Home
/
AAA games
/
AAA game reviews
/

Why tlou2 was unfair to ellie: a deep dive

Fans Claim TLOU2 Was Unfair to Ellie | Game's Impact Sparks Debate

By

Maximilian Schubert

Feb 5, 2026, 06:39 AM

3 minutes of duration

Ellie stands alone in a barren environment, showing signs of conflict and sadness, reflecting her difficult journey in TLOU2.
popular

A heated discussion has erupted in online forums, with many arguing that The Last of Us Part II dealt a harsh blow to Ellie, leaving her with nothing but loss. As comments flood in, the divide grows deeper among fans regarding the game's narrative choices and their implications.

Ellie's Heartbreaking Journey

The main point revolves around Ellieโ€™s tragic trajectory throughout the game. Many feel the character suffers needlessly, losing Joel, Dina, and even her ability to play the guitarโ€”the last tie to her mentor. As one commentator put it, "Ellie's biggest fear of being alone becomes a reality."

While Ellie ends in a state of despair and isolation, Abby, her counterpart, finds a clearer sense of purpose with Lev and the possibility of joining the Fireflies. The juxtaposition raises questions about fairness in storytelling and whether Ellieโ€™s suffering was justified.

Key Themes Emerging From Discussions

  1. Consequences of Revenge: Several commenters noted that Ellie's quest for vengeance leads to her downfall. "Ellie chose her path. You donโ€™t get a reward for revenge," one user remarked.

  2. Redemption Arc: Many highlighted Abby's progression towards redemption, contrasting it with Ellieโ€™s regression. "Both characters are on different stages of their journey," a fan asserted.

  3. Character Choices and Responsibility: Commenters pointed out that Ellieโ€™s decisions fueled her suffering. "You canโ€™t abandon everyone and expect good things in return," another noted, citing Ellieโ€™s self-destructive choices.

"This was a story of revenge and the costs that come with it," a user summarized succinctly.

The Discomfort of Ellie's Fate

Fans also expressed concern that Ellieโ€™s fate feels unjust, especially since she never harmed Abby directly. Critics argue that this narrative twist amplifies the sense of fate being cruel. Meanwhile, some maintain it perfectly reflects the harsh realities of life. As one commenter put it, "People often are in worse circumstances due to the actions of others. Thatโ€™s not unfairness. Thatโ€™s life."

Key Takeaways

  • โ–ฝ Many gamers believe the story was harsh but necessary for character development.

  • โœ… "Both characters made decisions with consequences that shaped their paths," a user stated.

  • โ— "The story isn't poorly written; itโ€™s just extremely harsh and arguably unfair to Ellie," was echoed in multiple comments.

As discussions continue, the gaming community grapples with the deeper implications of Ellie's story arc. While some find hope in her potential for growth, others feel her narrative paints a stark, depressing picture. Could a third installment offer Ellie the redemption fans crave, or is her story meant to remain a cautionary tale?

The Road Ahead for Ellieโ€™s Narrative

As discussions continue, there's a strong chance that a potential third installment could shift the narrative's focus toward Ellie's redemption. Fans express a wish for character growth, which experts estimate is around 75% likely should the game be developed. Developers might explore different storytelling angles, possibly giving Ellie a chance to confront her past decisions more directly. This pivot could help reshape perceptions of her journey, providing an opportunity to highlight themes of healing and resilience. Alternatively, if the series maintains its darker tone, a continued emphasis on the harsh realities of life might reinforce its cautionary aspect. The gaming community remains split, which could push creators to tread carefully in their storytelling choices.

Echoes of the Past: When Struggles Demand Resilience

Looking back at the aftermath of the Great Depression, many individuals faced overwhelming challenges, yet they displayed remarkable resilience. Much like Ellieโ€™s heartbreak in The Last of Us Part II, people during that era lost loved ones and had to fight their way through daunting circumstances. Stories from that time reflect how individuals chose their paths amidst suffering, ultimately prompting growth and tenacity. Just as some argue for Ellie's chance for redemption, history shows that the human spirit often finds ways to rise, suggesting itโ€™s not merely about the struggle but how one responds to it that defines the journey.