For newcomers and longtime fans alike, The Last of Us Part II will work vastly different from its predecessor, ranging from general stealth tactics to deciding upon what to upgrade. With its emphasis on far more open environments, in addition to having not one but two different main playable characters, this sequel to one of the greatest PS3 hits is more akin to a new entry in a totally different franchise.
And while it may not have slowed down sales for Naughty Dog, it most certainly will slow down first-time players in their attempts to learn the many basics of traversing this cruel yet beautiful post-apocalyptic tale.
Mindful First Steps
Before even starting the story, take some time to fiddle with the difficulty, sound, and accessibility settings of the game. Naughty Dog went all-out in populating this sequel with a variety of options for players to find the best possible level of immersion, most of all witnessed in the latter section. Accessibility in The Last of Us Part II is bar none, with over 60 different features to choose from, including audio and visual enhancements for deaf and blind players, as well as more fine-tuning options, like ridding the game of dogs.
While the preferred difficulty of the game might be hard, there’s no shame in playing on lower settings. Although it should be noted, most players have found these lower difficulties to be far too easy given their ample amount of resources, which sort of detracts from the overall experience. In the end, play on the difficulty that best suits your playstyle.
Main among all useful things to know before playing The Last of Us Part II is an understanding of its forthcoming pain. At every moment the player is challenged emotionally, and not every gamer may be as accepting of this. The immense stress on stealth coupled with the sporadic (and painful) emotional beats makes The Last of Us Part II a uniquely individual experience. Few may actually enjoy it, but every single player can in the end admit it is unforgettable, so play at your own risk.
Apocalyptic Exploration
The Last of Us Part II necessitates exploration and looting, with innumerable safes and weapons to collect. Ample immersion in a particular setting will also reward players with a better understanding of new in-game traversal methods, such as wall crevices, open ceilings, or raised environmental obstacles.
Although it may invite to the series all-new ways of experiencing survival, The Last of Us Part II still borrows tremendously from previous Naughty Dog titles, namely Uncharted 4. Much like in the former, The Last of Us sequel uses specific objects to alleviate confusion in the midst of an environmental puzzle, such as colored tarps and movable trash receptacles. If a player is ever lost or unsure of where to proceed, simply look for these objects to literally guide you through that particular level. However, don’t just rush through these places.
When exploring Seattle, for instance, take your time and marinate within this open environment. There are a ton of upgrades and collectibles to find, not to mention a secret pump shotgun found in the buried bank vault. Time spent here will also help players gain a better understanding of the new gameplay mechanics, how to work in action with Dina, and uncover secrets of the newly-introduced WLF faction, more often referred to as “the Wolves.”
Approaching Combat Stealthily
In a world filled with zombies and enemies attracted to sound, silence is unbelievably deadly. But, while stealth my be extremely critical in this game it’s not Metal Gear Solid. Both playable characters will rarely ever have a substantial amount of ammo, which makes tackling certain spots throughout the story not only tricky but requiring crafty solutions for evasion. Newly-added attack dogs only amplify the difficulty of maneuverability, with their heightened senses of smell and hearing making stealth near-impossible. Bite through the pain of hearing those whimpering cries, as taking out these ferocious k-9s first is of utmost importance for a clean and silent sweep (if a player so chooses, of course).
Don’t be too afraid to run if ever necessary, either, as some narrative cues will lock the player into such a mad dash from soldiers or the infected. It’s also simply good practice when dealing with multiple enemies in one location (most especially when low on ammo and assorted supplies). If at all spotted, simply sprint away into cover and reassess your approach to the particular area. Bricks and bottles are effective tools for stunning enemies in an attempt to flee back into cover, while also being highly useful for drawing attention away from the player.
With few shots available and a targeting system that’s intended to be difficult to aim, guns should only be used when absolutely necessary. These tools are a player’s last line of defense when tackling a multitude of different enemies and it’s simply better not to give yourself away. Instead, try to stick to melee weapons and molotovs, as these will keep you hidden and save you precious bullets. A well-placed mine can likewise go a long (and exorbitantly bloody) way in dealing with a large assortment of WLF soldiers.
Intelligent Upgrades & Crafting
Last of all is The Last of Us Part II’s enhanced player and weapons upgrades. To reiterate the importance of looting, gathering an immense amount of pills and screws in the early game is as crucial as deciding which upgrades to choose when they become available. With four separate slots, each with a descending list of five perks, the new player upgrade system adds a whole new element for survival. What is more important to the particular player: a health boost, faster sprinting, or the ability to craft silencers?
These are elements that the player must focus on in their quest for ultimate survival and vengeance, but it doesn’t stop there. Additionally, weapons have far more extensive upgrades at their disposal. While one player may like an improved fire rate on their pistol, another will want better recoil stabilization for the shotgun, so these really come down to preference. Though, a helpful tip would be to first focus on the gun used most prominently in the early stages. Like in the first game, these upgrades extend to melee offerings as well, with a simple baseball bat having the potential of becoming something far more deadly, but it’s best to save these materials for crafting purposes.
Make a habit of crafting, reloading your weapons, and checking potential upgrades before proceeding to another section. Preparation is key and you don’t want to be caught off guard - it’s what the game primarily wants. As such, stay on top of which materials are in your inventory and likewise craft the available items as necessary. You don’t want to leave a piece of cloth or a valuable bit of tape behind merely because you overlooked your crafting inventory.
With all of this in mind, players are more than ready to overcome the unabashed violence and unforgiving nature inherent in the world of The Last of Us Part II.
NEXT: Gaming Detail: Pluto Isn’t A Planet In Last Of Us 2
