10 Hardest Sections In The Last of Us Part 1+2, Ranked

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In The Last of Us series, difficulty is never compromised, whether we’re discussing the gameplay or evoking emotions. Right from the start to the finish, each game immerses players in intense scenarios where they must confront aggressive adversaries, struggle with limited ammunition, navigate stealth segments, and constantly experience that “oh no” sensation.

Instead of activating Rambo mode, which involves acting impulsively by shooting, running, or attacking without careful consideration – each bullet matters greatly, and even a minor error could spell disaster for Joel and Ellie.

This type of game causes your hands to become clammy at the sound of a clicking noise, making you hesitate (sometimes even three times) before opening any door. Winning depends solely on strategic thinking, staying patient, and choosing the right battles within this gaming series.

You might not realize it, but playing these games could potentially leave you needing therapy because certain narrative events can have a profound impact on one’s mental well-being. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and reminisce about 10 of the most challenging sections from The Last of Us Part I and II for some lighthearted fun!

Just a friendly heads-up: We’re incorporating key gameplay instances, particularly those in Survival and Grounded mode, along with narrative elements within the content.

10.
Hillcrest

More Like Hellcrest

In the Hillcrest area of The Last of Us Part II, Ellie finds herself isolated amidst numerous WLF factions, an ordeal that’s incredibly intense and demanding, yet delightful for those who enjoy a good challenge.

At present, the battle intensity is quite substantial due to the requirement for the player to overcome numerous adversaries successively across a series of open-ended stages. Consequently, it offers ample opportunity to devise one’s own strategy for advancement. This crucial juncture serves as the initial (and arguably most impressive) demonstration of how fast-paced and diverse the combat system can be.

When I played Hillcrest again in Survival mode, I found it to be relentlessly long. As for the canines, dodging them is a hassle more often than not, which only adds to the challenge.

Not only does this situation worsen, but also executing these actions leaves you with an overwhelming sense of guilt. In essence, it’s a no-win scenario for all parties involved.

9.
St. Mary’s Hospital

Snipers and Tears On the Side, Please

In The Last of Us Part I, the concluding gameplay segment presents quite a challenge, doesn’t it? This is because you face seemingly never-ending hordes of Fireflies, with the environment often feeling restrictive. Enemies have a knack for staying hidden and surprising you when you least expect it.

However, what truly turned this instance into one of the most challenging in the game for me was that we seemed to be operating on some sort of auto-pilot, as if our minds, captivated by the father-daughter bond between the protagonists, were fixated on Ellie.

In this scenario, I recall being struck with fear that perhaps it was already too late to save her. Simultaneously, it seemed unfair to end the lives of many who held onto hope for a cure. Indeed, this ethical quandary lies at the heart of the story, and The Last of Us as a whole, continues to be a difficult topic to discuss, debate, and ponder upon even to this day.

8.
Sewers With Sam

Out of Control

Among the parts I enjoy most in The Last of Us Part I is discovering notes, trinkets, and insights about Ish’s tale hidden within the sewers, as Henry, Sam, Joel, and Ellie band together to flee from Pittsburgh. This section offers a captivating narrative that sheds light on Ish’s story.

Via these artifacts, it becomes clear that Ish was a resilient individual who spent his early apocalyptic years on a boat out at sea, later returning to live in a sewer. Eventually, he encountered other survivors and established a community; however, their destinies turned out to be less than favorable.

In the most unfortunate manner imaginable, we learn their fate by finding that they’ve all been infected. With Sam’s assistance, Joel must navigate a dangerous zone teeming with Runners, Stalkers, and Clickers – these being the transformed remains of Ish and his companions.

For me, what proves most challenging isn’t handling adversaries or conserving ammo, but rather accepting that the infected were once ordinary individuals who found temporary refuge in the sewers. This realization significantly heightens the emotional burden of taking their lives.

7.
Stupid Generator

Pittsburgh Sucks

The abandoned hotel’s generator area still gives me chills today. Remember when Joel and Ellie got separated in that very same location in The Last of Us? It wasn’t long before the player found themselves stranded, in pitch darkness, navigating a submerged basement.

Here at this location, there are numerous Runners, Stalkers, and a Bloater. To get away, we’re stuck trying to reach the exit door, but unfortunately, it’s jammed shut, and we require power to unlock it. This predicament forces us towards the generator – an object of unwanted necessity, cursed, and dreadful. Our goal is to switch on this generator, but beware, the noise will certainly alert every infected creature about our whereabouts.

Here are two choices available to you. The first option is using whatever weapons or tools you currently possess, including knives, bullets, and medical kits, to eliminate the threat. Alternatively, I’d strongly recommend fleeing for safety instead.

In The Last of Us Part I, the sound of the Bloater’s footsteps while Joel pauses to open the door might be the most nerve-wracking instant due to the tension it creates.

6.
Rattler Resort

Far From a Real Resort

In The Last of Us Part II, one particularly challenging segment is found during the final face-off at Rattler Resort in Santa Barbara. This section shares a resemblance with Hillcrest, but it presents even more difficulty.

