What Year is The Last of Us Set?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The Last of Us series is set in a post-apocalyptic world, with the initial outbreak occurring in 2003 and the main story taking place in 2023, twenty years after the outbreak. The game’s narrative and the HBO series follow a similar timeline, exploring the journey of Joel and Ellie as they navigate a world devastated by the Cordyceps brain infection.
Understanding the Timeline
The Last of Us universe is complex, with a rich backstory and a detailed timeline. To provide more insight into the world of The Last of Us, here are 15 frequently asked questions that delve into the series’ setting, characters, and story.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What year does The Last of Us 2 take place?: The sequel takes place in 2039, five years after the first game and 26 years after the initial outbreak.
- What year was Ellie born?: Ellie was born in the spring of 2019, by which time the Cordyceps brain infection had spread throughout the United States.
- Why is The Last of Us set in 2023?: The series celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2023, and the writers felt that setting the story in 2023 made the events more interesting and timely.
- What mental illness does Joel have?: Joel suffers from panic attacks, which are triggered by the traumatic events of his past.
- Why is there a 20-year time skip in The Last of Us?: The time skip occurs after Sarah’s tragic death, and it allows the story to jump forward to 2023, twenty years after the outbreak.
- Is Ellie the only immune person?: The series suggests that Ellie is immune to the Cordyceps infection, but it does not confirm whether she is the only one.
- Why is Ellie immune?: Ellie’s immunity is due to the Cordyceps present in her mother’s system, which was transferred to her during childbirth.
- Can Ellie infect others?: The series implies that Ellie cannot infect others, but this is not explicitly confirmed.
- Will Joel be in season 2?: Joel’s fate is uncertain, but it is likely that he will not be a major character in season 2, given the events of the video game.
- How many seasons will The Last of Us be?: The series has been renewed for a second season, and the creators plan to produce four or five seasons in total.
- How old is Ellie in The Last of Us 2?: Ellie is 19 years old in The Last of Us Part II, and her character has undergone significant development since the first game.
- Where did Joel live before the outbreak?: Joel lived in Austin, Texas, with his brother Tommy and daughter Sarah, before the outbreak.
- How old is Ellie in The Last of Us?: Ellie is 14 years old in the first game and the HBO series, and her youth is a crucial aspect of her character.
- Do they ever find a cure in The Last of Us?: The series does not provide a definitive answer to this question, leaving the possibility of a cure uncertain.
- Why did Joel pass out in The Last of Us?: Joel passes out due to blood loss and the trauma he experiences during the story, which triggers his panic attacks and other health issues.
Conclusion
The Last of Us series is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged exploration of a post-apocalyptic world, and its complex timeline and characters are a key aspect of its appeal. By understanding the setting and story of the series, fans can gain a deeper appreciation for the world of The Last of Us and its memorable characters, including Joel and Ellie.