What Gun Does Joel Give Ellie in The Last of Us?
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In The Last of Us, Joel doesn’t explicitly give Ellie a gun in the traditional sense of a gift or a formal presentation. However, he teaches her how to use a gun and allows her to carry one for self-defense. The specific firearm he initially instructs her on is a 9mm pistol. While the model of the 9mm pistol changes between The Last of Us Part I and Part II, it serves the same basic function: a standard, easily accessible sidearm. This act, more than any specific gun, signifies a turning point in their relationship, marking a shift in Joel’s protective role and acknowledging Ellie’s growing need for self-sufficiency in a brutal world.
A Reluctant Tutor: Joel’s Initial Hesitation
Joel’s initial reluctance to involve Ellie with firearms stems from his desire to shield her from the harsh realities of their world. He understands the psychological toll that violence takes and seeks to protect her innocence for as long as possible. His agreement with Tess to smuggle Ellie out of the quarantine zone was based on the understanding that she would be kept safe, not armed and thrust into constant danger. However, as their journey progresses and they face increasingly perilous situations, Joel recognizes that Ellie needs to be able to defend herself. He eventually relents and provides her with basic firearms training, demonstrating how to properly hold, aim, and fire a pistol. This pivotal scene marks a turning point in their relationship, signifying Joel’s acceptance of Ellie’s evolving role from a vulnerable charge to a capable survivor.
The 9mm Pistol: A Symbol of Survival
The 9mm pistol that Joel instructs Ellie on becomes a symbol of survival and self-reliance. It represents her growing independence and her ability to navigate the dangers of their post-apocalyptic world. The fact that it is a common, readily available weapon also underscores the practicality of their situation. They need a gun that is easy to find ammunition for and simple to maintain. While later in The Last of Us Part II, Ellie acquires and masters more specialized weapons like the bow and arrow, the silenced submachine gun, and the pump shotgun, the 9mm pistol remains a reliable and versatile tool in her arsenal. It’s a tangible representation of the skills she learns from Joel, not just in combat, but in the broader context of surviving in a world where danger lurks around every corner.
Ellie’s Evolving Arsenal: Beyond the Pistol
As Ellie’s journey continues, particularly in The Last of Us Part II, her proficiency with firearms expands significantly. She becomes adept at using a variety of weapons, each suited for different combat scenarios. Her signature weapons include the switchblade, which is given to her by Marlene and was originally her mother, Anna’s knife, the bow, the pump shotgun and the semi-auto pistol. This evolution in her combat skills reflects her growth as a character and her increasing resilience in the face of adversity. The Games Learning Society studies how video games like The Last of Us teach players about strategy, resource management, and problem-solving. Learning to master these various weapons is a key component of those learned skills. You can learn more about this at GamesLearningSociety.org.
The Importance of Adaptability
The changing nature of Ellie’s arsenal highlights the importance of adaptability in the harsh world of The Last of Us. She learns to improvise and utilize whatever tools are available to her, demonstrating a resourcefulness that is crucial for survival.
FAQs About Joel and Ellie’s Weapons
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the topic of weapons in The Last of Us, with a particular focus on Joel and Ellie.
What is Joel’s personal weapon of choice?
Joel’s preferred weapon appears to be the Taurus Model 66 revolver. He uses it briefly in the prologue and it’s a common weapon found throughout the game.
What kind of revolver does Joel use?
Joel uses the Taurus Model 66 with a blued finish, 3-inch barrel, and rubber grips. It’s a reliable and powerful handgun.
What 9mm pistol does Joel use in the game?
In The Last of Us Part I, the standard 9mm pistol used by Joel and many NPCs was changed from a Cold Defender to a Browning Hi-Power, while Ellie’s Beretta Model 70 is replaced by a Walther P5.
What is Ellie’s signature weapon?
Ellie’s signature weapon is the switchblade. It was given to her by Marlene and originally belonged to her mother, Anna.
How did Ellie get her switchblade?
Ellie’s switchblade was a gift from Marlene, who had inherited it from Ellie’s mother, Anna.
What is the El Diablo in The Last of Us?
The El Diablo is an incredibly powerful revolver that comes equipped with a scope, allowing Joel to have the power of a sniper in his back pocket.
What rifle does Joel use?
Joel uses a bolt-action rifle, also known as the hunting rifle. It’s a powerful long-range weapon that is useful for taking out enemies from a distance.
How many weapons are available in The Last of Us Part II?
There are 12 weapons in The Last of Us Part II.
What is the military pistol in The Last of Us Part II?
The military pistol is a short gun in The Last of Us Part II. It is a semi-automatic handgun used by Abby Anderson. Functionally, it is identical to Ellie’s semi-auto pistol.
Does Ellie use Joel’s revolver?
After his death, Ellie takes Joel’s revolver as a memento of him.
What is Ellie’s best weapon in The Last of Us Part II?
Ellie’s best weapon in The Last of Us Part II is arguably the Bow. Other weapons on the list are the pump shotgun, the silenced submachine gun, the molotov, the bolt-action rifle, the semi-auto pistol, the revolver, and the trap mine.
Where can you find the flamethrower in The Last of Us?
Joel finds one in a loading dock at the University of Eastern Colorado, suggesting that a student created and used it. If players miss this one, another will be findable near a group of runners on the bottom floor of a nearby building.
Why doesn’t Joel let Ellie use a gun at first?
Joel is initially hesitant to let Ellie use a gun because he wants to protect her from the violence and trauma of their world.
How does Ellie become immune to the Cordyceps fungus?
Ellie’s immunity stems from a mutated strain of the Cordyceps fungus already present in her system. It prevents the fungus from fully infecting her, rendering her immune to its effects.
How did Ellie lose her fingers?
Some time before Abby bites Ellie’s fingers off, Ellie was bitten by a zombie on the same hand.