The Last of Us: Part II is a third-person action game with survival horror elements and the sequel to The Last of Us (2013). Set in a post-apocalyptic United States, the game follows Ellie on a brutal quest for revenge and Abby, a soldier caught in a conflict between her militia and a religious cult. The player alternates control between the two protagonists, navigating environments such as ruined cities and dense forests, using firearms, melee weapons, and stealth to survive against both hostile humans and infected creatures.

The game introduces enhanced traversal mechanics, allowing players to jump, climb, swim, and use ropes for exploration and combat advantages. Players can shatter glass to access new areas, ride horses or boats, and utilize a deep crafting system to create health kits, silencers, and Molotov cocktails. A skill tree unlocks upgrades to abilities like crafting speed, health, and ammunition types. Workbenches allow weapon customization, enhancing combat effectiveness.

Enemies are highly intelligent, calling for reinforcements and using tactics to flank the player. Players must use "Listen Mode" to detect enemy positions and employ a dynamic cover system, crouching or going prone for stealth. Guard dogs track scents, forcing players to constantly reposition. The game also features AI companions, such as Dina, who assist in combat.

The story follows Ellie and Abby over multiple timelines. Ellie seeks vengeance after witnessing Joel’s murder at the hands of Abby, who is avenging her father’s death. Their paths intertwine through the war-torn streets of Seattle, culminating in a final confrontation. Themes of trauma, loss, and the cycle of violence drive the narrative.