Unraveling the Timeline: What Year Does The Last of Us Part II Take Place In?
The Last of Us Part II is primarily set in the year 2038 and continues into 2039. This is five years after the events of the original The Last of Us, which takes place in 2033, twenty years after the initial outbreak in 2013. The sequel delves into the complex aftermath of Joel’s decision at the Firefly hospital, exploring themes of revenge, redemption, and the cyclical nature of violence.
The Last of Us 2: Chronological Deep Dive
To fully grasp the timeframe of The Last of Us Part II, it’s essential to understand the events that precede it. The initial outbreak of the Cordyceps Brain Infection (CBI) occurs in 2013. The first game jumps forward twenty years to 2033, where we meet Joel and Ellie. The Last of Us Part II picks up five years later, placing the bulk of the narrative in 2038 and 2039. The opening sequences and epilogue provide a broader view of the characters’ journeys across these years. This places Ellie at 19 years of age, and Joel in his early- to mid-50s.
Key Timeline Markers:
- 2013: The Cordyceps outbreak begins.
- 2033: Events of The Last of Us Part I.
- 2038-2039: Events of The Last of Us Part II.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About The Last of Us Timeline
Here are 15 of the most common questions about the timeline of The Last of Us series.
1. How Many Years Pass Between The Last of Us Part I and Part II?
There is a five-year gap between the conclusion of The Last of Us Part I and the beginning of The Last of Us Part II. During this period, Joel and Ellie reside in Jackson, Wyoming, attempting to build a life within the relative safety of the community.
2. How Old is Ellie in The Last of Us Part II?
In The Last of Us Part II, Ellie is 19 years old. This significant age difference from the first game allows the sequel to explore more mature themes and showcase Ellie’s evolving character.
3. How Old is Joel in The Last of Us Part II?
While his exact age isn’t explicitly stated, Joel is estimated to be in his early-to-mid 50s during the events of The Last of Us Part II. This reflects the toll that the harsh post-apocalyptic world has taken on him.
4. What Year Does The Last of Us Part I Take Place In?
The Last of Us Part I takes place in 2033, twenty years after the initial outbreak. The prologue, however, begins in 2013 with the tragic events surrounding Joel’s daughter, Sarah.
5. Why Did The HBO Series Change The Year of The Outbreak?
The HBO series shifted the outbreak year from 2013 to 2003. This adjustment was made to set the main narrative in 2023, aligning the story’s timeframe with the show’s broadcast date. The creators felt that this made the story more relatable and immediate for viewers without fundamentally altering the narrative.
6. How Long Were Joel and Ellie Estranged Before His Death?
After the events at St. Mary’s Hospital and Joel’s decision to lie to Ellie about the Fireflies, their relationship became strained. They were estranged for approximately four years before Joel’s tragic death at the hands of Abby Anderson.
7. Did Ellie Ever Forgive Joel for Lying?
The question of whether Ellie fully forgave Joel is a central theme of The Last of Us Part II. While they attempted to reconcile, Joel’s death prevented a complete resolution. Ellie grapples with feelings of anger, resentment, and love for Joel throughout the game. She chooses to believe him in order to protect herself from further harm.
8. What Led to The Conflict Between Ellie and Dina?
Ellie and Dina’s relationship is tested by Ellie’s relentless pursuit of revenge against Abby. Dina becomes pregnant with Jesse’s child, further complicating matters. Dina’s decision to stay behind in the theater while Ellie continues her mission creates a significant rift between them. Dina leaves with JJ while Ellie gets her revenge.
9. How Old is Abby in The Last of Us Part II?
Abby Anderson is in her early 20s during the events of The Last of Us Part II. This puts her roughly in the same age range as Ellie, highlighting the parallel narratives and mirroring themes of revenge and loss.
10. Why Is Ellie Immune to The Cordyceps Infection?
Ellie’s immunity stems from an incident during her birth. Her mother, Anna, was bitten by an infected person while pregnant. The Cordyceps transferred to Ellie through the umbilical cord, resulting in a unique mutation that grants her immunity.
11. Is Ellie The Only Immune Person in The Last of Us?
As far as the story reveals, Ellie appears to be the only person with this particular type of immunity. This makes her invaluable and central to the Fireflies’ initial hope for a cure.
12. Are There Plans for a Last of Us Part III?
While there is no official announcement, Naughty Dog has expressed interest in exploring a potential Last of Us Part III. However, it is not currently in active development. The Games Learning Society closely follows any news on the possibility of another sequel.
13. What Happened to Dina and JJ After Ellie Left The Farm?
After Ellie chose to seek revenge against Abby, Dina left their farm with their son, JJ. Their whereabouts are unknown, but it is heavily implied that they returned to Jackson.
14. Why Did Ellie Leave The Farm At The End of The Last of Us Part II?
Ellie left the farm in an attempt to find closure and confront the trauma of Joel’s death. The ending of the game suggests that she begins to heal from her obsession with revenge and accept her past.
15. What Is The Significance of The Bracelet In The Last of Us Part II?
The bracelet that Ellie wears throughout the game originally belonged to Joel. It serves as a constant reminder of their relationship and the choices he made. It symbolizes the complex love and resentment she feels towards him.
The Last of Us: More Than Just a Game
The Last of Us series transcends mere entertainment, offering poignant commentary on human relationships, ethical dilemmas, and the devastating consequences of a world ravaged by disease. The detailed timelines of the games enhance the emotional impact of the narrative, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the characters’ struggles and triumphs. To understand more about the learning and educational potential of video games, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.