By this point in the game, we’ve invested around 30-40 hours of playtime. We’ve navigated through Seattle not once, but twice, battled the Seraphites, encountered and neutralized dogs, and witnessed the demise of cherished characters. Essentially, our emotional wellbeing has taken quite a toll.

When Rattler Resort presents us with an open fight scenario featuring the highest number of opponents in the entire game (!!), many of whom are armored heavily, and the layout lacks suitable cover for stealth strategies, it feels like we’re just one game loss away from flinging the controller at the screen in frustration.

In certain instances, it’s possible to exploit the infected for a brief moment of amusement, even using them to eliminate a few of the unsavory characters.

5.
The Forest

Waves of Infected

In The Last of Us Part II, when you play as Abby, the start of the forest section might prove challenging or even aggravating due to an unexpected surge in difficulty. While Grounded mode is generally tough but enjoyable for those who relish challenges, this chapter seems to take it a step too far, making it feel less fun and more frustrating.

After fleeing from the Seraphites, Abby, Yara, and Lev find themselves confronted with a horde of deranged infected, drawn by the commotion. As they navigate through the forest, finding an exit becomes increasingly challenging. If you’re out of ammunition, I must warn you, survival here will be extremely difficult.

The remainder of this chapter isn’t a leisurely stroll, by any means. I recall it was nothing short of torment when I had to confront a Shambler, while Yara and Lev were attempting to open a gate for me. I found myself utterly unprepared, with no ammunition or equipment – all I had was the faint hope of surviving another day. It was an incredibly tense moment!

4.
David Boss Fight

Tiny Little Pieces

In the initial installment of “The Last of Us,” when we control Ellie, it’s challenging not to perceive ourselves as having a significant handicap compared to our opponents. This is because, being a child, Ellie is inherently smaller and less powerful than her adversaries.

Overwhelming feelings of powerlessness surge as our character encounters David, the ruthless head of a cannibal gang. Your task now becomes one of evasion and stealth – avoid being spotted by him, and take advantage of moments when he’s not looking to strike from behind.

In my gaming experience, staying silent is crucial. I’ve got to keep my ears open for any subtle sounds and always have David in my sights. His grumbling doesn’t just fill the air with unease, it ratchets up the tension, making every moment more nerve-wracking than the last.

In this environment, the tension was at its peak throughout the entire game, causing me to pause and step away due to profuse palm-sweating while I was in Grounded mode.

3.
The Rat King

Infected Megazord

Transforming into our most dreadful scenario, the Rat King could also be referred to as a “combined Megazord,” due to its creation from multiple Stalkers, Clickers, and Bloaters over a span of more than two decades until it reached its final form.

In The Last of Us Part II, you face the Rat King character just once, during Abby’s storyline in a hospital basement. This fight is among the most difficult encounters in the game due to the Rat King’s incredible strength and durability. What makes it particularly tough isn’t just the beast itself, but also the cramped and confined layout of the level, forcing you to remain near the creature for extended periods.

Moreover, a significant portion (approximately 70%) of the tension in the situation can be attributed to his unappealing physical presence, which also contributes to his high ranking.

2.
Ending Scene

No Finger, No Hope

Currently, our minds are drained to a state comparable to Ellie and Abby combined, without a hint of jest. Consequently, navigating through the narrative of The Last of Us Part II proved to be one of the most challenging segments I’ve encountered in this series.

In this pivotal moment, we come to see that Ellie and Abby can be viewed as both heroes and villains, depending on one’s perspective. What’s more, we witness a poignant last encounter between Joel and Ellie, revealing that their bond was about to start anew – making the whole scene even more emotionally taxing.

Beyond that, unfortunately, Ellie is unable to play the guitar now, as she’s lost a finger. This means she can no longer engage in the activity that once reconnected her with Joel. To put it simply, this part of the story evokes deep emotion and pain. Allow me, if you will, to fetch some tissues.

1.
Ellie vs Abby

Unexpected Boss Fighter

The prospect of facing off against Ellie is dreadful in its own right, yet it swiftly underscores her immense strength and readiness for retribution, as the confrontation proves to be extremely tough.

This challenging and peculiar boss battle requires caution, as attacking Ellie head-on will result in her instantly killing Abby. To succeed, players must approach stealthily, subdue Ellie, and then attack – a feat that’s not simple even on the easiest setting.

Experiencing the same intense, chilling emotions that any NPC who met Ellie in Seattle must have felt is quite an ordeal. And it’s truly terrifying! The girl once known for her witty sarcasm and seemingly harmless demeanor has transformed into a formidable force to be reckoned with, a lethal weapon.

To put it simply, this part stands out among the rest, excelling in both gameplay and emotional impact. Admittedly, I attempted to revisit The Last of Us Part II, but I halted during that particular fight and ultimately removed the game from my system. My psychological well-being made it impossible for me to carry on.

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2025-06-06 16:10