The Last of Us franchise was left with a somber and open-ended conclusion in its second entry that left fans wondering where the story will go next. Will Ellie and Abby's story continue in the next entry or do the writers at Naughty Dog have something else in mind?
While there have been no announcements yet of a third game it is safe to assume that such a high-profile title will not go unused, especially after the success of the HBO series. In the meantime, while fans await the arrival of more Last of Us content and wonder which direction the sequel could go.
3 The Origins Of The Outbreak
One intriguing storyline that the next Last of Us game could explore is the origins of the fungal outbreak that ravaged humanity. The game could delve into the early days of the infection, unraveling the events and circumstances that led to the collapse of civilization. Players could witness the initial outbreak through the eyes of new characters or even experience it from a different perspective by revisiting familiar faces from the previous games.
Joel’s life during the early years of the apocalypse has been discussed in the game series but has never actually been shown. This could be an opportunity for Naughty Dog to show the fans what the early days were like for Joel and his brother Tommy as they tried to survive. This story idea could act as a prequel for the franchise as players see Joel’s descent into the dark anti-hero that the fan base finds so endearing.
By going back to the origins, the game could also offer a fresh perspective on the post-apocalyptic world, shedding light on scientific research, governmental responses, and the moral dilemmas faced by various individuals. Instead of telling the story of a small group of survivors like the first two entries, this game could try to tackle the stories of a much larger cast of characters. These storylines could delve into the initial efforts to contain the outbreak and the subsequent societal breakdown, providing players with a deeper understanding of the cataclysmic events that shaped the world of TheLast of Us.
2 Surviving In An Isolated Community
Another intriguing direction for the next Last of Us game could be to focus on a small, isolated community struggling to survive amidst the harsh realities of this new world. This storyline could introduce players to a new group of characters who have formed their own self-sustaining society, far away from the larger factions and infected-infested areas seen in previous games.
The game could explore the dynamics within the community, the challenges they face, and the lengths they go to in order to protect their way of life. Issues such as resource scarcity, internal power struggles, and the constant threat of external forces, both human and infected, would create a tense and immersive gameplay experience. This storyline could provide an opportunity to explore the intricacies of human nature, showcasing the lengths people are willing to go to for survival or even love and compassion in a desolate world.
Of course, this sequel could also continue the story of beloved characters like Ellie and Abby. The Last of Us: Part II left players with a bittersweet ending that conveyed the importance of moving on from the past. This potential sequel could serve as a fresh start for both Ellie and Abby, as they have completed their quests for vengeance and now strive to live a more peaceful life within their community. However, their newfound tranquility is soon shattered when a new external threat emerges, endangering everything they have built. This game could delve into profound themes of morality in an amoral world and the significance of learning from past mistakes.
1 Something New Entirely
For the next installment of The Last of Us franchise, there is an opportunity for Naughty Dog to take a new direction for the story as a whole. The world outside the United States has little to no mention in the series thus far, leaving a lot of room for new narratives in places such as the U.K. or France.
For instance, the franchise could transport players to the iconic city of Paris, France. Once renowned for its romance and grandeur, Paris now stands as a hauntingly beautiful, dilapidated shell of its former self. The game could depict a city ravaged by both the fungal outbreak and the remnants of war, with the Eiffel Tower looming as a grim reminder of the past. Amidst the chaos, players could follow the journey of a diverse group of survivors navigating the city's crumbling streets and underground catacombs. The story could delve into the intricacies of the human condition as different factions vie for control, each with their own vision of how society should rebuild. This European setting would offer a fresh perspective, infusing the game with Paris's rich history and cultural landmarks while presenting new challenges and opportunities for survival.
The Last of Us 3 is rumored to be in development.