The Last of Us Part 2 puts its players through the emotional wringer as Ellie and Abby's separate journeys for revenge bring the two face to face. Joel's shocking death in The Last of Us Part 2 at the hands of Abby was jaw-dropping enough, but having players experience half the game from her perspective was even more bold. While the choice was incredibly controversial and divisive back in 2020, the passage of time has shown that the back-and-forth between Abby and Ellie's perspectives tells a gripping story that showcases how hollow revenge can be.
The cat and mouse game that Ellie and Abby play throughout The Last of Us Part 2's story pits the characters against each other in two separate boss fights; the first from Abby's perspective and the second from Ellie's. Seeing these characters from different viewpoints is truly effective, and if Part 3 happens, developer Naughty Dog may want to recycle such an encounter one last time.
The Next Chapter in The Last of Us Should Revisit the Switch Between Ellie and Abby's Perspectives
Two Sides of the Same Coin
Despite their differences, Ellie and Abby have many similarities, with the biggest of all being their taste for revenge. The two care for their loved ones deeply, which leads to both of them doing horrible things in order to avenge these relationships. However, during the final fight between Ellie and Abby, the former comes to realize the further emptiness that killing Abby will bring, allowing the latter to escape. It's a controversial decision, but a powerful one. Although Ellie's lust for blood may seem to have subsided, that doesn't mean a potential TLOU Part 3 won't reignite the conflict between the two.
The end of The Last of Us Part 2 could possibly hint that Ellie returns to Jackson.
The Last of Us Part 3 Showing Ellie and Abby's Evolution Through Combat
It's unclear where a third chapter of The Last of Us might go, but theories have suggested a possible new time jump. If this is the case, then a story that bounces between older and wiser versions of Ellie and Abby could be compelling. A third chapter featuring these two characters would likely imply that they are bound to cross paths again, and if they do, it probably won't be a peaceful encounter. Bringing the Abby and Ellie boss fights back in Part 3 could be a perfect way to showcase how the two have changed and grown since Part 2.
Depending on how many years have passed since they last saw each other, the two could be far more skilled at fighting, which could bring even more heart-pounding combat sequences to life. When playing as Abby, having to watch out for Ellie's agility was just as scary as coming in contact with the infected. On the other hand, playing as Ellie against Abby's brute strength was a completely different challenge. To say Abby and Ellie have gone through a lot is an understatement, and this has informed how their characters fight and survive.
After her final fight with Ellie, Abby flees to Catalina Island with Lev.
The Mystery of The Last of Us Part 3
Adding more years of learned skills to these characters would only make them stronger, but only time will tell what Part 3 holds. Ellie and Abby's fates are left open-ended, which hopefully means answers will come eventually. However, there is also the possibility that Naughty Dog goes in a completely new direction with the franchise.
Gamers have been trying to find clues as to what Naughty Dog's next game could be. While many hope for a Part 3, it could also be a fresh IP. Even if it's a brand-new IP, though, there will hopefully still be space to wrap up Ellie and Abby's stories in the future.
