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Differences in 'The Last of Us' Season 2: Assessing the Variations between the Video Game and the HBO Adaptation

Differences between the HBO's "The Last of Us" series and the original Naughty Dog game: A Look at the Key Variations

, and ASMedia

2025 September 19 . 6:21 PM

3 min read

Distinctions Between the Game and the Television Show of 'The Last of Us' Season 2

Differences in 'The Last of Us' Season 2: Assessing the Variations between the Video Game and the HBO Adaptation

In the second season of HBO's acclaimed series, "The Last of Us," the narrative deviates from its video game counterpart in several intriguing ways.

One significant change is the portrayal of Joel's death. Unlike in "The Last of Us Part II," where Joel is killed by Abby in a brutal encounter, the show presents a different scenario. Abby, initially set to kill Joel, saves him during an infected horde attack on Jackson instead. After capturing Joel, she eventually kills him while Ellie bears witness. This alteration results in a more detailed depiction of the psychological aftermath of the characters involved.

The relationship between Ellie and Dina also evolves at a slower pace in the TV show compared to the game. Their intimate moment at the cinema, for instance, is relocated from Eugene's secret weed basement in the game to a more conventional setting.

Dina's connection to Joel is also more pronounced in the series. The first two episodes demonstrate their bond, and Dina is present when Joel is killed. This adds a new layer to Dina's character, providing a deeper understanding of her emotional journey.

Hanrahan, a new character written for the show, makes his debut in Season 2, episode 4. Meanwhile, Joel attends therapy sessions with a psychotherapist named Gail, offering a unique insight into his mental state.

The romance between Ellie and Dina is not the only relationship that undergoes changes. Abby's motive for revenge against Joel is revealed early in the season, as her father was the surgeon who was about to operate on Ellie before Joel killed him.

The environmental storytelling in the show, including Leon's storyline, is a tweaking of the same concept from the games. For instance, there is a Cordyceps infestation in the pipes near Jackson, adding another layer of danger to the post-apocalyptic world.

The attack on Jackson in the series features smart Infected who change tactics during the siege, posing a greater threat to the survivors. In contrast, the game focuses more on Abby's vengeance and her complex relationship with Joel's death, with less extended depiction of the Jackson attack and aftermath.

The show also introduces new characters, such as Benjamin, the son of Tommy and Maria. Tommy's actions also differ from the game, as he leaves Jackson first to go after his brother's killers, while in the show, it's Ellie and Dina who leave first. Tommy also leaves a note for Maria, instructing her to stop Ellie and take her guns.

Seth, Jackson's resident homophobe, has a chance to make amends with Ellie and Dina in the series. Meanwhile, Leon, a soldier mentioned in episode 5, has a short storyline involving his mother Elise Park and his role in a mission that went wrong in Seattle's Lakehill Hospital.

Lastly, a notable absence in the show is the spores, which are present in the games. This decision was made for realism, ensuring the show maintains a grounded feel despite the post-apocalyptic setting. However, the spores do pose a threat in the show, albeit in a different form.

These changes and additions to the storyline of "The Last of Us" Season 2 offer a fresh take on the beloved series while staying faithful to its core themes of survival, loss, and the indomitable human spirit.