The Last of Us II: Achievements Guide

Welcome to "The Last of Us II: Achievements Guide" - your ultimate resource for mastering every accolade in this heart-pounding adventure. Whether you're a completionist aiming for 100% or a newcomer eager to boost your gaming prowess, this guide is packed with insights to elevate your journey. Dive in to discover subtopics like "Understanding Achievements," where we break down the basics; "Best Achievements to Aim For," showcasing the most rewarding challenges; "Unlocking Achievements Efficiently," to save you time and effort; "Managing Achievement Goals," helping you stay organized; and "Tips for Completing Achievements," offering expert strategies to conquer even the toughest tasks. Get ready to elevate your game and bask in the glory of every hard-earned trophy!

Understanding Achievements in The Last of Us II

Achievements in The Last of Us Part II aren't just badges of honor; they tell stories of your journey through the game's gritty, emotional world. Whether you're a trophy hunter looking to platinum the game or just a casual player who wants to dig a bit deeper, understanding the achievements can add an extra layer of enjoyment to your experience. Here's what you need to know.

Two Types of Achievements: Story and Non-Story

First off, it's important to note that there are two main types of achievements in The Last of Us II: story-related and non-story-related.

Story Achievements: These are achievements you'll unlock simply by progressing through the main plot. Think of them as your reward for surviving another chapter in Ellie and Abby's turbulent journey. You can't miss these, so don't stress about them too much.
Non-Story Achievements: These are the ones you need to keep an eye on. They range from exploring hidden areas to combat challenges, and even collecting various artifacts and memorabilia.

Major Non-Story Achievements

Here are some of the notable non-story achievements you might find interesting:

Master Setlist: For this achievement, you'll need to find all the musical collectibles scattered throughout the game. This isn't just for any casual player; you'll have to thoroughly search every nook and cranny.
Relic of the Sages: To earn this, you’ll need to locate an antique ring hidden deep within a Seattle location. It's a neat Easter egg and a nod to another beloved Naughty Dog title.
Journeyman: Crafting is a big deal in The Last of Us II. This achievement requires you to craft every item in the game at least once. So, make sure you're collecting all the parts and supplements you can find!
In the Field: This achievement is unlocked by finding and using every training manual. These manuals are essential for unlocking helpful abilities and making life a bit easier as you navigate the game's dangerous world.
Survival Expert: Now, this one is a bit tougher. You'll need to fully upgrade one of your skill branches. Again, be on the lookout for those supplements!

Tips to Make Achievements Easier

Achieving all the non-story-related trophies might feel daunting, but here are a few tips to help you out:

Take Your Time: Rushing through the game can cause you to miss important items and locations. Dedicate some time to exploring each area thoroughly.
Listen and Look: Pay attention to environmental clues. Sometimes, the best hints are the sounds and visual cues in your surroundings.
Replay: Don’t hesitate to replay certain chapters. The game allows you to revisit previous sections, making it easier to gather missed collectibles or tackle specific challenges.
Use Guides: There are plenty of online resources available, including detailed maps and step-by-step walkthroughs, which can help you pinpoint the exact locations of items you need.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Understanding The Last of Us II's achievements can significantly enhance your gameplay experience. Whether you’re collecting every last artifact or mastering every combat move, these achievements serve as a testament to your perseverance and attention to detail. Happy hunting!

Best Achievements to Aim For

So, you're diving into the intense world of The Last of Us Part II and want to go for some of the best achievements? Great choice! This game is packed with gripping moments, but there are some standout achievements that you should definitely aim for. Here's a breakdown to help you get the most out of your playthrough.

1. What I Had to Do

Description: Complete the story.
Why It’s Awesome: This one's pretty straightforward. By the time you finish the story, you'll have gone through an emotional rollercoaster. Plus, it's a solid foundation for picking up other achievements later on.

