GamesActionThe Last of Us 2The Last of Us 2 No Return tipsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
GamesActionThe Last of Us 2The Last of Us 2 No Return tipsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Naughty Dog)
The Last of Us 2 No Return is a tough roguelike that will test you plenty as you learn its ins and outs. My tips gathered from several hours completing runs and learning what’s best the hard way should help you get more of a grounding in the game, without having to work it out through trial and error. You will die, a lot, before you really get to grips with what’s going on here and, becauseeverythingis reset between runs, you’ll always be starting from the same point, trying to claw your way through to a tough final boss fight. Hopefully, my The Last Of Us 2 No Return tips will make the whole process a little easier.
1. Use every second of downtime to prepare
(Image credit: Naughty Dog)
The Last of Us 2 save transferGot some old progress to carry over from PS4? Here’s how to transfer yourThe Last of Us 2 saveto Remastered.
The Last of Us 2 save transfer
Got some old progress to carry over from PS4? Here’s how to transfer yourThe Last of Us 2 saveto Remastered.
Got some old progress to carry over from PS4? Here’s how to transfer yourThe Last of Us 2 saveto Remastered.
2. Examine Encounter parameters carefully to see the risks and rewards
(Image credit: Naughty Dog)
Sometimes on the planning board you’ll be able to choose from two possible Encounters. Always check the variations carefully before you commit, as what might seem like the most rewarding is usually the most dangerous. The Hunted mode, for example, can sometime start with enemies knowing your location and is generally best avoided full stop, as you’ll rarely be well prepared to take on multiple enemies at any point. Things like reward multipliers, modes and enemy types all play a part in deciding what’s the best thing to pick. Mods especially can have a big impact, adding things like randomly thrown molotovs (bad) or slow-mo triggering on headshots (good). Try to weigh it all up before you decide on anything.
3. Always pay attention to Upgrade Paths when choosing a route to get the best advantage
(Image credit: Naughty Dog)
There are variousThe Last of Us 2 No Return Upgrade Pathsto unlock as you work through the route planner. Always try to make sure you pick the best option as you go, especially taking care to look at what equipment and recipes you have. There’s no point unlocking an Upgrade Path to craft incendiary shells for the double barreled shotgun if you don’t actually have it. You can use my guide linked to check what the various paths unlock but generally the more basic ones that increase crafting efficiently, or listening mode range, are generally more useful than specific weapon or bomb focused options that require certain weapons or resources.
4. Stealth is always the best option
(Image credit: Naughty Dog)
5. Always have a bottle or brick for a distraction or attack
(Image credit: Naughty Dog)
6. If you find a safe spot, milk it
(Image credit: Naughty Dog)
Occasionally, especially against human opponents, you’ll find a spot where you can grab an enemy from cover for a stealth kill… and then moments later, another enemy will wander into your trap. If that happens, keep using that position for as long as possible. If you get lucky you can clear entire waves like this and it’s a lot safer than exposing yourself and risking a run-ending death.
7. Try to grab at least one long gun from the store
(Image credit: Naughty Dog)
The store lets you buy a random selection of weapons and gear in-between rounds and, ideally, you’ll want to grab at least one long gun if have one of theThe Last of Us 2 No Return charactersthat doesn’t start with one. It will always be the most expensive option and likely clear out all your money but having the option of either the extra range or power will be hugely helpful in the later rounds and, eventually, the boss fight. My go to is the crossbow which I alway buy if it appears. Equipped with a scope its ability to pull off silent headshots at distance is a game changer.
8. Don’t double up on guns unless you have quick change holsters
(Image credit: Naughty Dog)
While it’s possible to have multiple types of each gun - a pistol and a hunting pistol, say - it’s pretty risky without a holster to enable quick changes. Without that option you have to use the slower method of swapping out a single weapon slot from your bag which will require several seconds of uninterrupted time. If you have the space to do it, great. But, if not, the danger of getting stuck with a weapon with no ammo, and having no time to change it, can easily get you killed.
