While it hasn't been outright confirmed, The Last of Us Part 3 being released is not so much a question of "if" but a matter of "when." The franchise has been a blockbuster success for PlayStation since it first hit the scene in 2013 and has since blossomed into a sequel, a hugely popular The Last of Us HBO TV series, and an eventual ambitious multiplayer project.
Whenever The Last of Us Part 3 does see the light of day, it will be interesting to note where it takes the story next especially considering how The Last of Us Part 2 ends. While it has been argued by some fans that the second entry may have been a little too dark and depressing (even when compared to its predecessor), this should not dissuade Naughty Dog from trudging forward and continuing to craft dramatic moments that leave a memorable impact on players.
Actions and Consequences in The Last of Us Part 2
The Last of Us Part 2 had no shortage of shocking and upsetting sequences during its storyline. Of course, what is possibly the most heartbreaking and unforgettable moment of the game is when Joel is brutally murdered by Abby, right in front of Ellie's eyes as she lies there helpless to save him. While the murder itself is quite violent, what makes the scene even more heart-wrenching is the further context and backstory prior to this event, which is slowly revealed as the game goes on.
It turns out that in the years since the ending of the first game, in which Joel kills the Fireflies and lies to Ellie, a splinter began to form in their relationship. This is only made worse during a scene in which Joel attempts to defend the girl when Ellie and Dina share a kiss and are subsequently the recipient of intolerant anti-LGBTQIA+ comments. Despite Joel's good intentions, Ellie wants nothing from him, and this is sadly one of their last moments together before he is killed.
The Last of Us Part 3 Building on the Established Tone
The Last of Us Part 2 has been subject to great controversy for its disturbing topics and narrative decisions, and while Naughty Dog should of course examine criticism where its due and try to improve, this should not stop them from doubling down on delivering moments with the same level of gut punch impact in an eventual The Last of Us Part 3. The series has prided itself upon the writing of its characters and its sense of realism, perfectly demonstrating feelings of loss, guilt, love, and hate. Characters' choices and the consequences of said choices drive the plot forward in an organic way, helping to build a believable, lived-in world.
As far as what should happen is up in the air, but there are several avenues and established relationships that can be explored (and further changed) in a third installment. It has been set up that Dina left with her child, unable to deal with Ellie's never-ending thirst for revenge, and inability to let go of the past. Ellie's choices can mirror Joel's in a third game, as the consequences of her actions cause Dina to completely disown her in a heated argument, emulating the same moment from The Last of Us Part 2 mentioned above.
Even if it isn't between Ellie and Dina, The Last of Us Part 3 keeping the trend of gut-punch moments should remain. In a harsh apocalyptic world like this, life isn't easy and lives can be turned upside down in an instant. Ellie has put herself in a tight spot based on her actions in the second game, decisions that will be a weight on her shoulders for the rest of her life. But in the world of The Last of Us, she isn't the only one with such a burden, and that's what makes the series so special and engaging.
The Last of Us Part 3 is not confirmed to be in development.