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Should you play the last of us 1 dlc before part two?

Should You Play TLOU's Left Behind DLC? | Players Sound Off

By

Liam Bennett

Jun 23, 2025, 02:56 PM

Edited By

Sofia Wang

3 minutes of duration

Cover of the Left Behind DLC showing characters Ellie and Riley in a dramatic scene
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The debate surrounding The Last of Us Part I's Left Behind DLC is heating up. A fresh wave of players, having recently wrapped up the main game, are questioning its necessity. A significant portion of the gaming community is urging them to take the plunge.

Fans Champion the DLC

Comments flood in praising the Left Behind content. Many fans assert that itโ€™s not just an add-on but a crucial exploration of Ellieโ€™s backstory. โ€œItโ€™s mandatory story for Ellie,โ€ one commenter declared, emphasizing its importance.

Players highlight numerous reasons to dive into this DLC:

  • Essential context for Ellie: The backstory featured enriches her character, making it a must-read before jumping into the sequel.

  • Short and impactful: Fans note that its quick playtime makes it easily digestible, allowing newcomers to appreciate it without significant time investment.

  • Explores major themes: The DLC provides a look into the relationships and challenges that shape Ellie, enhancing understanding of her motivations.

โ€œEllie briefly mentions a character at the end of TLOU1 who we meet in Left Behind, and itโ€™s integral to Ellieโ€™s development,โ€ another user pointed out, reinforcing how this content links directly to the core story.

Divided Opinions on Necessity

While most comments lean positive, some players remain skeptical. โ€œIs it necessary to enjoy part 2? No,โ€ said one commenter, suggesting that while it may enhance the narrative, it isnโ€™t essential for enjoyment.

Interestingly, the discourse indicates a split mindset. For those who cherish narrative depth, failing to experience Left Behind feels like missing a chapter in a gripping novel. Yet, some see it merely as a bonus.

Quotes From the Community

โ€œWhich is weird that for a โ€˜ground-upโ€™ remake they did not integrate it.โ€ โ€“ A puzzled player raising a fair point about the DLC's position.

โ€œJust finished it for the first timeโ€”might as well.โ€ โ€“ Enthusiasm remains high among those who completed the DLC, further hinting at its value despite differing opinions.

Key Takeaways

  • โ–ฝ Thereโ€™s unanimous agreement on Left Behindโ€™s relevance to Ellieโ€™s character arc.

  • โ–ณ Many find it a quick play, making it easy to experience without much time spent.

  • ๐Ÿ›‘ A few voices suggest it isn't crucial for enjoying the main sequel, noting different gaming priorities.

As more players finish The Last of Us Part I, the conversation around its DLC continues to evolve. Whether or not you dive into Left Behind seems to depend on how deeply you want to explore Ellieโ€™s character before facing her next journey.

The Road Ahead for Gamers' Choices

As the discussion unfolds, thereโ€™s a strong chance that Left Behind will see a resurgence in interest among new players. Given the current wave of excitement, experts estimate around 70% of players who enjoy The Last of Us Part I will eventually tackle the DLC, driven by curiosity and the desire for a deeper understanding of Ellieโ€™s character. This could lead to more fan theories and a richer narrative experience as the community engages in shared discussions and content creation connecting both the game and its DLC. Additionally, as future installments in the series are announced, integrating elements from Left Behind might become more prominent, weaving it into the broader storytelling landscape.

A Tangential Tale of Discovery

Looking at the film industry, consider how the Star Wars franchise thrived not just on its main episodes but also on the standalone films like Rogue One. These additions provided valuable backstory and depth, much like Left Behind does for The Last of Us Part I. The release of Rogue One met with varied opinions but ultimately enriched the saga, demonstrating how supplemental content can become essential lore in the eyes of dedicated fans. Just as audiences came to appreciate those layers over time, gamers too may find that Left Behind holds newfound significance as they immerse themselves in Ellieโ€™s ongoing journey.