outbreak and the following societal breakdown, such as Russia or China.
The Last of Us Should Make The Most Out of America
As much as taking The Last of Us overseas might offer Naughty Dog a chance to broaden its world-building, it’s more likely that the series won’t stray further than the US. But out of all fifty states, barely a dozen have featured inthe world ofThe Last of Uswith only a few actually appearing in-game.Part 3should take advantage of those still left to appear for their environments and points of interest. For instance, Florida’s Everglades could provide a unique environment for both humans and the Infected, while Georgia’s notorious Guidestones could be the foundations of a new cult-like faction similar to the Seraphites.
Working from the ending ofPart 2, it seems that the game’s final act was laying the groundwork for wherePart 3might explore. In particular, if Ellie is no longer in the running for the next game’s protagonist, thenAbby and Lev’s Fireflies storycould pick up as their ending inPart 2has the pair escaping the new Rattler faction by boat. Not only could the Rattlers bePart 3’snew antagonist due to their last-minute appearance inPart 2,but Abby and Lev could go beyond the US to places such as Canada or Mexico via the coastline as they seek revenge for their enslavement.
The Last of Us Part 2is available now on PS4.
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