Melee Combat & Dodging — The Last of Us Part II Guide

Dominate close-quarters combat in The Last of Us Part II. Master melee attacks and evasive dodging when ammunition runs scarce in this harsh world.

Mastering melee combat and effective dodging is crucial for survival in the harsh world of The Last of Us Part II. While firearms are powerful, ammunition is scarce, making hand-to-hand encounters a frequent necessity. This section will equip you with the knowledge to dominate close-quarters engagements and evade deadly attacks.

The Fundamentals of Melee

Melee combat isn't just about mashing the attack button. It's a strategic dance of strikes, dodges, and environmental awareness. Pay close attention to enemy tells and your surroundings.

• Light Attacks (Square): Your primary melee attack. These are quick and can be chained into combos. Use them to chip away at enemy health or to stun them for a follow-up.
• Heavy Attacks (Hold Square): Slower but more powerful, heavy attacks can break enemy guards and deal significant damage. They are particularly effective against armored foes or when an enemy is stunned.
• Melee Weapons: Always prioritize picking up melee weapons. These significantly increase your damage output and often provide a wider attack arc. Look for items like the Pipe, Machete, Hatchet, or Baseball Bat. They have durability, indicated by a small bar next to their icon, and will break after a certain number of uses.
• Weapon Upgrades: Certain melee weapons can be upgraded at workbenches. For instance, you can craft a Blade Upgrade for a Machete or a Bound Blade for a Pipe, increasing their damage and durability. Always check for available upgrades when you find a workbench.
• Finishing Moves: Once an enemy is heavily damaged or stunned, you'll often see a prompt for a finishing move (usually Triangle). These are instant kills and conserve ammunition.

Dodging & Countering

Dodging is your most important defensive tool in close combat. It allows you to avoid incoming attacks and create openings for your own strikes.

• The Dodge Button (L1): Press L1 to quickly sidestep or roll away from an attack. Timing is critical; dodge just as an enemy is about to strike.
• Dodge Direction: You can influence the direction of your dodge by holding the left stick in the desired direction while pressing L1. This is crucial for repositioning or creating distance.
• Counter-Attacks: After a successful dodge, enemies are often momentarily vulnerable. This is your cue to unleash a quick counter-attack. A common strategy is to dodge an enemy's swing and immediately follow up with a light attack combo.
• Against Clickers: Dodging is paramount when facing Clickers. Their instant-kill grab attack is deadly. Dodge their lunges and then use a melee weapon or a shiv for a quick kill. If you don't have a shiv, a well-timed dodge followed by a few heavy melee hits can work, but it's risky.
• Against Shamblers: Shamblers have a powerful acid spray and a devastating charge. Dodge their charge attack by rolling to the side. Their acid spray can be dodged by creating distance or using cover. Melee is generally not recommended against Shamblers unless they are isolated and you have a powerful weapon.
• Against Human Enemies: Human enemies often use melee weapons themselves. Pay attention to their wind-up animations. A slow, wide swing indicates a heavy attack that can be dodged and countered. Faster jabs are best dodged to the side.

Strategic Melee Encounters

Consider these strategies to maximize your effectiveness in melee combat:

• Isolate Enemies: Try to engage enemies one-on-one. Getting swarmed in melee is a quick way to die. Use stealth to thin out groups or environmental obstacles to funnel enemies.
• Environmental Hazards: Look for opportunities to use the environment to your advantage. Kicking enemies into walls or off ledges can stun them or even result in instant kills.
• Stun Grenades & Smoke Bombs: These throwable items are excellent for disorienting groups of enemies, allowing you to move in for melee takedowns or to escape a dangerous situation.
• Melee with Firearms: Don't be afraid to combine melee with firearms. A few pistol shots can stun an enemy, allowing you to close the distance for a melee finish, conserving precious ammunition.
• The Overlook Strategy (Seattle Day 1 - The Overlook): In the initial encounters with the WLF at The Overlook, you'll often find yourself in close quarters. Utilize the numerous melee weapons scattered around, such as the Pipe found near the entrance. Focus on dodging the WLF's aggressive melee attacks and countering with your own. Remember to use the environment to break line of sight and isolate targets.
• Seraphite Melee (Seattle Day 2 - The Seraphites): The Seraphites are known for their brutal melee attacks, often wielding axes and machetes. Their attacks are powerful but often have clear wind-up animations. Prioritize dodging their heavy swings and immediately counter-attacking. If you encounter a Seraphite with a bow, try to close the distance quickly to force them into melee, where you can then dominate.