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Spoilers for The Last of Us Part II and Season 2, Episode 2 of HBO’s The Last of Us.
Yes. Abby kills Joel in both The Last of Us Part II and HBO’s second season. He survives the first game and the first TV season. The game and show reach the same outcome, but differ in Joel’s patrol partner, the scene’s setup, and how soon they explain Abby’s motive.
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The Last of Us Part I – PlayStation 5 | $37.99 | Buy on Amazon |
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How does Joel die in the game?
In The Last of Us Part II, Joel is out on patrol with his brother Tommy when Abby and her companions capture them. Ellie reaches the scene, but Abby kills Joel.
The game reveals the reason for Abby’s actions only after the player has spent several hours with the story. That delay makes Joel’s early death feel abrupt: the player first sees the violence, then learns who Abby is and why she sought him out.
#1 Best Overall
- Enhanced visuals: Completely rebuilt from the ground up using Naughty Dog’s latest PS5 engine technology to improve every visual detail, The Last of Us experience has been faithfully enhanced with more realistic lighting and atmosphere, more intricate environments and creative reimaginings of familiar spaces.
- Fast loading: Initial loading times are near instant, and seamless after the first instance thanks to the PS5 console’s SSD – so you can pick up where you left off in the story and load specific encounters and chapters more quickly.
- Haptic feedback: DualSense wireless controller haptic feedback support for every weapon elevates combat encounters, and environments are brought to life through DualSense wireless controller haptic sensations of subtle falling rain, the crunch of stepping on snow and more.
- Adaptive triggers: All The Last of Us iconic weapons, including Joel’s revolver and Ellie’s bow, now deliver dynamic DualSense wireless controller trigger resistance and kickback on firing for deeper combat immersion.
- 3D Audio: Designed to make use of the PS5 console’s Tempest 3D AudioTech, Naughty Dog’s newly upgraded audio engine delivers richer soundscapes, bigger explosive moments and more visceral gameplay through compatible stereo headphones (analogue or USB) or TV speakers.
How does Joel die in the HBO show?
In Season 2, Episode 2, Joel is on patrol with Dina. He helps Abby escape infected and goes with her to shelter. Abby and her former Firefly companions recognize and capture him. Ellie arrives and witnesses the assault; Abby kills Joel while Ellie begs her to stop.
The show explains Abby’s connection to Joel during the death scene. Abby is taking revenge because Joel killed her father, a doctor at St. Mary’s Hospital, while rescuing Ellie at the end of the first story.
Rank #2
- BASED ON AWARD-WINNING FRANCHISES: Experience the treacherous world of The Last of Us, now a major HBO TV series and a beloved video game from Naughty Dog, in an immersive board game format.
- RICH, NARRATIVE GAMEPLAY: Join iconic characters like Joel and Ellie on a harrowing journey from a Quarantine Zone to Jackson, navigating through iconic locations filled with challenges.
- DYNAMIC CHALLENGE SYSTEM: Powered by the latest evolution of the Escape the Dark system, featuring large, narrative-rich chapter cards that introduce complex scenarios including encounters with FEDRA agents, hunters, and the infected.
- STRATEGIC DECISION-MAKING: Survival hinges on crafting and weapon upgrades directly inspired by the video game’s mechanics, requiring players to make strategic use of dice and item cards.
- COLLECTOR'S ITEM: A must-have for fans with high-quality components and detailed artwork that bring the hauntingly beautiful atmosphere of The Last of Us to life. Ideal for 1-5 players, offering 60-90 minutes of engaging gameplay per session.
What is different between the game and the show?
| Story detail | The game | The HBO show |
|---|---|---|
| When Joel dies | Early in The Last of Us Part II. | Season 2, Episode 2. |
| Joel’s patrol partner | Tommy. | Dina. |
| When Abby’s motive is explained | The game withholds the context for several hours. | The death scene gives viewers the connection. |
| Outcome | Abby kills Joel. | Abby kills Joel. |
The adaptation changes the setup and the audience’s access to Abby’s motive, but not the central outcome.
Why did the show put Joel’s death so early?
After the episode aired, executive producers Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann told TheWrap that they considered moving the death later, but decided it worked as an early turning point. Druckmann described it as “the incident that then carries the rest of the season that we needed to move it as early as possible.” Mazin said, “He was always going to die, just like in the game.”
Rank #3
- 20 years after a pandemic has radically changed known civilization, infected humans run wild and survivors are killing each other for food, weapons; Whatever they can get their hands on
- Explore a brutal post pandemic world, fully realized with the power of PlayStation 4 system
- Delve into Ellie’s past in left ehind, the single player prequel chapter
- Eight new multiplayer maps in the abandoned and reclaimed territories packs
The Television Academy also described Joel’s murder and Abby’s introduction as major events from the second game that the television writers adapted for the screen. Mazin said the show uses the strengths of television to tell the story differently (Television Academy).
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does Joel die in the first game or the first season?
No. Joel survives the first game and the first season of the HBO series. His death belongs to the sequel game, The Last of Us Part II, and the show’s second season. Naughty Dog discusses the relationship between the game and television adaptation in its feature on bringing Ellie and Joel’s story to both formats (Naughty Dog).
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