One of the many items that can be crafted in The Last of Us Part 1, the shiv is a versatile tool that can be used as a weapon for stealth kills or to finish off stunned enemies. Outside of combat, shivs can also be used to open certain locked doors, and inside will be a trove of extra resources that players can utilize. Shivs have limited durability and will eventually break, with this initially only taking one use.
While the number of uses can be upgraded, players must weigh their options as many craftable items require the same components. For example, blades are needed when crafting shivs, nail bombs, and melee weapon upgrades, making resource management an essential part of gameplay. With a shiv or two in tow though, players can begin opening the 13 available Shiv Doors scattered throughout The Last of Us Part 1.
The Outskirts
During the third chapter, the objective of Joel and Ellie’s journey will be presented and begins with reaching the Capitol Building alongside Tess. Players can rest assured that Shiv Doors do not become available until after leaving the Quarantine Zone.
Downtown
After being attacked by the Clicker in the building, players can enter a door to the right and continue forwards until reaching a room with a couple of old vending machines at the far end. On the far left, there is an open doorway, through which will be a white door with a vertical window, which is the first Shiv Door.
Museum
When separated from Tess and Ellie, players must be cautious as they approach the next Shiv Door as there are Infected roaming around the area. Following the path to the left, players should continue through the hallway where a Clicker is patrolling at the far end. Before getting too close to them, players can enter a cafe to the left, opposite the room with the model of a horse and carriage, and a door to the immediate right can be pried open with a shiv.
Bill's Town
As they continue their travels, Joel decides to track down an old friend to call in some favors, namely getting access to a car for the next leg of his and Ellie’s journey. Bill is a paranoid but resourceful survivor and it is here where players can learn to craft nail bombs and obtain new weapons.
The Woods 1
Joel will direct Ellie as the player approaches a gap in the fence that leads through the next area after making their way through the woods. After jumping down a small ledge, players will need to continue straight towards a short set of metal stairs where there is a second ledge. Jumping down here will lead to the next Shiv Door to the left.
The Woods 2
As players continue to explore the town, they will come across a wide street with shops on either side. If players turn left at Marquis Music Store, it will trigger a Clicker to run into one of Bill’s many traps. If they then continue around to the right where the Clicker appeared, players will find a short set of stairs and a gray Shiv Door on their right.
Pittsburgh
Ellie is noticeably growing on Joel as they continue onwards to Pittsburgh and a new level of trust is established between them, as well as their new companions, Henry and Sam. Pittsburgh is one of the longest sections of The Last of Us Part 1 and is packed with collectibles, as well as a fair number of Shiv Doors.
Alone and Forsaken 1
Players must head to the second floor of the Kingston Bookstore to find the Rivers Cafe, which will have comfy sofas and a fire just outside. In the far corner to the right of the cafe, players can use a shiv to open the door. Alongside supplies, players will also find an artifact inside.
Alone and Forsaken 2
Immediately after watching the cutscene where the Hunters remove the makeshift bridge leading into the hotel, players can look to the left of the yellow cab in front of them to find a door with a red X painted onto it, marking the next Shiv Door that can be opened.
Financial District
After taking down various enemies patrolling the area, players should see a building that was formerly used as a makeshift ration center, opposite a wall with the words ‘Death for Freedom’ spray-painted on it. Entering this building will lead to a lobby area, and, at the far end, there is an open doorway, next to a FEDRA notice, through which players will find the next Shiv Door.
Escape the City
Once the introduction of Sam and Henry plays out, players should follow the eldest of the brothers until reaching a set of stairs. After descending, they'll see a wooden door opposite them by a purple chair that can be opened with a shiv.
Tommy's Dam
After reuniting with his brother Tommy, Joel draws divisive conclusions and a conflict between him and Ellie comes to a head. Before progressing the story, players can explore the dam that Tommy and his group of survivors call home.
Hydroelectric Dam
Players will need to create a bridge to cross the dam, involving a short puzzle with turning cranks and getting Ellie safely across. However, before beginning this, players should make a stop at the locked blue door at the top of the stairs as it can be opened with a shiv.
The University
Following a lead to find the Fireflies, Joel and Ellie head to the University of Eastern Colorado. Despite the size of the campus, players are limited in where they can explore and there is only one Shiv Door to find in this chapter.
Science Building
As players jump through the large gap in the side of the science building at the university, they will see an open doorway on the opposite side. Progressing through here will lead to a long corridor, and players must keep going straight past the yellow lamp until they hit a dead end, where a door marked "Room 205 - Lecture Room" can be opened with a shiv. Players will find a Training Manual inside this room, allowing them to expand the radius of Molotov cocktails when thrown.
Lakeside Resort
This chapter sees the beginning of winter as Ellie searches for medicine to help Joel’s recovery after he sustained a heavy injury. As one of the more adrenaline-pumping chapters of The Last of Us Part 1, players may accidentally miss the Shiv Door.
Cabin Resort
As Ellie is fending off David, players assume control of Joel in a search for Ellie. Passing by a gas station, players should see a motel across the road and an open doorway by a truck parked out front. Inside, players must travel to the back of the room to find a bathroom before jumping out the broken window. To the left is the next Shiv Door.
Bus Depot
In the final stretch to reach the Fireflies, players will be treated to the famous giraffe scene during this chapter, as both Joel and Ellie steel their resolves.
Underground Tunnel
Once the many Infected that roam the tunnels have been killed or bypassed, players will need to have Ellie open a door to proceed. At the far side of the room, past the workbench, is an open doorway, and going left will lead players through to the hospital tunnel access. Instead, players should take a right to find a Shiv Door.
The Firefly Lab
After finally reaching their goal, Joel is met with a harsh reality and makes a fateful decision. While there are few opportunities to explore the Firefly Lab, eagle-eyed players will spot a Shiv Door that can be opened.
The Hospital
As players ascend the stairwell to the 6th Floor of the hospital, there will be a receptionist’s desk in the lobby. The white door with a small window behind this desk, between signs urging individuals to wash their hands, is the last of the Shiv Doors in The Last of Us Part 1.
After opening each of the 13 Shiv Doors available in the game, players will earn the “Master of Unlocking” trophy.
The Last of Us Part 1 is available on PlayStation 5 and a PC version is in development.
