The Last of Us Part 2 was one of 2020’s most significant and, in many ways, controversial AAA releases. Known for its compelling characters, breathtaking visuals, and great third-person stealth-action gameplay, the Last of Us franchise takes place decades after a zombie-like fungus decimated human civilization. But exactly what year is The Last of Us 2 set in?
Warning: The following contains SPOILERS for The Last of Us Part 2.
Taking place primarily in the rainy, decaying urban sprawl of Seattle roughly five years after the events of the first game, The Last of Us 2 tells a violent tale of tribalism and retribution, centered around returning favorite Ellie and contentious newcomer Abby. Despite a controversial release, The Last of Us 2 was a critical and commercial success.
In order to save Ellie from dying at the end of the original game, protagonist Joel murders dozens of of the Fireflies faction, including the father of Abby, who then kills Joel early in Part 2. One of these two young women, whose emotional conflict drives The Last of Us 2's story, also happens to be fans' best indicator of when the game actually takes place.
What Year The Last Of Us 2's Events Occur
While not said explicitly in-game, exploration in both entries reveals the cordyceps outbreak occurred in September 2013. Following its prologue, the first The Last of Us game jumps 20 years into the future, shown on-screen, signifying the events of that game take place from summer 2033 to spring 2034 (as seen through the changing of seasons).
While, again, not expressly mentioned in the game itself, Naughty Dog has stated numerous times throughout the development of The Last of Us 2 that Ellie would be 19 years old during the game’s events. Thus, Part 2 takes place about five years after the original, as Ellie states she is 14 shortly after meeting Joel in the first game. This sets The Last of Us 2 in the year 2038.
Without knowing Ellie’s exact birthday, it’s difficult to pinpoint the exact time period the sequel takes place in. The Last of Us 2’s prologue begins shortly after the events of the original, showing a slice of Joel and Ellie’s life. It's not clear exactly how long after the events of the first game this happens, but Ellie would very likely be at least 15. Then, shown via on-screen text, the game jumps four years ahead of that, which, again, puts The Last of Us Part 2's Ellie at 19 in 2038.
