Unveiling the Game-Changing Last of Us 2 Trick That EVERY Game Should Adopt

Highlights

The workbench ambush in The Last of Us 2 creates a genuinely terrifying moment, exemplifying good game design that other horror games can learn from.

Including unexpected scares in supposed "safe spaces" can heighten the tension in games like Dead Space and Resident Evil. Similarly, games inspired by moments like the workbench trap in The Last of Us 2 should allow players to counter jump scares if they anticipate them. For example, players could preemptively shoot the spot where an enemy is about to jump through, eliminating them swiftly.

The Last of Us 2 stands out not only for its captivating story and outstanding performances, but also for its impressive gameplay. The improvements from its predecessor are evident, with more sophisticated melee combat, enhanced gun mechanics, and diverse environments that encourage players to employ a range of strategies. While players may remember the memorable set pieces, there is one optional workbench during Ellie's storyline that leaves a lasting impression on anyone who encounters it.

In most cases, workbenches in The Last of Us 2 provide a safe haven for Ellie and Abby to upgrade their weapons using collected parts. However, there is a specific workbench in Ellie's narrative that cunningly deceives players into a false sense of security. This unexpected turn gives rise to a truly petrifying moment, one that other games, especially in the horror genre, could find inspiration from.

The Last of Us 2’s Workbench Ambush Is Perfect For Horror Games

Prior to accompanying Ellie to the Aquarium, players have the opportunity to explore a random room in an apartment and discover a workbench. While using the workbench triggers a familiar animation and presents upgrade options on-screen to camouflage it as a normal upgrade station, Ellie is suddenly attacked by a group of WLF soldiers. By carefully listening, players can anticipate the enemy's approach, intensifying the surprise. Despite being able to successfully defend Ellie from the WLF forces, this moment leaves a lasting impression as it transforms a previously safe area into an unsettling one. Subsequently, players are likely to exercise caution when encountering workbenches, even though this is the only one that initiates a bonus combat encounter. This demonstrates the skillful game design by Naughty Dog, as they managed to turn a generic upgrade station into one of the most frightening sequences in The Last of Us 2, presenting a valuable strategy for other games to learn from.

Safe spaces are a common feature in video games, particularly in horror titles. The Dead Space series, for example, provides save stations that offer players a moment to relax, while the Resident Evil series is known for its save rooms with soothing music. These areas, however, present an opportunity to incorporate jumpscares. For instance, in Dead Space, a Hunter could burst out of a save station, prompting players to engage in a regenerator chase if they are tricked by the fake station. Alternatively, in a Resident Evil save room, a massive Tyrant could demolish a wall after players interact with their storage, forcing them to hastily flee.

Nevertheless, incorporating jumpscares in seemingly safe areas would only exploit half of what made The Last of Us 2's workbench trap effective. In subsequent playthroughs where players are aware of the trap, they could simply loot the room and bypass the encounter by avoiding the bench. Alternatively, players could cleverly set traps near the doors where enemies appear, using explosions to eliminate them before they can pursue Ellie.

Building on the previous examples, the games Resident Evil and Dead Space offer players the opportunity to confront and overcome these jump scares in subsequent playthroughs, enhancing the game's replayability. By strategically shooting the emerging enemy from their hiding spot behind a wall, players can either eliminate them with bullet penetration or frighten them away. This not only allows players to benefit from a traditional safe spot, but it also presents the possibility of the attacking enemy dropping additional rewards for resourceful players. Taking into account the exceptional workshop ambush featured in The Last of Us 2, other games would benefit from drawing inspiration from this sequence.

The Last of Us 2 is currently available on PS4.