As a hardcore gamer who's spent countless hours immersed in The Last of Us Part 2, I'm still reeling from its emotional rollercoaster—especially that jaw-dropping switch from Ellie to Abby! 🎮💥 Honestly, this sequel blows the first game out of the water with its sheer length and those gut-wrenching moments. I mean, the original wasn't short, but Part 2? It's a marathon of storytelling genius, packed with foreshadowed twists like the perspective swap and that unexpected third act in Santa Barbara's scorching heat. Playing through it, I felt every bit of Ellie's rage and Abby's desperation, especially during those forced actions where I mashed buttons frantically—like defending against Alice or fighting Ellie in the theater. Talk about unsettling! It's designed to make you uncomfortable, stripping away player choice to hammer home themes of revenge and loss. But here's what's been bugging me: what if Ellie and Abby had ended up in the same Rattler trap? Could that shared nightmare have changed everything? 🤔 Let's dive into the details and explore this wild 'what if' scenario.

First off, let's rewind to Santa Barbara—a setting that feels like a fever dream with its sun-drenched neighborhoods crawling with infected. 🌴☀️ Ellie's journey here is brutal; she arrives after Tommy tips her off about Abby, only to get caught in a snare trap that leaves her bloodied and dangling. Can you imagine the shock? She wakes up to two Rattlers stumbling upon her—the same ones who captured Abby earlier. (https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/a-15.jpg) This image captures the intensity perfectly: the chaos of Ellie fighting her way through mobs to reach the resort where Abby's held. Along the way, she frees slaves who are ready to rebel, and one guy—voiced by Matthew Mercer—drops the bombshell that Abby's at 'the pillars' for trying to escape. The parallels are insane: both women wade ignorantly into Rattler territory at 2425 Constance, searching for Firefly traces, only to get ambushed. Abby and Lev find the bunker but get snatched in the garage, while Ellie's strung up like prey. It's a masterclass in tension-building, folks! 😱

Now, onto the heart of it: that beach fight. Ellie discovers Abby emaciated after months of torture, and their showdown at the water's edge is pure poetry in motion. But just when Ellie seems ready to deliver the killing blow, she pulls back and lets Abby escape with Lev. This moment left me speechless—after all the bloodshed, it hints at a sliver of humanity. But what if they'd been captured together as slaves? 🤯 In my gaming sessions, I've pondered this alternate universe where they share a cage. Could months of shared suffering have shifted their dynamic? Here's a quick comparison of how it might play out:

Original Scenario	Alternate Scenario
Ellie and Abby captured separately	Both captured together as slaves
No direct interaction until beach	Forced to interact daily in confinement
Ellie almost kills Abby	Potential for bonding or betrayal
End with Abby escaping	Could lead to joint escape or death

In this hypothetical, I think Ellie might've gained a deeper understanding of Abby's motives—after all, Joel killed Abby's dad, fueling her revenge. But let's be real: would they ever become friends? Doubtful. With all the death between them, like Abby killing Joel and Ellie retaliating, it's a toxic brew. 🧪💔 Still, shared torture could've recontextualized things. Maybe they'd find a way to help each other escape, leading to a different ending. Or worse, Ellie might've snapped and killed Abby on the spot if the Rattlers didn't intervene. Either way, it opens up wild possibilities for The Last of Us Part 3. If they meet again, it won't be with murderous intent—Ellie's withdrawal shows she's moved on, hinting at a future where they might even cooperate. How cool would that be? 🔥

Reflecting on this, I'm struck by how Naughty Dog crafts such intricate narratives. The lack of player choice in key moments—like fighting Ellie as Abby—is intentional, forcing us to confront the cycle of violence. But exploring 'what ifs' adds layers to the replay value. As a pro gamer, I'd love to see this in DLC or Part 3! Now, let's wrap up with some burning questions you might have:

FAQ

• Q: Could Ellie and Abby have bonded if captured together?

A: Possibly, through shared trauma, but their history makes it a long shot—think mutual respect over friendship.

• Q: How would this affect The Last of Us Part 3?

A: It could lead to uneasy alliances or fresh conflicts, adding depth to their dynamic.

• Q: Why did Ellie spare Abby in the end?

A: It symbolizes her growth—letting go of revenge to find closure.

• Q: What's the significance of Santa Barbara in the game?

A: It represents the climax of their journeys, testing their limits in a harsh, new environment.

Ultimately, The Last of Us Part 2's brilliance lies in its ability to spark endless debates. What do you think—should there be an alternate path? Share your thoughts below! 👇💬