The Last Of Us Part 1: How Many Hours To Beat?

So, you're diving into the gritty, emotionally charged world of The Last of Us Part 1, huh? Awesome choice! Whether you're a seasoned gamer revisiting this masterpiece or a newbie ready to experience Joel and Ellie's journey for the first time, one question probably pops into your head: how long is this ride going to be? How many hours will it take to beat The Last of Us Part 1? Let's break it down, covering everything from a straight-shot main story run to completionist playthroughs and even the Left Behind DLC.

Main Story Focus: About 15-16 Hours

Alright, if you're laser-focused on the main narrative – experiencing the core story of Joel and Ellie as they navigate a post-apocalyptic America teeming with infected and desperate survivors – you're looking at roughly 15 to 16 hours of gameplay. This assumes you're playing on a standard difficulty setting and not spending excessive time exploring every nook and cranny. You'll be soaking in the story, engaging in the intense combat encounters, and solving the environmental puzzles that gate your progress. This is the sweet spot for most players, allowing you to fully appreciate the narrative without feeling bogged down.

During this playthrough, you will be thrown into a world of scarce resources, forcing you to be tactical in your approach to battles. The game does a fantastic job of balancing the quieter, character-driven moments with adrenaline-pumping action sequences, keeping you engaged from start to finish. You'll encounter various types of infected, each requiring different strategies to defeat. From the common Runners to the terrifying Clickers and the hulking Bloaters, you'll constantly need to adapt your tactics to survive. Resource management becomes crucial, as you scavenge for crafting materials to create essential items like health kits, shivs, and Molotov cocktails. Every encounter feels weighty and impactful, emphasizing the fragility of life in this desolate world. Furthermore, the game’s pacing is masterfully crafted. The story unfolds gradually, revealing more about Joel and Ellie's pasts and motivations as you progress. The narrative is filled with emotional beats that will resonate deeply, making their bond all the more compelling. The supporting characters also play significant roles in the story, adding depth and complexity to the world. Each encounter with other survivors paints a picture of the different ways people cope with the apocalypse, from the altruistic to the ruthlessly pragmatic. This rich tapestry of characters and storylines makes the main story of The Last of Us Part 1 a truly unforgettable experience.

Completionist Run: 25+ Hours

Now, if you're the type of gamer who needs to see and do everything, then strap in, because you're in for a longer haul. A completionist run of The Last of Us Part 1 can easily clock in at 25 hours or more. This means you're hunting down every collectible (artifacts, Firefly pendants, comic books), upgrading all your weapons and skills, mastering all difficulty levels, and exploring every optional area. You're not just playing the game; you're immersing yourself in it.

What does this entail, exactly? Well, for starters, you'll be scouring every environment for those hidden collectibles. These aren't just trinkets; they provide valuable insights into the world and the people who lived (or died) there. Reading every note, examining every artifact, and listening to every optional conversation adds layers of depth to the already rich narrative. You'll also need to gather enough resources to fully upgrade Joel's weapons and skills. This requires meticulous planning and efficient scavenging, as resources are scarce, especially on higher difficulty levels. Mastering all difficulty levels also means facing the game's challenges in different ways. On Survivor mode, for example, resources are even scarcer, enemies are tougher, and the listening mode is disabled, forcing you to rely on your wits and instincts to survive. Grounded mode takes this even further, reducing the available resources to almost nothing and making every encounter a life-or-death struggle. Achieving this level of mastery requires a deep understanding of the game's mechanics and enemy behaviors. Additionally, a completionist run often involves exploring every optional area, which can reveal hidden storylines, additional resources, and unique challenges. These areas are often off the beaten path and require some clever exploration to find. However, the rewards are often well worth the effort, providing valuable insights into the world and its inhabitants. For the true completionist, The Last of Us Part 1 offers a wealth of content to explore, ensuring that you'll be engrossed in its world for many hours to come. Each playthrough reveals new details and nuances, making it a game that you can return to again and again.

