The Last of Us: Left Behind

Lore & Background

The Last of Us: Left Behind was developed after the release of The Last of Us in June 2013, with a team about half the size. The developers immediately decided to focus the narrative on Ellie, as they felt players were interested in experiencing more of her story. The game was written to focus on the relationship between Ellie and Riley, using the comic The Last of Us: American Dreams as a reference point. Ashley Johnson reprised her role as Ellie, and Yaani King was cast as Riley. The team explored omitting a kiss between the characters but felt it was imperative to the story and strengthened the relationship.

Reader's Guide

Left Behind received generally favorable reviews by critics, who praised its story, characterization, level design, and depiction of female and LGBT characters. It received several accolades. The game was released as downloadable content for The Last of Us for the PlayStation 3 in February 2014, later bundled with The Last of Us Remastered for the PlayStation 4 in July 2014, and released as a stand-alone expansion pack for both consoles in May 2015. A remake was included in The Last of Us Part I for the PlayStation 5 in September 2022 and Windows in March 2023. The story was adapted in the seventh episode of the television series The Last of Us in February 2023. The game's significance lies in its exploration of Ellie's backstory and her relationship with Riley, adding depth to the main game's narrative and themes of survival, loyalty, and love.

Did You Know?

• The game switches between two stories: one set three weeks before The Last of Us and another between two chapters of the main game.
• Players can use 'Listen Mode' to locate enemies through a heightened sense of hearing and spatial awareness.
• The developers considered omitting the kiss between Ellie and Riley but decided it was imperative to the story.