The Last of Us Part 1 sees players fight tooth and nail for survival against the many deadly enemies that roam the wastes of the post-apocalyptic United States. Using the many tools at their disposal, players can make use of Joel’s stealth and combat abilities to overcome the threats posed by the world of The Last of Us Part 1.
One type of weapon in the player’s arsenal are the limited durability melee weapons, which players can use in close quarters to keep the ferocious fungal-infected and human enemies at bay. Capable of devastating levels of damage, the melee weapons are some of the most effective means of quickly taking out The Last of Us Part 1’s dangerous enemies, like the Clicker.
This guide will show players where to find each of the various types of melee weapons and how to upgrade them in The Last of Us Part 1 for the “Build Em Up, Break Em Down” trophy.
How to Upgrade Melee Weapons
Upgrading melee weapons in The Last of Us Part 1 adds to their durability and lethality, making them deadlier and more efficient killing tools. In order to upgrade melee weapons, the player must first find an already upgraded one as floor loot during the Bill’s Town chapter or later. These weapons can be found in a variety of locations throughout the town, such as atop the first building Joel will climb after leaving the forest at the start of the chapter, or on the stairs leading up to Bill’s church safehouse.
After grabbing the upgraded weapon, the player will then unlock the ability to craft their own melee weapon upgrades via The Last of Us Part 1’s backpack crafting system. To upgrade a weapon, players need only have one un-upgraded weapon, one stack of blades, and one stack of binding in their inventory.
How to Find Melee Weapons
During the opening hours of The Last of Us, the melee weapons that players will most commonly come across are blunt weapons, including the 2x4, the baseball bat, and the pipe. These weapons tend to have high durability with low damage rates, making them capable of repeatedly stunning approaching enemies for a close-range kill. To find them, search side areas, as well as the bodies of defeated enemies in Pittsburgh.
Later in The Last of Us Part 1, players will begin coming across bladed melee weapons like the hatchet and machete. These weapons have lower durability than their counterparts but are capable of instantly killing enemies within range. Finding them requires careful exploration in chapters from Tommy’s Dam, onwards.
The Last of Us Part 1 is currently available for PS5 and is in development for PC.
