The Last of Us 2 - Tips for Combat

Tips for Combat

Use stealth.

Taking out enemies without being detected is the most efficient way of combat. Approach targets by moving through tall grass, getting behind cover, or crawling under vehicles to avoid being spotted.

Try to avoid using firearms as their loud noise will alert other foes nearby. Otherwise, equip a silencer on your pistol or use the bow to kill isolated targets.

Equip Silencers.

By unlocking the Craft Silencers skill under the stealth skill tree, you will be able to make and attach a silencer to your pistol. This will allow you to take out enemies without alerting reinforcements nearby. If you can, try to get the Improved Silencers skill as well which increases the durability of silencers from three shots to five.

Use Listen mode.

Listen mode is very useful for detecting enemies in the area. Use it as often as possible to navigate your way inside buildings and other enclosed spaces.

Master the bow.

Killing enemies with the bow not only lets you take out targets quietly but will also save your ammo for unavoidable encounters during the story. It is recommended to practice head shots on enemies as you will be able to retrieve and reuse the arrow if you manage to land them.

Pick up bottles and bricks.

You can distract enemies by throwing a bottle or brick in the direction you want them to go. This allows you to move past them or kill them undetected.

Bottles and bricks can also be thrown at enemies to stun them, allowing you close the gap and attack them with a melee weapon.

Save your ammo.

Firearms are best used against powerful infected or during story sequences where you cannot avoid direct combat. Try to kill human enemies and weak infected using melee stealth attacks or the bow whenever possible.

Take cover during firefights.

It is very risky to be out in the open during drawn out firefights. Get behind cover by positioning yourself behind cars, trees, and walls. From there, place shots when you see an enemy expose themselves too carelessly before getting yourself out of view again.

Try to avoid staying in one vantage point for too long as well. Reinforcements will likely take advantage of the time you are focused on one target and can close the distance for an ambush.

Use enemies as shields.

When spotted by human enemies, you can buy yourself some time to look for an escape route or cover by taking one of their allies hostage. You will have to stun your target first by throwing a bottle or brick at them.

Bear in mind that your hostage will eventually be killed, so try not to take too long behind them.

Do not hesitate to run when outnumbered.

You will be at a clear disadvantage when you are spotted by a large group of human or infected enemies. Avoid a drawn out firefight by running away and getting to a more advantageous position. You will save up on ammo and health kits this way.

Beginner’s Guide

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