Does Joel Die in The Last of Us Video Game? The Shocking Truth That Divided a Fandom

Few moments in modern gaming have sparked as much outrage, heartbreak, and debate as the fate of Joel Miller in The Last of Us Part II. If you’ve been searching “does Joel die in last of us video game,” you’re not alone—this is one of the most controversial plot twists in video game history, and its impact is still being felt years after the game’s release. But why did this moment hit so hard, and what does it say about the future of storytelling in games? Let’s dive into the facts, the fallout, and the fierce debates that still rage online.

The Death That Shook the Gaming World

Let’s not bury the lede: Yes, Joel dies in The Last of Us Part II, and his death is as brutal as it is divisive. For those who missed the spoilers, Joel is killed early in the game by Abby, a new character whose quest for vengeance is directly tied to Joel’s actions at the end of the first game. The scene is unflinching—Abby shoots Joel in the leg, tortures him, and ultimately beats him to death with a golf club, all while Ellie is forced to watch, powerless to intervene. This isn’t just a shocking moment; it’s a deliberate gut punch that sets the tone for the rest of the game and forever changes the trajectory of the story as detailed here.

Why Did Joel Have to Die?

From a narrative perspective, Joel’s death is the catalyst for Ellie’s journey in The Last of Us Part II. It’s a direct consequence of his controversial decision to save Ellie at the end of the first game, killing dozens of Fireflies—including Abby’s father—in the process. The game’s creators, Neil Druckmann and the team at Naughty Dog, made a bold choice: they wanted to explore the cycle of violence and the cost of revenge, even if it meant alienating a large portion of their fanbase. Whether you see it as a stroke of storytelling genius or a betrayal of a beloved character, there’s no denying that Joel’s death is the emotional and thematic core of the sequel.

The Fan Backlash: Betrayal or Brilliance?

When The Last of Us Part II launched, the internet erupted. Some fans praised the game for its willingness to take risks and challenge players’ expectations. Others were furious, accusing Naughty Dog of disrespecting the character they had grown to love. The hashtag #NotMyJoel trended on social media, and review-bombing campaigns targeted the game’s Metacritic score. Even now, years later, forums and comment sections are filled with heated arguments about whether Joel’s death was justified or gratuitous. For a taste of the fan reaction, check out the ongoing discussions on r/thelastofus and the emotional outpouring on X and other platforms.

How the Game and the TV Show Handle Joel’s Death

The controversy didn’t end with the game. HBO’s adaptation of The Last of Us brought Joel’s death to an even wider audience, reigniting debates about violence, revenge, and narrative risk-taking. While the show stays largely faithful to the game’s events, it makes some notable changes to the scene—altering the specifics of Joel’s death and Abby’s motivations, but keeping the emotional impact intact. In both versions, Ellie is forced to witness Joel’s murder, cementing her path toward vengeance and loss. The show’s version of Joel’s demise has been described as even more graphic and emotionally devastating, with viewers expressing their shock and heartbreak across social media as seen here.

Was Joel’s Death Necessary?

This is the million-dollar question. Some argue that Joel’s death was essential for the story Naughty Dog wanted to tell—a story about the consequences of violence and the futility of revenge. By killing Joel, the writers forced players to confront uncomfortable truths about their own complicity in the game’s violence. Others believe the game could have explored these themes without sacrificing its most beloved character, and that the shock value overshadowed the narrative’s deeper messages. The debate isn’t going away anytime soon, and it’s likely to intensify as new players discover the game and the TV show for the first time.

The Impact on Ellie and the Story’s Direction

Joel’s death isn’t just a plot device—it fundamentally changes Ellie’s character and the entire direction of The Last of Us Part II. The rest of the game is driven by Ellie’s quest for revenge, her struggle with grief, and her gradual realization of the cost of her actions. The player is forced to inhabit both sides of the conflict, playing as both Ellie and Abby, and to grapple with the idea that there are no true heroes or villains in this world. This narrative risk is what sets The Last of Us Part II apart from other games, and it’s why the question “does Joel die in last of us video game” is still being asked and argued over today.

Why This Death Still Matters in 2025

It’s been years since The Last of Us Part II was released, but Joel’s death remains one of the most talked-about moments in gaming. It’s a testament to the power of interactive storytelling and the emotional investment players feel in their favorite characters. The controversy has even influenced other games and TV adaptations, encouraging creators to take bigger risks and challenge their audiences. As the franchise continues to expand—with rumors of a third game and more seasons of the HBO series in development—it’s clear that Joel’s legacy will continue to shape the future of The Last of Us and the wider gaming world.

Should You Still Play The Last of Us Part II?

If you’re on the fence about diving into The Last of Us Part II because of Joel’s death, here’s the honest truth: this is a game that demands an emotional investment, and it’s not afraid to make you uncomfortable. But that’s exactly what makes it so powerful. The story is challenging, the performances are unforgettable, and the questions it raises about violence, forgiveness, and the human condition are more relevant than ever. Whether you agree with the direction Naughty Dog took or not, you can’t deny that The Last of Us Part II is a landmark in video game storytelling. For more on the game and its impact, visit the official PlayStation page here.

Conclusion: The Death That Changed Everything

So, does Joel die in The Last of Us video game? Absolutely—and his death is the catalyst for one of the most ambitious, controversial, and unforgettable stories in gaming history. Love it or hate it, this moment forced players to confront the consequences of their actions and challenged the very idea of what a video game narrative can be. As debates continue and new generations of players discover Joel’s story, one thing is certain: The Last of Us will never be the same, and neither will the world of gaming.

What do you think? Was Joel’s death a necessary evolution for the franchise, or did it go too far? Share your thoughts, join the debate, and let your voice be heard—because this is one gaming controversy that’s not going away anytime soon.