Film & TV

The Last Of Us: Where Does It Take Place?

Ellie and Tess in The Last Of Us TV show on HBO

Credit: HBO

This article explains where The Last Of Us takes place and contains spoilers.

HBO’s The Last Of Us TV series has been years in the making but it is finally here. Despite astronomically high fan expectations and stellar reviews that seemed too good to be true, the first episode was resoundingly well received by viewers. Many are calling it the best video game adaption of all time.

After watching episode one myself, I’m happy to confirm it delivered.

The Last Of Us Part I and Part II are truly spectacular games. What’s more, they’re wrapped up in a cinematic style that’s been crying out for a TV or movie adaption.

The new HBO show takes the best bits from the games and transports them into the medium of TV without missing a beat. What’s more, any changes that have been made only serve to make The Last Of Us work as a TV series. All in all, it is off to a flying start.

The Last Of Us tells the story of Joel and Ellie, two survivors of a pandemic caused by the contagious Cordyceps fungus.

The Last Of Us where does it take place
Credit: HBO

The show picks up twenty years after the onset of the pandemic and the world has been devastated. Millions are dead or have been transformed into zombie-like creatures called “Infected”.

Joel and Ellie must embark on a journey across post-apocalyptic America. However, they must overcome the deadly Infected and merciless killers along the way.

After the pre-outbreak introduction, we join Joel in 2023. He lives inside a quarantine zone that’s controlled by FEDRA.

The surrounding city is completely destroyed. And survivors within the zone aren’t allowed outside. This creates some ambiguity around where exactly the quarantine zone is location.

So, let’s go over where The Last Of Us takes place…

Where Does The Last Of Us Take Place?

When we first meet Joel and his daughter Sarah in 2003, they’re living in Austin, Texas. Things are quiet and peaceful with the two living a comfortable suburban life.

However, after the outbreak, much of the United States is decimated. Whole cities are destroyed in an effort to contain the Cordyceps infection. And that renders much of the US mainland unlivable.

As a result, FEDRA organises survivors into quarantine zones. These are tightly controlled areas that operate under martial law. Many crimes are even punishable by death.

Joel and Tess live in one such quarantine zone.

Where does The Last Of Us take place
Credit: HBO

This is where The Last Of Us takes place: The Last Of Us is initially set in the Boston Quarantine Zone within the remnants of Boston, Massachusetts.

However, after Joel and Tess pick up Ellie on behalf of the Fireflies, they venture outside the quarantine zone and travel east to west across the United States.

Along the way, they visit several cities and towns but don’t linger in any one place for long.

Are you enjoying The Last Of Us TV show? Let us know in the comment section below and check out our other Film & TV articles…

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Sam Harby

About Author

Sam is one of the editors and founders of Downtime Bros and an accredited critic. As a lifelong fan of video games, his favourites are Metal Gear Solid and The Last of Us. With years of knowledge and critical analysis under his belt, he has written hundreds of articles - including news, guides, and reviews - covering video games, movies, TV, and pop culture. Follow him on Twitter and check out his reviews on OpenCritic.

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