Are there collectibles in The Last of Us? A Deep Dive for Completionists

Absolutely! Yes, there are a plethora of collectibles scattered throughout The Last of Us Part I and The Last of Us Part II. Far from being mere trinkets, these items offer a fascinating layer of depth to the game’s world, providing crucial context, character insights, and compelling narratives beyond the main storyline. Whether you’re meticulously searching every nook and cranny or relying on a guide, finding these collectibles is a rewarding experience for any player seeking complete immersion.

The Allure of Collecting: More Than Just Trophies

While some players are driven by the quest for Platinum trophies or completion percentages, the appeal of collecting in The Last of Us extends beyond simple digital accolades. These items serve as narrative breadcrumbs, offering glimpses into the lives of the characters and the world around them. They paint a picture of the pre-outbreak society and the struggles of survivors post-apocalypse.

• Artifacts: Letters, notes, maps, and posters reveal personal stories, warnings, and fragments of a lost civilization.
• Training Manuals: Provide in-game perks, enhancing combat abilities and offering strategic advantages.
• Trading Cards: A nostalgic nod to pre-outbreak childhood, depicting fantastical characters and offering a window into Ellie’s world.
• Workbenches: Essential locations for upgrading weapons and crafting tools, providing strategic advantage.
• Safes: Locked containers requiring combinations that can be found through careful exploration or by deciphering clues in the game environment.
• Journal Entries: Ellie’s personal reflections and sketches offering insight into her emotional journey and evolving perspective.

Collecting these items adds significant value to the overall experience, enriching the game’s story and creating a deeper connection with the characters and their environment. Understanding the design choices in games, and the impact of collectibles, is a topic often explored at the Games Learning Society and on their website: GamesLearningSociety.org.

Understanding the Types of Collectibles

The collectibles in both The Last of Us Part I and The Last of Us Part II fall into several distinct categories, each with its own unique purpose and contribution to the game’s narrative and gameplay.

Artifacts: Unveiling the Past

Artifacts are undoubtedly the most crucial collectibles for understanding the overarching narrative of the game. They consist of a wide variety of items, including:

• Letters and Notes: Detailing personal relationships, desperate pleas for help, and glimpses into the events that led to the downfall of society.
• Maps and Posters: Revealing hidden locations, warnings about dangers, and propaganda from various factions.
• Pamphlets and Flyers: Shedding light on the pre-outbreak political and social climate.

By carefully reading these artifacts, players can piece together the events that transpired before and after the outbreak, gaining a deeper understanding of the world and its characters.

Training Manuals: Enhancing Your Skills

Training Manuals provide valuable in-game benefits, allowing players to unlock new skills and upgrade existing abilities. These manuals focus on specific areas, such as:

• Stealth: Enhancing stealth tactics and allowing for quieter movement.
• Crafting: Unlocking new crafting recipes and improving the efficiency of existing ones.
• Weapons: Improving weapon handling, increasing reload speeds, and reducing recoil.
• Explosives: Increasing the blast radius and damage of explosive devices.

Finding and reading these manuals is essential for maximizing your combat effectiveness and surviving the dangers of the post-apocalyptic world.

Trading Cards: A Window into Ellie’s World

Trading Cards are a nostalgic collectible that provide a glimpse into Ellie’s childhood and her fascination with fantastical characters. These cards depict a variety of heroes, villains, and creatures from the fictional world of Savage Starlight, offering a lighthearted counterpoint to the grim realities of the game.

Collecting these cards allows players to connect with Ellie on a personal level, understanding her interests and appreciating her resilience in the face of adversity.

Safes and Workbenches: Strategical Advantages

Safes and Workbenches are essential collectibles that offer strategic advantages in the game. Safes contain valuable resources and supplies, while workbenches provide a place to upgrade weapons and craft tools.

Finding these locations and unlocking their secrets is crucial for surviving the dangers of the post-apocalyptic world.

Journal Entries: Personal Reflections

Journal Entries provide a profound look into Ellie’s thoughts, feelings, and evolving perspective as she navigates the complex moral landscape of the post-apocalyptic world. These entries offer valuable insights into her emotional journey, revealing her struggles, triumphs, and evolving relationships with the characters around her.

