The Last of Us Part II: Game Controls and Settings

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GameVillage Team
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A comprehensive guide to The Last of Us Part II's controls and settings. We will provide recommendations for settings and explain the controls you should learn.

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©Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC. Created and developed by Naughty Dog, LLC.

Controller Guide

Controller Operation Guide

Basic Controls

Command Action
Directional buttons Select Item
Left stick Select Item
◯ button Confirm
✕ button Back / Cancel

In-Game Controls

Command Action
Directional buttons Weapon Cross
Left stick Movement
◯ button CrouchStand / Dive (while underwater)Start engine (while riding a boat)Hold: Prone
✕ button Climb / Jump / Surface (while underwater)Jump and Grab (when moving to specific locations)Scope (while aiming)Left stick ↓ + ✕: Look back
△ button Interact / GrabRestrain (when approaching from behind) Talk Weapon Action (while aiming)
◻ button Melee / Knife attack (when restrained) Shoulder Swap (while aiming) Rapidly press: Escape from enemy restraint
Touchpad Open / Close backpack
Option Open / Close pause menu
L1 button Run (while moving)Dodge / Sprint (during combat)
L2 button Aim
L3 button Look-At / Navigation Assistance Hold Breath (while aiming)
R1 button Weapon Swap Hold: Listen Hold L2 button: Switch aim direction
R2 button Reload Quick Throw Hold: UseHold L2 button: Fire (while aiming)
R3 button Flashlight on / off

Backpack Operations

Command Action
Directional buttons Select Item
Left stick Move collectibles
◯ button Confirm Hold: Crafting / Upgrade
✕ button Go back / Cancel
△ button Inspect collectibles
◻ button Read collectibles
Touchpad Open / Close backpack
Option Open / Close pause menu
L1 button / R1 button Toggle menu

Important Controls to Remember

Picking Up Items

The Last of Us 2 - Examining Items

Command Action
△ Button Examine / Pick Up

When an item that can be picked up is present, a △ icon will be displayed. Items can be utilized for crafting and skill upgrades, so collect as many supplies as you can while exploring.

Listen Mode

The Last of Us 2 - Listening

Command Action
Hold: R1 Button Listen

You can learn the enemy's position by holding the R1 button to listen. Stealth gameplay is essential in this game to avoid being detected.

Visualizing Scents

The Last of Us 2 - Scent Trails

While in listen mode, you can also visualize your scent trails. Guard Dogs can track you through scent, so utilize this ability to determine the best route to take.

Dodging Attacks

The Last of Us 2 - Dodging Attacks

Command Action
L1 Button Dodge

Use the newly added dodge move to avoid enemy attacks, giving you an advantage in close-quarters combat. Time your dodge for a counterattack by closely observing your opponent's movements.

Restraining Enemies

The Last of Us 2_Restraining

Command Action
Approach from behind and press the △ button Restrain enemy

Restrain enemies by approaching them from behind. They can be used as human shields to deflect bullets, allowing you to take down other enemies while using one as a shield. Restrained enemies can be eliminated at any time with the ◻ button.

Moving while Restraining

You can still move slowly while restraining the enemy. When taking down a restrained enemy, go to a location where the body wouldn't be discovered.

You can adjust the aiming speed when holding a gun. Stabilize the aim sensitivity to a speed that suits you.

Beginners playing under Very Light difficulty level can activate the aim assist. This feature automatically aligns the aim to the enemy when holding a gun, providing assistance in practicing aim and shooting.