The Last of Us Part II is one of the most emotionally charged and divisive games in recent memory. At the heart of its brutal narrative lies a burning question: Does Abby kill Ellie? The answer isn’t straightforward—it’s wrapped in layers of trauma, revenge, and redemption.
This article dives deep into Abby and Ellie’s conflict, their motivations, and the game’s powerful ending. By the end, you’ll understand why their final confrontation is one of gaming’s most unforgettable moments.
Understanding Abby’s Motivation: Why She Hunts Joel
Before we answer “Does Abby kill Ellie?”, we must understand why Abby is even in Ellie’s path.
The Death of Abby’s Father
Abby’s story begins with loss. Her father, Jerry Anderson, was the Firefly surgeon set to perform the operation that would have created a cure for the Cordyceps infection—at the cost of Ellie’s life.
When Joel massacres the Fireflies to save Ellie, he kills Abby’s father. This act fuels Abby’s rage, setting her on a years-long quest for revenge.
Abby’s Brutal Revenge on Joel
When Abby finally tracks Joel down, she doesn’t just kill him—she tortures him brutally in front of Ellie. This moment is the catalyst for The Last of Us Part II’s entire conflict.
But here’s the twist: Abby isn’t just a villain.
Abby’s Humanity: A Complex Antagonist
As players spend time with Abby, they see her struggle with guilt, loyalty, and survival. She:
- Risks her life to save Lev and Yara, former enemies.
- Questions the WLF’s extremism.
- Shows moments of remorse over Joel’s death.
By the time Abby and Ellie clash, she’s no longer just a killer—she’s a flawed, human survivor.
Ellie’s Descent Into Vengeance
Ellie’s journey is a mirror of Abby’s—except we see her lose herself completely.
Joel’s Death Shatters Ellie
Ellie’s peaceful life in Jackson is destroyed when Abby murders Joel. Consumed by grief, she abandons Dina and everything she loves to hunt Abby down.
The Cost of Revenge
Ellie’s quest for vengeance leads to:
- Betrayal and violence (killing WLF soldiers, Nora, Mel, and Owen).
- Physical and emotional scars (losing fingers, PTSD).
- Losing everything (Dina leaves her, her home is empty).
By the end, Ellie is barely recognizable—a shell of the hopeful girl from the first game.
The Final Showdown: Does Abby Kill Ellie?
Now, the big question: Does Abby kill Ellie in The Last of Us Part II?
The Beach Fight: A Battle of Broken Souls
The final confrontation happens on a rain-soaked beach in Santa Barbara. Abby, now a starved, tortured slave, is barely alive. Ellie, obsessed to the point of self-destruction, forces her into a fight.
The battle is brutal, desperate, and tragic—both women are shadows of their former selves.
The Answer: No, Abby Does Not Kill Ellie
At the climax, Ellie overpowers Abby and nearly drowns her. But in a shocking moment of clarity, she lets her go.
Why?
A flashback of Joel—happy, playing guitar—floods Ellie’s mind. She realizes:
- Revenge won’t bring Joel back.
- Killing Abby won’t heal her pain.
- The cycle of violence must end.
So, Ellie spares Abby.
Why Ellie Spares Abby: The Deeper Meaning
This decision defines the entire game. Here’s why it matters:
1. Breaking the Cycle of Violence
Both Abby and Ellie lose everything to revenge. By sparing Abby, Ellie chooses a different path—one Joel would have wanted for her.
2. Ellie’s Last Connection to Joel
The guitar flashback symbolizes Ellie’s love for Joel. Drowning Abby would mean drowning herself in hatred forever.
3. The Cost of Mercy
Ellie’s mercy doesn’t come cheap. She loses:
- Her fingers (can’t play Joel’s guitar).
- Dina and JJ (her family is gone).
- Her sense of self.
But she keeps her humanity.
Abby’s Fate: Does She Get a Happy Ending?
After being spared, Abby sails away with Lev, searching for the Fireflies. Her story ends with hope—unlike Ellie’s.
Abby’s Redemption Arc
- She saves Lev multiple times.
- She rejects the WLF’s brutality.
- She chooses compassion over revenge (she spares Ellie twice).
Her survival balances the story—proving that even in darkness, there’s a chance for change.
Themes of The Last of Us Part II: More Than Just Revenge
This game isn’t about who lives or dies—it’s about:
1. The Futility of Revenge
- Abby’s revenge doesn’t heal her pain.
- Ellie’s revenge destroys her life.
2. Forgiveness vs. Hatred
- Ellie forgives Joel in her final flashback.
- She chooses not to kill Abby, breaking the cycle.
3. The Cost of Survival
Both women lose everything—but Abby gets a second chance, while Ellie walks away alone.
Final Answer: Does Abby Kill Ellie?
No, Abby does not kill Ellie.
In fact, Ellie spares Abby in the end. Their story isn’t about who wins, but about whether revenge is ever worth it.
Conclusion: A Story That Stays With You
The Last of Us Part II forces players to question justice, revenge, and mercy. It doesn’t give easy answers—but that’s why it’s so powerful.
- Does Abby kill Ellie? No.
- Does Ellie kill Abby? No.
- Does anyone truly win? No.
The real victory is Ellie’s choice to walk away—proving that even in a broken world, humanity can still survive.
What Do You Think?
Did Ellie make the right choice? Or should she have killed Abby? Let us know in the comments!
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