Setting summary
The world of The Last of Us is shaped by a global outbreak of the Cordyceps brain infection, a mutated fungal strain that turns humans into mindless, violent creatures. Within months of the outbreak, governments collapse, and society becomes fragmented. The U.S. is left in ruins, with crumbling cities overtaken by nature and civilization reduced to authoritarian quarantine zones, scavenger settlements, and survivor factions.
Timeline
2013 - The Outbreak Begins
A mutated strain of the Cordyceps fungus jumps to humans, causing infected individuals to lose their minds and become violently aggressive. Within days, global panic erupts. Martial law is declared. In the chaos of evacuation, Joel—our main protagonist—witnesses the death of his 12-year-old daughter, Sarah, at the hands of a panicked soldier. This moment sets the emotional foundation of the game, showing the human cost of survival from the very beginning.
2033 - Joel Meets Ellie
Twenty years after the outbreak, society has collapsed. Joel is now a grizzled smuggler surviving in the Boston quarantine zone under military control. He and his partner Tess are hired by the Fireflies, a rebel group, to smuggle a teenage girl named Ellie across the country. Soon, they discover Ellie is immune to the infection—something unheard of—and she may be the key to a cure. Tess dies early in the journey, leaving Joel to protect Ellie alone.
Fall - Tommy's Settlement
Joel and Ellie make their way west across a devastated America. They eventually reunite with Joel's brother, Tommy, who is helping build a peaceful community in Jackson, Wyoming. Joel, struggling with the fear of losing Ellie like he lost Sarah, tries to hand her off to Tommy. But when Ellie confronts him about their growing bond, Joel has a change of heart and chooses to stay by her side.
Winter - Ellie on Her Own
After Joel is critically injured during a brutal encounter, Ellie takes on the responsibility of keeping them alive. She hunts, forages, and cares for him in the snow-covered wilderness. Eventually, she's captured by a cult-like group of cannibals. Forced to kill their leader, David, to escape, Ellie is left emotionally shaken. Joel recovers and arrives just in time to rescue her and provide emotional comfort in one of the game's most touching scenes.
Spring - The Firefly Hospital
Joel and Ellie finally reach the Fireflies in Salt Lake City. Scientists prepare Ellie for surgery to create a vaccine—but Joel learns the procedure will kill her. Refusing to lose another daughter figure, he storms the hospital, kills the Fireflies, and rescues her while she's unconscious. In the aftermath, Joel kills Marlene, the Firefly leader, to prevent any future pursuit.
Ending - Joel's Lie
As they return to Jackson, Ellie—suspicious and thoughtful—asks Joel what happened at the hospital. Joel lies, telling her the Fireflies had stopped looking for a cure and that she's not special. Ellie asks him to swear he's telling the truth. He does. She hesitates, then simply says, “Okay.” The game ends on this quiet but powerful note, raising questions about trust, love, and what one life is worth.