The Last of Us: 13 Hidden Gems and Easter Eggs You Might Have Missed

Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us is a masterpiece of storytelling, gameplay, and world-building. Since its release in 2013, it has captivated players with its emotional narrative, complex characters, and immersive post-apocalyptic world. But beyond the surface-level brilliance, the game is packed with subtle details, hidden references, and Easter eggs that even the most dedicated fans might have missed. Whether you’re a seasoned survivor or a newcomer to the franchise, here are some of the most intriguing secrets you might have overlooked.

1. Ellie’s Fear of Space  

One of the most subtle character-building moments occurs during the Left Behind DLC. While exploring an abandoned mall, Ellie comes across a space-themed poster. If you linger, she’ll comment on how space freaks her out, calling it “way too big and way too empty.” This small detail adds depth to her character, showing her vulnerability and humanity in a world that often forces her to be tough.

2. The Arcade Game Easter Egg  

In the same Left Behind DLC, Ellie and Riley play an arcade game called The Turning. This is a clever nod to Naughty Dog’s Uncharted series, as the game’s title screen features the phrase “Sic Parvis Magna,” which is the Drake family motto in Uncharted. It’s a fun crossover for fans of both franchises.

3. Joel’s Watch  

Joel’s broken watch is more than just a piece of his outfit—it’s a symbol of his past. The watch is a gift from his daughter, Sarah, and it stops working at the exact time of her death. Throughout the game, you can see Joel checking the watch, a subtle reminder of the trauma he carries and his inability to move on from that moment.

4. The Giraffe Scene’s Hidden Meaning  

The iconic giraffe scene is one of the most beautiful and hopeful moments in the game. However, it also carries a deeper meaning. Giraffes are often symbols of grace, peace, and perspective in literature and art. Their appearance in the game represents a fleeting moment of innocence and hope in an otherwise bleak world. It’s a reminder of what Joel and Ellie are fighting for—a chance to reclaim some semblance of normalcy.

5. The Firefly Logo’s Origins  

The Firefly logo, a moth with a flame, is a recurring symbol throughout the game. It’s not just a random design—it’s a reference to the phrase “like a moth to a flame,” symbolizing the Fireflies’ relentless pursuit of a cure, even if it means sacrificing themselves or others. This ties into the game’s themes of hope, sacrifice, and the cost of survival.

6. Hidden Conversations  

Naughty Dog is known for its attention to detail, and The Last of Us is no exception. If you take the time to explore and linger in certain areas, you’ll trigger optional conversations between Joel and Ellie. These dialogues reveal more about their personalities, backstories, and growing bond. For example, in the suburbs chapter, Ellie will ask Joel about his past as a hunter, giving players a glimpse into his darker days.

7. The Clicker in the Basement  

In the Pittsburgh hotel basement, players encounter one of the most terrifying sections of the game. But did you know there’s a hidden Clicker in the water? If you swim too close to a specific area, a Clicker will emerge and attack. It’s a heart-stopping moment that many players miss, as it’s entirely avoidable if you stick to the right path.

8. The Jak and Daxter Reference  

Naughty Dog loves to reference its other games, and The Last of Us is no exception. In the suburbs chapter, you can find a graffiti tag that reads “Jak was here,” a nod to the studio’s beloved Jak and Daxter series. It’s a fun Easter egg for fans of Naughty Dog’s earlier work.

9. Ellie’s Jokes  

Throughout the game, Ellie tells Joel a series of jokes. While they might seem like simple comic relief, they also serve as a way for Ellie to cope with the horrors around her. If you pay attention, you’ll notice that her jokes become darker and more morbid as the story progresses, reflecting her growing awareness of the world’s brutality.

10. The Ending’s Ambiguity  

The game’s ending is one of the most debated in gaming history. Joel’s decision to save Ellie and lie to her about the Fireflies’ plans raises questions about morality, love, and survival. But did you notice the subtle hints throughout the game that foreshadow Joel’s choice? From his protective nature to his growing attachment to Ellie, the game plants seeds of his eventual decision, making it both shocking and inevitable.

11. The Photo in Joel’s House  

At the very beginning of the game, when Joel and Sarah are at home, you can find a photo of Joel and Tommy on the wall. This photo reappears later in the game when Joel reunites with Tommy, showing how much their relationship has changed over the years. It’s a small but powerful detail that highlights the passage of time and the impact of the apocalypse on their lives.

12. The Infected’s Realism  

The Infected in The Last of Us are some of the most terrifying enemies in gaming, and their design is rooted in real-world science. The Cordyceps fungus that causes the infection is based on a real fungus that infects insects in nature. Naughty Dog took this concept and expanded it to humans, creating a horrifyingly plausible scenario.

13. Ellie’s Tattoo in The Last of Us Part II  

While this is more of a Part II Easter egg, it’s worth mentioning for fans of the series. Ellie’s tattoo in the sequel features a moth, which ties back to the Firefly logo and the themes of sacrifice and hope. It’s a subtle connection between the two games that adds another layer of meaning to her character.

What are some of your favorite Easter eggs or moments from The Last of Us? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And remember, in a world overrun by Infected, it’s the little things that keep us human.