2. Survival Expert

Description: Learn all player upgrades.
Tips: Make sure to thoroughly search every area for supplements, which are used for upgrades. These can be found in drawers, lockers, and other hiding spots. Prioritize upgrading your listening mode and crafting skills early on.

3. Archivist

Description: Find all artifacts and journal entries.
Why It Matters: The artifacts and journal entries provide extra layers to the story, offering background info on what’s happening in the game world. Collecting them all enriches your overall experience and helps you uncover hidden narratives.

4. Master Set

Description: Find all trading cards.
Where to Look: Trading cards are scattered all over the game. Keep your eyes peeled in unlikely places, like behind boxes or in offices. They add a fun collectible element and give you little easter eggs about the game's universe.

5. Sightseer

Description: Visit every location in downtown Seattle.
Strategy: Take your time in downtown Seattle. It’s a sprawling area filled with side quests and hidden nooks. Exploring everything ensures you’ll pick up extra gear, supplies, and story bits.

6. Journeyman

Description: Find all training manuals.
Why It’s Useful: Training manuals unlock new skill branches, which will help you survive. These are critical for tackling the game’s harder difficulties. Look for them in more secretive spots like safes and locked buildings.

7. Arms Master

Description: Fully upgrade all weapons.
Collect Resources: Scavenge for weapon parts religiously. You’ll need these to upgrade your weapons at workbenches. Focus on upgrading one weapon at a time to maximize efficiency.

8. In the Field

Description: Find 12 workbenches.
Importance: Workbenches allow you to upgrade your weapons. The more you find, the better prepared you’ll be for tougher enemies. Listen for clicking sounds and keep an eye out for red toolboxes, which often indicate nearby workbenches.

9. Numismatist

Description: Find all coins.
Side Quest Fun: This is a fun collectible achievement for Abby's chapters. Coins are usually hidden in out-of-the-way places, like desk drawers or behind signs. They offer a neat distraction from the intense main plotline.

10. Prepared For the Worst

Description: Find all workbench locations.
Completionist's Dream: This might overlap with In the Field, but it’s more extensive. A keen eye and thorough exploration will help you cover this one. Every workbench you find makes it easier to max out your gear.

Bonus Tip: New Game+

Many achievements, like upgrading all weapons and learning all player upgrades, become much easier if you play in New Game+ mode. You start with all the upgrades and weapons you've collected in your first playthrough, making it a breeze to mop up remaining achievements.

By focusing on these achievements, you'll not only hone your skills and improve your gameplay but also deeply immerse yourself in the rich, gripping world of The Last of Us Part II. So grab your controller, put on your game face, and get ready to collect some trophies!

Happy hunting! Stay safe out there, survivors.

Unlocking Achievements Efficiently

Unlocking achievements in The Last of Us II can be a thrilling part of the gameplay experience. Whether you're a completionist or just looking to boost your trophy count, here’s a streamlined guide to help you efficiently snag those coveted achievements.

Prioritize Story-Based Trophies

The game is packed with story-driven trophies that you'll unlock naturally as you progress. Focus on these first--they cover major plot points and will set the foundation for your complete trophy collection. Pay attention to chapters and important plot events, and don't be afraid to explore a bit for any missable scenes.

Difficulty Doesn't Matter

Good news: There are no difficulty-related achievements in The Last of Us II. Feel free to play through at whatever difficulty level you're comfortable with. This makes it easier to enjoy the game while keeping an eye out for collectibles and other trophies.

Collectibles: Get Them All

Collectibles are a big slice of the achievement pie. Items like Trading Cards, Coins, Journal Entries, and Workbench Interactions are scattered throughout the game.

Trading Cards: Primarily found during Ellie’s story. Keep an eye out in houses, stores, and hidden nooks.
Coins: Collected when playing as Abby. They’re usually in more visible and accessible areas, but stay vigilant.
Journal Entries: Look for interesting scenery or emotional moments for Ellie. Prompted by environmental triggers.
Workbench Interactions: Interact with workbenches to get some valuable crafting time in and cross items off your list.

