Does The Dog Die The Last Of Us
The Last of Us is a popular video game that tells the story of Joel and Ellie, two survivors in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by infected humans. As they journey across America to deliver Ellie to a group of rebel fighters who seek to use her immunity to develop a cure, they encounter many challenges and dangers, including other survivors who may not have their best interests at heart. One question that some players may ask is: does the dog die in The Last of Us?
The answer depends on which dog you mean. There are several dogs in The Last of Us, some of them friendly and helpful, others aggressive and deadly. If you mean the dog owned by Joel’s brother Tommy, who helps Joel and Ellie in their mission, then the answer is no. That dog appears only briefly and survives until the end of the game. However, if you mean the dogs that belong to enemy factions or infected humans, then the answer is yes, they can die.
In fact, killing dogs is one of the controversial features of The Last of Us Part II, the sequel released in 2020. In this game, players control Ellie as she seeks revenge for a personal loss and faces even more brutal enemies, including human cultists who use dogs as weapons. Some players criticized the game for forcing them to kill dogs or feel guilty for avoiding them, while others praised it for adding realism and moral complexity to the gameplay.
Regardless of your opinion on dog violence in video games, it’s worth exploring why dogs matter in The Last of Us and how they reflect its themes and messages. Here are some possible subtitles related to this topic:
1. Dogs as companions and protectors
In The Last of Us, dogs are not just random animals that happen to be around. They serve different purposes depending on who owns them or trains them. For example, Tommy’s dog is loyal and obedient because he trained him well and treats him like a family member. This dog can detect enemies and help Joel and Ellie sneak past them without getting caught. Similarly, some survivors use dogs to guard their camps or hunt for food, as they are more efficient than humans in tracking and attacking prey. Dogs thus represent the bond between humans and animals, as well as the practical advantages of having such allies in a hostile world.
2. Dogs as threats and symbols of violence
However, not all dogs in The Last of Us are friendly or useful. Some are trained to attack anyone who trespasses on their territory or threatens their owners. Others are infected with the Cordyceps fungus that turns them into zombie-like creatures called runners or clickers. These dogs become more dangerous and harder to kill than regular ones, as they can track you by smell, hear your movements, and ambush you from unexpected angles. Killing them may be necessary to survive, but it also adds to the sense of dread and despair that pervades the game’s atmosphere. Moreover, dogs can be seen as victims of human cruelty and ignorance, as they suffer from the same pandemic that ravages humanity and lose their innocence or autonomy in the process.
3. Dogs as reflections of moral choices and consequences
The Last of Us is not just a game about killing zombies or surviving against odds. It’s also a game about making choices that affect the characters’ lives and relationships, as well as the players’ emotions and values. Killing a dog in The Last of Us may have different effects depending on how you do it and why you choose to do it. For example, if you kill a dog to save yourself or your companion from harm, you may feel relief or justification at first, but later regret or guilt if you realize the dog was just following orders or trying to protect its owner. If you avoid killing a dog but get detected by it, you may face more risks and challenges, but also gain empathy or respect from some players who value non-violent solutions or animal rights. If you kill a dog out of revenge or hatred, you may feel satisfaction or catharsis, but also lose sympathy or trust from some players who see it as a cruel and unnecessary act.
4. Dogs as sources of humor and irony
Despite the serious and dark tone of The Last of Us, there are also moments of levity and satire that involve dogs. For example, one scene in the game shows Ellie trying to pet a wild deer while Joel watches her with amusement. Another scene shows Ellie joking about how she wants to adopt a giraffe when they visit a zoo. These scenes contrast with the violence and tension that surround them and remind us that life goes on even in dire circumstances. Moreover, dogs can be used as targets of black humor or irony, such as when an enemy faction uses them as explosives or when Ellie comments on how weird it is to fight humans who wear gas masks with dogs who sniff out their smell.
Overall, does the dog die in The Last of Us? It depends on how you play the game and interpret its themes and messages. More importantly, however, does the dog matter in The Last of Us? Yes, it does. Dogs are not just plot devices or obstacles in this game; they are living creatures that reflect our own humanity and animality, our own virtues and vices, our own choices and consequences. Whether you love dogs or hate them, whether you play games for entertainment or art, The Last of Us offers a rich and complex experience that challenges your assumptions and emotions.