9. Always remember the boss fight is coming and prepare in good time
(Image credit: Naughty Dog)
Obviously every round ends in a boss fight that changes each time you complete a run and ultimately ends with a random selection from the full catalogue of options, once unlocked. Always be prepared for the final showdown and make sure you start buying gear to help you a few rounds before you get there - pipe bombs, at least one high power weapon, ammo etc. It’s best to focus on usable things over recipes as these encounters are relentless and offer little space to craft anything you might need. Basically, if you’ve reached the last 2-3 rounds before the end fight you’re probably well set up and should focus all your spending at the shop on gearing up for the showdown.
© GamesRadar+. Not to be reproduced without permission
The Last of Us 2 save transferGot some old progress to carry over from PS4? Here’s how to transfer yourThe Last of Us 2 saveto Remastered.
The Last of Us 2 save transfer
Got some old progress to carry over from PS4? Here’s how to transfer yourThe Last of Us 2 saveto Remastered.
Got some old progress to carry over from PS4? Here’s how to transfer yourThe Last of Us 2 saveto Remastered.
The Last of Us 2 save transferGot some old progress to carry over from PS4? Here’s how to transfer yourThe Last of Us 2 saveto Remastered.
The Last of Us 2 save transfer
Got some old progress to carry over from PS4? Here’s how to transfer yourThe Last of Us 2 saveto Remastered.
Got some old progress to carry over from PS4? Here’s how to transfer yourThe Last of Us 2 saveto Remastered.
The Last of Us 2 save transferGot some old progress to carry over from PS4? Here’s how to transfer yourThe Last of Us 2 saveto Remastered.
The Last of Us 2 save transfer
Got some old progress to carry over from PS4? Here’s how to transfer yourThe Last of Us 2 saveto Remastered.
Got some old progress to carry over from PS4? Here’s how to transfer yourThe Last of Us 2 saveto Remastered.
The Last of Us 2 save transferGot some old progress to carry over from PS4? Here’s how to transfer yourThe Last of Us 2 saveto Remastered.
The Last of Us 2 save transfer
Got some old progress to carry over from PS4? Here’s how to transfer yourThe Last of Us 2 saveto Remastered.
Got some old progress to carry over from PS4? Here’s how to transfer yourThe Last of Us 2 saveto Remastered.
Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter
Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more
More about action"Beyond Good and Evil’s influence is 2000% Miyazaki": 21 years on, the developers behind Ubisoft’s cult classic reflect on how it came to beHideo Kojima offers another Death Stranding 2 update and a demonstration of his unique PS5 controller technique: “Building the game"Latest"Issues encountered during the initial launch are a genuine part of the game’s history”: Wuthering Waves producer on the road to 2.0 and the open-world action RPG’s biggest update yetSee more latest►
More about action"Beyond Good and Evil’s influence is 2000% Miyazaki": 21 years on, the developers behind Ubisoft’s cult classic reflect on how it came to beHideo Kojima offers another Death Stranding 2 update and a demonstration of his unique PS5 controller technique: “Building the game"Latest"Issues encountered during the initial launch are a genuine part of the game’s history”: Wuthering Waves producer on the road to 2.0 and the open-world action RPG’s biggest update yetSee more latest►
More about action"Beyond Good and Evil’s influence is 2000% Miyazaki": 21 years on, the developers behind Ubisoft’s cult classic reflect on how it came to beHideo Kojima offers another Death Stranding 2 update and a demonstration of his unique PS5 controller technique: “Building the game”
More about action
“Beyond Good and Evil’s influence is 2000% Miyazaki”: 21 years on, the developers behind Ubisoft’s cult classic reflect on how it came to beHideo Kojima offers another Death Stranding 2 update and a demonstration of his unique PS5 controller technique: “Building the game”
“Beyond Good and Evil’s influence is 2000% Miyazaki”: 21 years on, the developers behind Ubisoft’s cult classic reflect on how it came to be
“Beyond Good and Evil’s influence is 2000% Miyazaki”: 21 years on, the developers behind Ubisoft’s cult classic reflect on how it came to be