Use Chapter Select if you miss any collectibles. You can revisit specific parts of the game without replaying the entire story.

Combat Trophies: Plan Your Attacks

Achieving combat trophies can be tricky but planning helps. A few to keep in mind:

Sharpshooter: Get headshots during your run. Experiment with different weapons and slow down to aim.
In the Field: Find and use every weapon while playing as Abby. Pick up unusual weapons and give them a try, even if they aren’t part of your usual arsenal.
High Caliber: Fully upgrade all weapons. Collect scrap pieces religiously, and don’t skip any workbench.

Safe Cracker

Opening safes is both a fun diversion and a necessity for some achievements. Listen for click sounds after you've interacted with a combination dial or find clues in the environment. Codes are usually in notes nearby or cleverly hinted at.

Crafting and Upgrades

Constantly craft and upgrade items. Not only does this help in tougher fights, but earning the Prepared for the Worst and Survival Training achievements requires crafting every item and upgrading Joel’s skills to the max.

Miscellaneous Trophies: Don't Overlook Them

There are a few quirky and unique achievements:

Looks Good on You: Put a hat on your companion. This is a fun one interacting with a hat placed around the environment.
Put my Name Up: Earn the high score in the archery game at the camp.

These trophies encourage you to explore and interact beyond the main objectives, creating memorable moments.

Final Cleanup

After completing the story and focusing on primary achievements, use Chapter Select to clean up any remaining trophies. This method saves time and keeps your experience fresh and varied.

Summary

Efficiently unlocking achievements in The Last of Us II is all about planning your gameplay. Prioritize story-based trophies, gather collectibles, master combat techniques, and don’t forget those fun and quirky achievements. With a bit of focus and exploration, you’ll have that platinum trophy in no time. Happy hunting, survivor!

Managing Achievement Goals in The Last of Us II

Welcome to managing your achievement goals in The Last of Us II! This guide will help you get all those sweet, sweet trophies without pulling your hair out.

Prioritize Story-Based Achievements First

The Last of Us II is packed with story achievements. These are pretty straightforward--just play through the game and you'll unlock them. Here are some key tips:

Focus on Main Story: Playing through the main story will naturally net you the majority of these achievements. Just enjoy the ride.
No Rushing Needed: Don't stress about missing story achievements; the game is designed to give them out as you hit key points in the plot.

Collectibles are Your Friends

The game is full of collectibles like coins and cards, and they often come with achievements. Here's how to keep track:

Use Guides: Lots of guides online can show you where to find every single collectible. Bookmark one of these to save time.
Check Each Area Thoroughly: Before leaving a region, make sure you've explored all corners. Sometimes, those sneaky collectibles are hidden in odd places.

Combat-Related Achievements

Some achievements are tied to how you handle combat. Whether it's using a specific weapon or executing a particular move, here are some pro tips:

Experiment with Combat: Play around with different weapons and tactics. Not only does this keep the game fresh, but it also helps you snag achievements.
Take Advantage of Stealth: Some achievements require stealth kills or silent takedowns. Practice your sneaky maneuvers early on.

Upgrades and Crafting

Upgrading weapons and crafting gear are also part of the achievement list. Here’s how to manage these:

Resources Management: Keep an eye on your resources, always collect parts and supplements scattered throughout the game.
Prioritize Upgrading: Focus on upgrading each weapon at least once for related achievements. Spread out your upgrades to maximize coverage.

Difficulty Levels and New Game+

You might need to switch difficulty settings for some achievements or play New Game+. This can feel daunting, but it's manageable:

Start on Standard Difficulty: Begin the game on a standard difficulty to get comfortable before tackling harder settings.
New Game+ Strategy: Use New Game+ to polish off any remaining achievements. You'll start with all your previous upgrades, making a second run easier.