Left Behind DLC: Around 3-4 Hours

Don't forget about Left Behind, the DLC that delves into Ellie's backstory and her relationship with her friend Riley. This emotional and impactful addition to the story will take you around 3 to 4 hours to complete. It's definitely worth playing, as it adds significant depth to Ellie's character and provides crucial context for her actions in the main game.

Left Behind seamlessly integrates gameplay with narrative, alternating between flashbacks of Ellie and Riley's time together before the apocalypse and Ellie's present-day struggle to save Joel. In the flashbacks, you'll explore an abandoned mall with Riley, engaging in playful activities and heartfelt conversations. These moments provide a stark contrast to the grim reality of the post-apocalyptic world, highlighting the innocence and normalcy that Ellie has lost. The gameplay in these sections is lighter and more focused on exploration and character interaction, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in their relationship. In the present-day sequences, Ellie is desperately searching for medical supplies to treat Joel's critical injuries. These sections are more action-oriented, requiring you to navigate dangerous environments and fend off infected. The tension is palpable as you scavenge for resources and battle enemies, knowing that Joel's life hangs in the balance. The DLC does an excellent job of balancing these two timelines, creating a compelling narrative that explores themes of friendship, loss, and survival. You'll gain a deeper understanding of Ellie's resilience and her unwavering determination to protect those she cares about. The ending of Left Behind is particularly poignant, providing a powerful emotional connection to the main story. It adds layers of depth to Ellie's character and explains some of her motivations in The Last of Us Part 1. Overall, Left Behind is a must-play for any fan of The Last of Us, offering a rich and emotional experience that complements the main game perfectly. It's a testament to the game's storytelling and character development, making it an unforgettable addition to the overall narrative.

Factors Affecting Playtime

Several factors can influence your playtime in The Last of Us Part 1:

• Difficulty Level: Higher difficulties mean tougher enemies and scarcer resources, potentially leading to more deaths and reloads, extending your playtime.
• Playstyle: Are you a cautious player who meticulously explores every area, or do you prefer to rush through encounters? Your playstyle will significantly impact your playtime.
• Skill Level: If you're a seasoned gamer with a knack for stealth and combat, you'll likely progress faster than someone new to the genre.
• Exploration: Do you spend time searching for collectibles and optional conversations, or do you stick to the main path? The more you explore, the longer your playthrough will be.

Replayability

The Last of Us Part 1 offers excellent replayability. Even after completing the main story, you might want to revisit the game to:

• Experience the story on a higher difficulty level.
• Find all the collectibles you missed on your first playthrough.
• Try different combat strategies.
• Simply immerse yourself in the world and story again.

The game's narrative depth and engaging gameplay make it a rewarding experience to revisit, even multiple times. You'll notice new details and appreciate the nuances of the story in different ways each time you play. The characters are so well-developed that you'll feel a genuine connection to them, making it easy to become invested in their journey all over again. Additionally, the game's atmosphere is incredibly immersive, drawing you into its post-apocalyptic world. The attention to detail in the environments, the sound design, and the character animations all contribute to a sense of realism that is rare in video games. This makes it a game that you can lose yourself in for hours, even after you've completed the main story. Furthermore, the game's Photo Mode allows you to capture stunning images of your journey, preserving your memories of the game and allowing you to share them with others. This adds another layer of replayability, as you can experiment with different angles and filters to create unique and memorable images. Overall, The Last of Us Part 1 is a game that offers a wealth of content and a deeply rewarding experience, making it a game that you'll want to play again and again.

So, How Long Will It Take You?

Ultimately, the number of hours it takes to beat The Last of Us Part 1 depends on you. But hopefully, this guide has given you a good idea of what to expect. Whether you're in it for the main story, the full completionist experience, or just want to experience Ellie's Left Behind adventure, prepare to be captivated by this incredible game. Happy gaming, guys! And remember, survive.