The Last of Us Part II: A Guide to All Collectibles and Secrets

Embark on a journey of heart-wrenching emotion and thrilling discovery in The Last of Us Part II from Naughty Dog, where the captivating tale of Ellie and Joel unfolds amidst a haunting post-apocalyptic landscape ripe with hidden treasures. From its intricate narrative to its beautifully devastated environments, every nook and cranny holds secrets that enrich the gameplay experience. This guide is designed to help you find every collectible and secret scattered across the game's expansive world. Whether you're a trophy hunter or simply wish to experience everything the game has to offer.

Understanding Collectibles in The Last of Us Part II

Collectibles in The Last of Us Part II are diverse, offering players a deeper look into the game's lore, characters, and world. They are categorized into several types:

• Artifacts: These items include notes, letters, and documents that provide backstory and context to the game's events and characters.
• Trading Cards: Scattered throughout Ellie's journey are trading cards, each showcasing different characters with unique abilities, akin to comic book heroes.
• Coins: These collectibles are new to the sequel and can be found in the section of the game where you play as Abby. Each coin represents a different state in the USA.
• Workbenches: Located in various areas, workbenches allow players to upgrade their weapons. Finding all of them is essential for certain achievements.
• Journals: Ellie will jot down thoughts, sketches, and notes in her journal during her journey, adding depth to her character and the story.
• Safes: Hidden throughout the world are safes containing valuable resources and sometimes collectibles. Cracking them open often requires finding clues or codes nearby.

Where to Find Every Type of Collectible

Artifacts

Artifacts are the most numerous collectibles and are vital for understanding the game's deeper narratives. You'll find artifacts in abandoned buildings, tucked away in drawers, or sometimes on fallen adversaries. Keep a keen eye on your surroundings and check every possible hidden spot. Moreover, some artifacts trigger additional dialogue between characters, adding more depth to their relationships.

Trading Cards

Ellie's chapter is where you'll find most of the trading cards. They're often tucked inside comic book stores, children's rooms, or just lying around in the open world. These cards not only serve as a fun collectible but also parallel the journey and challenges faced by Ellie and her companions, offering a unique narrative layer.

Coins

Coins are exclusive to Abby's part of the story. To ensure you collect them all, examine every corner of the environments you navigate with her. Coins often require more exploration and sometimes are located in areas only accessible by solving environmental puzzles.

Workbenches

Discovering all workbenches is crucial for upgrading your weapons and unlocking achievements. They are usually found in garages, workshops, or sometimes in less obvious locations that demand thorough exploration. Utilizing these will not only help in collectible hunting but also greatly aid in your survival against the numerous threats in the game.

Journals

Journals are unique as they are not something you find but rather something Ellie adds to throughout the game. To ensure you get all journal entries, interact with specific objects in the environment, view beautiful vistas, and participate in key story moments. These entries add an intimate layer to Ellie’s journey, offering insights into her thoughts and emotions.

Safes

Safes often contain valuable items such as ammo, crafting materials, and sometimes collectibles like trading cards or artifacts. To unlock them, pay close attention to your surroundings. Often, the combination is found in notes nearby or written in the environment itself. Opening every safe will not only reward you with resources but also satisfy completionists aiming for 100%.

Tips for Efficient Collectible Hunting

• Utilize Listen Mode: While not directly highlighting collectibles, Listen Mode can help point out interactive objects in the environment, some of which could be collectibles.
• Check Your Progress: The game's menu allows you to check which collectibles you've found in each chapter. This is invaluable for tracking down what you're missing.
• Replay Chapters: Missed a collectible? The game's chapter select feature allows you to go back and collect what you've missed without starting a new game.
• Stay Thorough: The best advice for finding collectibles is a simple one. Thoroughly explore every area. The game rewards curiosity and exploration with its hidden treasures.

Secrets that Enhance the Experience

Beyond collectibles, The Last of Us Part II hides numerous Easter eggs and secrets that pay homage to Naughty Dog's legacy and beyond. These include:

• Naughty Dog Easter Eggs: Throughout the game, keep an eye out for references to other Naughty Dog games, such as Uncharted and Crash Bandicoot.
• Music Easter Eggs: Certain locations allow Ellie to play the guitar. Be sure to experiment with different chords, as you can play melodies from popular songs and other video game themes.
• Hidden Dialogues: Occasionally, waiting around instead of rushing to the next objective can trigger unique dialogues between characters, adding more depth to their relationships.

Finding all the collectibles and secrets in The Last of Us Part II is a rewarding challenge that not only offers insight into the game's world but also provides players with a deeper connection to its characters. As you embark on this journey, remember to soak in the atmosphere, engage with the environment, and most importantly, enjoy the adventure. Whether you’re a completionist or just someone wanting to see everything the game has to offer, this guide should serve as a helpful companion in uncovering the secrets of Ellie and Abby’s world.

Conclusion

The Last of Us Part II is a game rich with detail, emotion, and secret corners of the world waiting to be discovered. While chasing down every collectible and secret may seem daunting at first, it adds a significant layer of enjoyment to the experience. This guide has aimed to point you in the right direction, but remember, exploration is key, and the world of The Last of Us Part II is yours to discover. Happy hunting!