Hideo Kojima offers another Death Stranding 2 update and a demonstration of his unique PS5 controller technique: “Building the game”
Hideo Kojima offers another Death Stranding 2 update and a demonstration of his unique PS5 controller technique: “Building the game”
Latest"Issues encountered during the initial launch are a genuine part of the game’s history": Wuthering Waves producer on the road to 2.0 and the open-world action RPG’s biggest update yetSee more latest►
Latest
“Issues encountered during the initial launch are a genuine part of the game’s history”: Wuthering Waves producer on the road to 2.0 and the open-world action RPG’s biggest update yet
“Issues encountered during the initial launch are a genuine part of the game’s history”: Wuthering Waves producer on the road to 2.0 and the open-world action RPG’s biggest update yet
“Issues encountered during the initial launch are a genuine part of the game’s history”: Wuthering Waves producer on the road to 2.0 and the open-world action RPG’s biggest update yet
See more latest►
Most PopularHow to fix gear trains for the Indiana Jones Khmer cogwheel puzzleHow to get the Indiana Jones A Game of Wits Mak-Yek board game safe codeWhere to find the Fast Recon Vehicle in Helldivers 2FC 25 Globetrotters guide brings boosted cards for Ronaldo and SalahWhat is Infinity Nikki Vital Energy and how to get itEverything revealed about the Pokemon TCG Pocket Mythical Island expansionBest Path of Exile 2 Ranger BuildWhere to find the Indiana Jones Royal Army uniform and keyEverything in the Helldivers 2 Urban Legends WarbondWhere to find all Serpent’s Chest keys in Indiana JonesHow to complete the Sanctuary of the Guardians in Indiana Jones
Most PopularHow to fix gear trains for the Indiana Jones Khmer cogwheel puzzleHow to get the Indiana Jones A Game of Wits Mak-Yek board game safe codeWhere to find the Fast Recon Vehicle in Helldivers 2FC 25 Globetrotters guide brings boosted cards for Ronaldo and SalahWhat is Infinity Nikki Vital Energy and how to get itEverything revealed about the Pokemon TCG Pocket Mythical Island expansionBest Path of Exile 2 Ranger BuildWhere to find the Indiana Jones Royal Army uniform and keyEverything in the Helldivers 2 Urban Legends WarbondWhere to find all Serpent’s Chest keys in Indiana JonesHow to complete the Sanctuary of the Guardians in Indiana Jones
Most PopularHow to fix gear trains for the Indiana Jones Khmer cogwheel puzzleHow to get the Indiana Jones A Game of Wits Mak-Yek board game safe codeWhere to find the Fast Recon Vehicle in Helldivers 2FC 25 Globetrotters guide brings boosted cards for Ronaldo and SalahWhat is Infinity Nikki Vital Energy and how to get itEverything revealed about the Pokemon TCG Pocket Mythical Island expansionBest Path of Exile 2 Ranger BuildWhere to find the Indiana Jones Royal Army uniform and keyEverything in the Helldivers 2 Urban Legends WarbondWhere to find all Serpent’s Chest keys in Indiana JonesHow to complete the Sanctuary of the Guardians in Indiana Jones
Most Popular
How to fix gear trains for the Indiana Jones Khmer cogwheel puzzle
How to get the Indiana Jones A Game of Wits Mak-Yek board game safe code
Where to find the Fast Recon Vehicle in Helldivers 2
FC 25 Globetrotters guide brings boosted cards for Ronaldo and Salah
What is Infinity Nikki Vital Energy and how to get it
Everything revealed about the Pokemon TCG Pocket Mythical Island expansion
Best Path of Exile 2 Ranger Build
Where to find the Indiana Jones Royal Army uniform and key
Everything in the Helldivers 2 Urban Legends Warbond
Where to find all Serpent’s Chest keys in Indiana Jones
How to complete the Sanctuary of the Guardians in Indiana Jones
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1
Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2
Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3
Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5
Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2
Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3
Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5
Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
1
Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2
Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3
Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4
Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5
Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”