The Last of Us Season 2 Ending Explained: What Happened Between Ellie and Abby?

Credit of the image goes to HBO Original

Season 2 ends with an intense cliffhanger, and we’re here to break it all down.

After a gripping run of seven emotionally charged episodes, The Last of Us Season 2 came to a dramatic close on May 25, leaving fans stunned — and desperate for answers. As promised by showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, the story from The Last of Us Part II video game is being told across multiple seasons, with Season 3 already confirmed by HBO.

Here’s everything you need to know about that shocking finale and what it means for the future of Ellie, Abby, and everyone in between.

What Happened in the Finale?

The finale kicks off with Jesse trying to stabilize Dina after she’s struck by a Seraphite arrow. Once she’s safe, he and Ellie head out to meet Tommy, only to find their rendezvous point empty. After picking up radio chatter about a sniper — likely Tommy — they split up when Ellie learns Abby may be hiding at the Seattle aquarium, a clue first dropped by Nora.

Ellie’s journey to the aquarium is brutal. She’s nearly killed by Seraphites but narrowly escapes thanks to the W.L.F. raid. Upon arrival, she confronts Owen and Mel. Things spiral — Owen pulls a gun and is killed in the chaos. Mel, who is pregnant, is also fatally wounded. Ellie is left horrified when she realizes Mel was expecting a child.

This entire plot mirrors key story beats from the game — a fact confirmed in interviews like this one from Entertainment Weekly.

Tommy and Jesse arrive just in time to bring Ellie back to safety. Traumatized, she agrees to leave revenge behind and return to Jackson. But fate has other plans.

As they prepare to leave, Abby storms the theater. In a moment of sheer shock, she shoots Jesse dead and injures Tommy. With a gun aimed at Ellie, she utters the chilling line, “I let you live and you wasted it,” before a single shot rings out — and the screen cuts to black.

Do Ellie or Abby Die?

The short answer: we don’t know. The finale ends on that gunshot, and fans are left to wonder who pulled the trigger and who might have survived. There’s even speculation that Dina — who isn’t present in the final scene — may have intervened.

This ambiguous ending has sparked debate across social media and was described by TIME as one of the boldest cliffhangers in recent HBO history.

Where Do Ellie and Dina Stand?

Earlier in the episode, Ellie opens up to Dina about what really happened in Salt Lake City: Joel killed the Fireflies to save her, and Abby’s father was one of the victims. The revelation hits Dina hard. She decides to head back to Jackson but gives Ellie a bracelet — a small token that leaves a glimmer of hope for their strained relationship.

According to People Magazine, this moment between the two shows that while the road ahead won’t be easy, their connection still runs deep.

The Fate of Jesse and Tommy

Jesse’s death is the most definitive in the finale — a shocking, split-second moment that leaves Ellie and viewers reeling. Tommy, although injured, survives the encounter. The showrunners later confirmed in an interview that Jesse’s death was always part of the story’s plan.

Abby’s Story Isn’t Over

The episode briefly flashes back to Abby waking up in a football stadium turned W.L.F. base — hinting that Season 3 will dive deeper into her world. This was teased in a conversation with Catherine O’Hara (who plays therapist Gail Lynden), who told Variety that the upcoming season would center more heavily on Abby’s arc and her emotional aftermath.

Is Season 3 Happening?

Yes — and it was announced just before Season 2 premiered. With the story only halfway told, fans can expect even more high-stakes drama and character development in Season 3, which will likely continue adapting the second half of the video game and possibly set up for future narratives.

You can stay updated on production news directly from HBO’s press releases.

Final Thoughts

Season 2 of The Last of Us pushed its characters — and its audience — to emotional breaking points. From Ellie’s grief to Abby’s rage, the show forced us to question what justice really looks like in a world turned upside down.

The final scene doesn’t just end with a cliffhanger; it leaves a thematic echo about revenge, forgiveness, and the brutal cost of survival. As fans wait eagerly for Season 3, one thing’s for sure: this story is far from over.

If you want a detailed breakdown from a gamer’s perspective, check out this YouTube analysis which dives into game-to-show comparisons.