Hidden Achievements and Side Quests

Keep an eye out for hidden achievements and optional side quests since they often unlock more content:

Explore Everything: Don’t rush past optional areas. Take your time to explore side quests--they often hide achievements.
Refer to Community Forums: Hidden achievements are often discussed in forums. Check these out if you're stuck.

Stay Organized

Finally, keep track of what you've done and what's left:

Checklist or Tracker: Use a checklist or app to track your achievements. It helps you stay organized and ensures you’re not missing anything.
Take Breaks: Don’t burn out trying to get everything at once. Take breaks and enjoy the story at your own pace.

Managing achievements in The Last of Us II can seem overwhelming at first, but with a clear plan and some patience, you'll be on your way to achieving them all. Happy hunting!

Tips for Completing Achievements

The Last of Us II is not just about surviving and storytelling; it's also a game full of achievements waiting to be unlocked. Here are some handy tips to help you snag those coveted trophies.

Take Your Time Exploring

One of the most important things to remember is to explore every nook and cranny of the game world. This isn't just for finding supplies but also for those hidden collectibles and secrets. Many achievements are tied to discovering new areas or finding all of a particular item, such as coins or trading cards.

Listen to Dialogues and Interact

Pay attention to character dialogues and prompts. Sometimes, important clues and triggers for achievements can be missed if you rush through conversations or environmental interactions too quickly. For instance, some achievements might require you to play an optional cutscene or find a hidden room triggered by dialogue.

Use ‘Listen Mode’ Frequently

‘Listen Mode’ allows you to see enemies through walls, but it’s also useful for spotting hidden items and paths. Make it a habit to activate Listen Mode whenever you enter a new area--especially if you’re achievement hunting for collectibles.

Craft Everything

Some achievements are tied to crafting. Make sure to craft all the available items. This means exploring thoroughly to gather enough resources and unlocking all craftable recipes as you progress through the skill trees. Don’t ignore those training manuals!

Play on Lower Difficulties

If an achievement is giving you a tough time, remember that you can reduce the game’s difficulty settings. Playing on a lower difficulty won’t prevent you from unlocking achievements, making it easier to focus on specific tasks without the constant pressure of high-level enemy encounters.

Complete the Game for New Game Plus

Once you finish the game, you unlock New Game Plus (NG+). This mode allows you to carry over your progress, including all weapons, upgrades, and collectibles. NG+ is perfect for mopping up any missed achievements without starting from scratch.

Focus on Stealth

Certain achievements are easier to complete if you focus on stealth rather than combat. For example, some achievements require you to avoid killing enemies in specific sections, which can be challenging if you're not using stealth. Mastering the art of sneaking can save resources and help you complete pacifist-style achievements.

Checklists and Guides

Don’t be afraid to use checklists or online guides for specific achievements, especially those related to collectibles. Detailed maps and step-by-step instructions can save you a lot of time. Websites like TrueAchievements and PSNProfiles have great community-uploaded guides that can be very useful.

Experiment with Different Playstyles

Sometimes specific achievements might require a different approach than what you're used to. Experiment with different playstyles and weapons to suit the requirements of the achievement. For example, you might have to perform a certain number of silent takedowns or use a particular weapon effectively.

Don’t Forget the Training Manuals

Training manuals unlock new skill trees, essential for certain achievements. Find all the training manuals to unlock every ability and ensure you’re ready for any achievement that requires a specific skill.

Replay Chapters if Needed

Don’t be afraid to use the chapter select feature if you missed something. Thankfully, The Last of Us II allows you to replay chapters, so if you missed a collectible or a key moment for an achievement, simply go back and replay the chapter.

Wrap-Up

Achieving everything The Last of Us II has to offer can be incredibly rewarding, especially for completionists. By taking your time, exploring thoroughly, and using these tips, you'll be well on your way to unlocking all the achievements. Happy hunting, and remember, it's all about enjoying the journey!