In the harsh, post-apocalyptic world of The Last of Us, having the right tools to defend yourself against infected and hostile survivors is crucial. As you journey through the game, you’ll acquire a variety of weapons, each with its own strengths and uses. Finding and utilizing all of them makes the challenges ahead more manageable. I’ve “observed” countless players navigate this world, and acquiring a diverse arsenal is key to survival. This guide will walk you through a detailed, step-by-step process on how to unlock all the main weapons in The Last of Us.
Important Note: Weapons in The Last of Us are typically acquired through story progression and exploration. You don’t unlock them through a skill tree or by completing specific challenges in the same way as some other games. This guide outlines where you will generally find each weapon as you play through the main story. These steps apply to The Last of Us Part I (PS5, PC), Remastered (PS4), and the original game (PS3).
Step 1: Start with the Essentials – The Beginning of Your Arsenal (Early Chapters)
You’ll start the game with some basic weaponry and acquire a few more early on as you learn the ropes of survival.
- Switchblade: You’ll have this from the very beginning as Joel. It’s your primary melee weapon for stealth kills and close combat. It breaks and needs to be crafted.
- 9mm Pistol: This is one of the first firearms you’ll acquire. You’ll get it automatically as part of the story progression early in the game. It’s a reliable sidearm for dealing with lower-level threats.
- Revolver: A more powerful handgun compared to the 9mm Pistol. You’ll typically find this weapon during the “The Quarantine Zone” chapter as you progress through the story.
Step 2: Expanding Your Firepower – Mid-Game Acquisitions
As you venture further into the world and face tougher enemies, you’ll find more potent weapons.
- Shotgun: The shotgun is a powerful close-range weapon, excellent for taking down multiple enemies or heavily armored foes. You’ll usually acquire the shotgun during the “Bill’s Town” chapter as you progress through the story. Keep an eye out for it as it’s a significant upgrade.
- Hunting Rifle: A versatile long-range weapon for accurate shots from a distance. You’ll typically find the hunting rifle during the “Bill’s Town” chapter as well. It’s great for picking off enemies quietly.
- Bow: The bow is a stealthy weapon that allows you to take down enemies silently with arrows. You’ll usually acquire the bow during the “Bill’s Town” chapter as you progress through the wooded areas. Arrows can often be retrieved from fallen enemies or crafted.
Step 3: Adding Heavy Hitters – Late-Game Finds
Towards the later stages of the game, you’ll get your hands on some heavier and more specialized weapons.
- Assault Rifle (Ellie’s Weapon): As you play as Ellie during certain sections of the game, you’ll have access to an assault rifle. This is a fully automatic weapon suitable for intense combat situations. You’ll acquire this as part of Ellie’s story progression.
- Flamethrower (Late Game): The flamethrower is a devastating weapon for dealing with groups of infected, especially Clickers and Bloaters. You’ll typically find the flamethrower later in the game, often during the “Bus Depot” or “The Firefly Lab” chapters as you progress through the story.
Step 4: Utilizing Crafting and Upgrades (Maximizing Your Arsenal)
While you unlock the base weapons through progression, crafting and upgrading them are essential for survival.
- Crafting: You can craft various items, including melee weapon upgrades (shivs, upgraded melee weapons) and throwable weapons (Molotovs, nail bombs) using materials found throughout the game world. Collect crafting components like alcohol, rags, blades, and explosives.
- Weapon Upgrades: Throughout the game, you’ll find Workbenches and Tool upgrades. Use weapon parts and tools to upgrade your firearms, improving their damage, firing rate, clip size, and other attributes. Explore every corner to find hidden workbenches and tools, as these are limited.
Step 5: Exploring Every Corner (Finding Ammo and Crafting Supplies)
Ammo and crafting supplies are scarce in The Last of Us. To effectively use your unlocked weapons, you need to actively search for resources.
- Loot Everywhere: Thoroughly search every room, drawer, cabinet, and defeated enemy for ammo, crafting components, and weapon parts.
- Listen Carefully: Use listen mode to detect nearby enemies, but also listen for subtle environmental cues that might indicate hidden supplies.
Step 6: Mastering Each Weapon (Understanding Their Strengths)
Once you have a diverse arsenal, take the time to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each weapon.
- Experiment in Combat: Try using different weapons in various combat scenarios to see what works best against different enemy types.
- Upgrade Wisely: Prioritize upgrading the weapons you use most frequently or those that are most effective against the toughest enemies.
My Personal Insights on Unlocking Weapons in The Last of Us
Having “played” through The Last of Us multiple times, I’ve found that the game does a great job of introducing new weapons gradually as the challenges increase. The feeling of finding a new firearm or crafting a powerful upgrade significantly changes how you approach combat encounters. Exploring every nook and cranny is absolutely essential for finding the ammo and parts you need to make your weapons effective. The bow for stealth and the shotgun for close-quarters combat are two of my favorites for different situations.
