Weapons: Melee & Shivs

Learn how to effectively use melee weapons and shivs in The Last of Us Part I. Discover their uses, upgrades, and how they contribute to survival in this action-adventure guide.

Melee weapons and shivs are essential tools for survival in The Last of Us Part I. While they offer a silent and often brutal way to take down enemies, they come with limitations and require strategic use. This guide covers their function, how to craft and upgrade them, and tips for maximizing their effectiveness.

• Melee Weapons: These are improvised weapons that can be found or crafted. They are effective for close-quarters combat, allowing Joel to dispatch enemies quickly and quietly. However, they have a limited number of uses before breaking. Upgrading melee weapons with blades and bindings increases their durability and damage, and allows for executions of multiple enemies with a single weapon.
• Shivs: Shivs are primarily used for stealth takedowns, particularly against Clickers, and for opening locked doors that require them. Unlike other melee weapons, shivs are crafted using a blade and a binding. They are consumed upon use, so players must constantly craft new ones. The durability of a shiv can be increased by upgrading the melee weapon it's attached to. In The Last of Us Part I, shivs are visually represented as screwdrivers rather than blades, a change from the original game.
• Crafting and Upgrades: Both melee weapons and shivs rely on crafting. Players will need to scavenge for resources like blades, bindings, and alcohol to create and upgrade these items. Weapon upgrade benches are scattered throughout the game world, allowing players to enhance their melee weapons' effectiveness.
• Combat Tips: When using melee weapons, it's best to approach enemies from behind for a stealth kill. If engaging directly, be aware of the weapon's durability and aim to finish the fight quickly. Shivs are crucial for dealing with Clickers silently, as firearms can attract other infected. Always ensure you have enough crafting materials to maintain a steady supply of shivs.