Does Joel Die in The Last of Us? Full Breakdown & What It Means for the Story

Spoiler Warning: Major Plot Points Ahead

Before we go any further, here’s your spoiler alert. We’re talking about major events from both The Last of Us Part I and Part II, and also touching on the HBO adaptation. If you haven’t played the games or watched the show yet, you might want to bookmark this and come back later.

Quick Answer: Yes, Joel Does Die – But Not in the First Game

To clarify the confusion: *Joel does not die in the original The Last of Us (Part I). In fact, he’s a central character throughout the entire first game. His bond with Ellie drives the story, and their journey together is what makes the game so impactful.

However, things take a darker turn in The Last of Us Part II.

Joel’s Death in The Last of Us Part II

Joel meets a brutal and controversial end early in The Last of Us Part II. He’s killed by Abby, a new character introduced in the sequel. Her motivation? Revenge. Joel had previously killed her father, a Firefly surgeon, during the climax of the first game. That act—while done to save Ellie—set off a chain reaction that leads directly to his death.

The scene is intense, raw, and deliberately uncomfortable. It’s not just about shock value—it’s meant to shake players and set the tone for the entire second game, which is built around the consequences of violence, vengeance, and grief.

Why Joel’s Death Matters So Much

Joel’s death is more than just a plot twist—it’s the emotional fuel for Ellie’s journey in Part II. It shifts the narrative focus and forces players to confront the complex morality of Joel’s choices in the first game.

For some fans, this was devastating. Joel had become a beloved character—a flawed, deeply human figure who found redemption through his relationship with Ellie. Watching him be taken out so suddenly left many players shocked, angry, or heartbroken.

But for others, it was a bold move that pushed storytelling in video games to a whole new level. Love it or hate it, Joel’s death is a turning point, both narratively and thematically.

What About the HBO Series? Does Joel Die There Too?

As of now, the HBO adaptation has stayed relatively faithful to the games. In Season 1, Joel survives and plays a major role throughout the story—just like in The Last of Us Part I. But if the show continues to follow the source material closely (and all signs point to that), we can expect Joel’s death to occur in the upcoming second season.

Pedro Pascal, who plays Joel in the series, has already hinted at the emotional weight of what’s coming. So yes, it’s very likely that Joel will die in The Last of Us HBO series, just as he did in the game.

Final Thoughts: Joel’s Death Was Painful, But Purposeful

So, does Joel die in The Last of Us? Yes—he does. But his death wasn’t just for shock or drama. It was the catalyst for an even deeper and more emotionally complex story in Part II. Whether you're a longtime fan or just getting into the series, Joel's journey—and his ultimate fate—remains one of the most impactful in modern storytelling.

Related Questions:

Will Joel come back in flashbacks?

Why did Abby kill Joel in The Last of Us?

How old is Joel when he dies?

Is Joel a hero or a villain?

If you're still processing Joel’s death or want to explore more about The Last of Us universe, drop your thoughts below or check out our deep dives into Ellie’s arc, Abby’s redemption, and what could be coming in The Last of Us Part III.