The Last of Us 2 No Return characters ranked and how to unlock them
Jan. 19, 2024Who to pick in TLOU 2’s roguelike mode for the best chance of survival
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
There are 10 characters to unlock in The Last of Us 2 No Return, and the best options are very clear in this roguelike. You’ll have to earn them by completing challenges, however, which will force you to play as everyone at least a few times each. While that will help you get a feel for the range of different abilities available, and things likeThe Last of Us 2 No Return Upgrade Paths, the absolute best choice is right there at the start, with unlocks only really giving you some back up selections to try out. So, here’s my tier list of the best characters to play in The Last of Us No Return and how to unlock all the options. I’ve also put together some overallThe Last of Us 2 No Return tipsif you need some broader help.
How to unlock characters in No Return
Make sure you start on PS5 with your PS4 progress intact with my guide on how to transfer yourThe Last of Us 2 saveto Remastered.
No Return Characters are unlocked in The Last of Us 2 by completing encounters with the previous character. You start with Ellie and Abby unlocked, each representing their Jackson and Seattle side respectively. So, to unlock new characters you start with those two and complete three encounters initially (four later) for each subsequent character. So completing encounters with Dina unlocks Jesse, Jesse unlocks Tommy, Tommy unlocks Joel, and the same with Abby and her selection:
Any encounter works, so if you start as Abby and complete three encounters in one run, you’ll unlock Lev. However, you have tocompletethe encounter for it to count, so if you start and die it won’t contribute.
It’s a tough ask to pick the best No Return characters in The Last of Us 2 as the pros and cons are powerfully unforgiving. Abby is the stand out hero though, with her ability to heal on melee kills, as no one else has an ability that comes close in terms of usefulness. After that you’re basically picking between gear, abilities, shop items and so on - with the proviso that it’s all down to luck each run. Abby’s ability is the only constant benefit that you’ll always have access to.
Starting Inventory
Traits
The best thing Ellie has going for her is that she starts with two upgrade paths. However, what you get is random so sometimes it might not be anything that useful to you, or worse, locked to a weapon you need to get first.
Starting Inventory
Traits
Dina is a very crafting-focused character, able to make Stun Bombs and Traps from the start. She also begins with the Double Craft Upgrade Path which increases the amount and effectiveness of both the bombs and mines she can create.
Starting Inventory
Traits
Jesse is a good option if you’re planning to use the Trading Post a lot. Not only does he earn more money to spend buying its randomised inventory, but he has access to special items no one else can buy.
Starting Inventory
Traits
Tommy’s entire build is focused on range and marksmanship, with his custom sniper rifle and Marksman Upgrade Path. Given that most of the maps tend to be medium range at best and often full of cover and obstructions, it’s a tricky playstyle to pull off.
Starting Inventory
Traits
Joel is probably one of the best characters in terms of starting loadout. Not only does he begin with an upgraded melee option and a shiv, he also has the shiv recipe and second holster. It’s the most generous starter gear out of all the characters.
Starting Inventory
Traits
Abby’s ability to heal on any melee kill makes her probably the best character out of all the possibilities. No one else has anything as useful or reusable out of the gate (the ability also appears as a random mod during runs for any character). Combined with the recipe to upgrade melee weapons it give her a unique ability to recover constantly and consistently as you play.
Starting Inventory
Traits
Lev is probably the best stealth option of the line up, starting with a bow and an improved Listening ability. So he’s good at sneaking around and taking out targets at range without raising alarms, but can be a bit squishy in a full on fight. Hunted modes, where all the enemies are attacking from the start, can be especially tricky.
Starting Inventory
Traits
Yara is a very odd and tricky character to play with. She basically starts with nothing but has Lev as an AI companion. It means you’re largely at the mercy of his abilities to deal with enemies initially, which can be increased using the Ally Upgrade Path - at least until you can unlock some other weapons or recipes.
Starting Inventory
Traits
Mel is probably one of the weakest options as all she can really do initially is heal. The two health packs she begins with are useful, but mainly because having nothing but a revolver to start with mean you’ll need them.
Starting Inventory
Traits
If you want to take a gamble on unlocking a health pack recipe mid-run, or surviving on what healing items you can find, then Manny is a decent option. Not only does he have extra health and more parts for weapon upgrades, but he can craft his own ammo, something only he and Lev can do.
© GamesRadar+. Not to be reproduced without permission
Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more
I’m GamesRadar’s Managing Editor for guides, which means I runGamesRadar’s guides and tips content. I also write reviews, previews and features, largely about horror, action adventure, FPS and open world games. I previously worked on Kotaku, and the Official PlayStation Magazine and website.
Indiana Jones Secret of the Queen Mother elevator and animal stone puzzles
Assassin’s Creed Shadows adds a “canon mode” that makes choices for you, after fans spent years unsure of what RPG choices meant for the series' story
Dev behind new Doki Doki Literature Club-style psychological horror says it’s not “for those with weak hearts,” but with 98% positive Steam reviews, I’m not sure I can stay away