A Collector’s Strategy: Tips for Finding Everything

Finding all the collectibles in The Last of Us requires a meticulous approach and a keen eye for detail. Here are some helpful tips to guide your search:

• Explore every nook and cranny: Don’t be afraid to deviate from the main path and thoroughly explore every room, alleyway, and abandoned building.
• Listen carefully: Pay attention to audio cues, such as the sound of wind chimes or the faint rustling of paper, which may indicate the presence of a collectible.
• Use listen mode: Activate listen mode frequently to detect hidden objects and interactable elements in the environment.
• Consult a guide: If you’re struggling to find a particular collectible, don’t hesitate to consult a guide or online walkthrough.
• Replay chapters: If you miss a collectible during your initial playthrough, you can always replay individual chapters to retrieve it.
• Check behind obstacles: Many collectibles are deliberately hidden behind objects, so always check behind crates, barrels, and other environmental elements.

FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions about collectibles in The Last of Us:

FAQ 1: Do collectibles carry over into New Game Plus?

Yes, in The Last of Us Part II, collectibles do carry over into New Game Plus. This means you don’t have to re-find everything if you’re aiming for 100% completion across multiple playthroughs. However, this feature isn’t present in The Last of Us Part I.

FAQ 2: Are there any missable collectibles?

Yes, certain collectibles can be easily missed if you don’t thoroughly explore each area. It’s crucial to be vigilant and check every corner before moving on. Utilizing a guide or walkthrough can be extremely helpful.

FAQ 3: Do I need to collect everything in one playthrough?

No, you don’t. Thanks to chapter select, you can always go back and find any missing items after completing the game.

FAQ 4: Do collectibles affect the story in any way?

While collectibles don’t directly alter the main storyline, they add significant depth and context, providing a richer understanding of the characters and the world. They offer valuable insights into their backstories, motivations, and relationships.

FAQ 5: Are collectibles the same in the Remastered/Remake versions?

The collectibles are mostly the same, but the Remake (The Last of Us Part I) on PS5 features some rearrangements and slight additions, designed to better integrate with the updated environments. Always consult a guide specific to the version you’re playing.

FAQ 6: How do Training Manuals affect gameplay?

Training Manuals unlock new skills and upgrades, significantly enhancing your combat and crafting abilities. They provide a tangible advantage in the game and are well worth seeking out.

FAQ 7: Are there any rewards for finding all collectibles?

Yes, finding all collectibles unlocks trophies and achievements, adding to the overall sense of accomplishment for completionists.

FAQ 8: Can I track which collectibles I’ve found?

Yes, the game features a detailed collectibles menu that allows you to track your progress and see which items you’re still missing in each chapter.

FAQ 9: Are there any collectibles related to Joel?

Yes, especially in The Last of Us Part I, there are several artifacts that shed light on Joel’s past and his life before meeting Ellie, offering a deeper understanding of his character.

FAQ 10: Where can I find the safe combinations?

Safe combinations are often found within nearby artifacts. Look for notes, letters, or environmental clues that provide the necessary numbers.

FAQ 11: Are there any hidden rooms containing collectibles?

Yes, some collectibles are located in hidden rooms or areas that require a bit of exploration to discover. Keep an eye out for unusual pathways or environmental puzzles.

FAQ 12: Does difficulty level affect the location of collectibles?

No, the difficulty level does not affect the location of collectibles. They remain in the same spots regardless of the chosen difficulty.

FAQ 13: What is the significance of the Trading Cards?

Trading Cards offer a glimpse into Ellie’s childhood and her fascination with fantasy characters. They provide a lighthearted counterpoint to the grim realities of the game and allow players to connect with Ellie on a personal level.

FAQ 14: Are Workbenches considered collectibles?

While not strictly “collectibles” in the same way as artifacts or trading cards, Workbenches are crucial locations that must be found and utilized to upgrade weapons. They are often tracked in completion guides.

FAQ 15: Can collectibles be found in the Left Behind DLC?

Yes, the Left Behind DLC also contains collectibles, including artifacts and optional conversations, that further enrich the story and provide additional insights into Ellie’s character. Collecting items and understanding game design are two pillars of the Games Learning Society, which encourages exploration and analysis in video games. You can learn more at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Ultimately, collecting in The Last of Us is about more than just ticking boxes. It’s about immersing yourself in the world, connecting with the characters, and uncovering the hidden stories that make the game so compelling. Happy hunting!