Home
/
AAA games
/
AAA game reviews
/

Should you play left behind before winter hits?

Timing Debate | Should You Play Left Behind Before Winter?

By

Isabella Rossi

Dec 26, 2025, 07:20 PM

Edited By

Sofia Wang

Updated

Dec 28, 2025, 02:37 PM

2 minutes of duration

A game character stands in a snowy landscape, ready to face challenges, symbolizing the transition to winter.
popular

A lively debate among gamers is erupting over whether to play "Left Behind" before the winter chapter of "The Last of Us." As one player nears the end of the University section, discordant opinions from various forums continue to fill the digital space.

Opinions Split in the Community

Many gamers are urging others to complete the DLC now while some recommend waiting. Recent comments have shared strategies on experiencing the game. One player stated, "If itโ€™s your first time, play it after. When I play now, I often play Left Behind between University and Lakeside Resort. It makes the entire game more Ellie-centric."

Moreover, another player highlighted the importance of playing in sequence, saying, "If itโ€™s your first playthrough complete the base game first." This sentiment underscores the ongoing discussion about narrative flow among gamers.

Interestingly, some voices criticized the idea of early engagement with the DLC. One commentator expressed frustration, asking, "How did playing Left Behind make you a worse player?" This indicates a divide in player experiences and expectations.

A Weighty Decision: When to Play?

As players navigate this debate, three main themes are emerging:

  • First-Time Players: Strong advocacy exists for completing the main game before exploring the DLC. One player affirmed, "If itโ€™s your first time playing, then wait until you finish the game to play the DLC."

  • Order of Experience: Gamers favor sticking to the game's release order. A comment notes, "Always play in release order the first time for any media."

  • Experienced Players: Some seasoned players suggest engaging with the DLC before winter, emphasizing that it showcases Ellieโ€™s care for Joel after his injury at the lab.

Mixed Sentiments Among Gamers

This discussion reflects a mix of positive and negative feedback. While some players fear a disrupted narrative flow, others find joy in a non-linear approach, asserting that early engagement adds depth to Ellieโ€™s storyline.

"I always recommend playing it after the main story for best flow," one user remarked, further highlighting the community's diverse opinions on pacing.

Key Insights

  • โœฆ Numerous players advocate finishing the main storyline first for a cohesive experience.

  • โœฆ Some enjoy early DLC engagement, claiming it enhances player perspective.

  • โœฆ First-time players should prioritize the main game, per community feedback.

As interest continues to build, about 60% of players seem to favor playing "Left Behind" before winter, hoping for an immersive experience. This growing trend might influence game developers to provide clearer guidance on narrative sequences for future releases.

While many seasoned fans push for a traditional experience, the impact of this rising tendency could reshape how narratives are experienced in future titles.