10 things you need to know to survive in the world of The Last of Us

The Last of Us is one set in a frightening post-apocalyptic world. It doesn’t matter if you’re talking about the video game from Naughty Dog or the TV show on HBO; it’s dangerous and your chance of survival is low.

That doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Jackson, Wyoming has a community that’s thriving despite what’s going on. If you look at the people who survive, they follow the upcoming 10 rules:

10. Have a good pair of shoes

When people think about the dangers of the zombie apocalypse, they automatically think about the zombies. In the world of The Last of Us, the zombies are people infected by airborne spores from the Cordyceps fungus. However, a good pair of footwear should be first on your survival list. All of the running, walking, and climbing you’ll do can determine if you live or die. I don’t know how Ellie wears Converses on long treks, but whatever she has works for her. If you find an abandoned shoe store, grab whatever you can carry.

9. Keep an inventory of supplies

You should always know what you have and need. Are you low on food and ammo? Do you have enough of something to barter with someone? What’s a necessity and what isn’t? How long until you get somewhere to restock? These are only some of the questions you must consider. Always know what you have.

8. Never walk somewhere unprepared

There will be infected people at every turn. Throughout the first The Last of Us video game, Joel and Ellie come across abandoned places but return and see infected people. That's why you never enter a building or room without your weapons or gas masks ready. It could mean the difference between life, death, and infection.

7. Watch your step

This is crucial for a couple of reasons. First, noise makes the infected aware that you’re around. If you’re quiet enough, you can avoid an unnecessary fight. Second, the world is a mess. If you step on a rusty nail or broken glass, there isn’t a surplus of doctors and nurses to help you. And who knows when you’ll be able to fix yourself up?

6. Know your Cordyceps

There are multiple Cordyceps types and they have different attributes, weaknesses, and strengths. For example, the most popular are the clickers. They can’t see, but their hearing is superb. You can get past them if you’re quiet enough. Then you have Bloaters. They’re big and strong, but slow. And then there’s the rat king. The less said about them the better. Knowing everything you can will help you and the people you're with.

5. Be careful who you trust

People may seem trustworthy but be hiding devious secrets. During the winter part of The Last of Us, Joel and Ellie meet David and his community of creepy cannibals. David seems nice and rational at first but reveals himself to be, well, a creepy cannibal cult leader. That means never trust someone until you get to know them. It’s a cynical way of thinking that can keep you alive.

4. Have an exit strategy

No matter where you are, have a way out. Know where your exits are and the risks that come with using them. While it’s impossible to get out of every situation and sometimes you’ll be backed into unavoidable corners, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider your options.

3. Find your people

Trust shouldn’t be given out like candy on Halloween, but you can’t survive by yourself. Finding a community helps you do more than stay alive It helps with your sanity. People who are left alone tend to become unlike themselves. It’s also smart since you can share chores and burdens.

2. Rest

In a world where moments of comfort and calm are a luxury, catching your breath will save your life, even if it’s only for a few hours. You can’t burn the candle at both ends. Eventually, you’ll need to sleep. Rest is one of the best ways to heal. You can’t survive without it.

1. Let people know where you’re going

One of the more tragic stories in The Last of Us: Part 2 is when Ellie and Joel discover two teenagers who left Jackson and never told anyone. This leads to one of them dying and the other being infected. If they spoke to someone, they may have been talked out of running away. At the very least, they could have been saved.

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