Ever found yourself cornered in The Last of Us Part II with only your fists or a rusty pipe? That heart-pounding moment shows just how vital your close-quarters tools are. In the brutal world Ellie and Abby navigate, your melee weapon isn’t just a backup; it’s often your first, and last, line of defense against Clickers and WLF soldiers.
Choosing the best melee weapon in TLOU2 can feel overwhelming. Do you pick the quick Shiv for stealth, or the heavy pipe for raw damage? Each option has pros and cons that can mean the difference between surviving a tough encounter or becoming infected dinner. Poor choices lead to wasted crafting materials and unnecessary risks during tense stealth sequences.
This guide cuts through the noise. We will break down every primary melee option available in the game, detailing their durability, speed, and effectiveness against different enemy types. By the end, you will know exactly which weapon suits your playstyle—whether you prefer silent takedowns or head-on brawls.
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Your Essential Guide to Choosing the Best Melee Weapons in TLOU2
Picking the right melee weapon in The Last of Us Part II (TLOU2) can make the difference between a stealthy takedown and a noisy, desperate fight. These tools are vital for survival. This guide helps you understand what makes a great weapon in the game.
Key Features to Look For
When you find a new weapon, check these things first. They decide how useful the weapon will be in your hands.
Durability and Upgrades
Melee weapons don’t last forever. They break after hitting enemies a certain number of times. Look for weapons that have a high starting durability. More importantly, check if you can upgrade them at a workbench. Upgrading the durability lets you swing more times before the weapon shatters. This saves you precious crafting materials.
Damage Output
How much damage does the weapon do per hit? A heavy pipe does more damage than a small kitchen knife. Higher damage means fewer hits to kill an enemy. This is crucial when facing armored foes or Clickers, who require more hits to stop.
Speed and Reach
Some weapons swing slowly but hit hard (like an axe). Others swing fast but might need more hits (like a baseball bat). Think about the situation. Fast weapons are better for quick, close-range defense. Longer weapons give you a little more distance from the enemy, which is safer.
Important Materials and Construction
The material of the weapon often dictates its strength and how it feels to use.
- Metal Weapons (Pipes, Machetes): These are usually very strong. They often have high base damage. They can usually be upgraded significantly for maximum stopping power.
- Wood and Composite Weapons (Bats, Wooden Clubs): These are common early in the game. They break faster. While you can upgrade them, they often won’t reach the peak strength of a good metal weapon.
- Improvised Weapons (Shovels, Axes): These are often found in specific areas. They usually offer a great balance of damage and reach right out of the box. They make excellent primary melee choices.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all versions of the same weapon are equal. Quality shifts based on what you do to it.
Improving Quality: Crafting and Workbenches
The biggest quality boost comes from the workbench. You use scrap materials to improve the weapon. Enhancements usually boost durability, which is the most important factor for sustained use. Sometimes, you can slightly increase the damage rating too. Always prioritize durability upgrades.
Reducing Quality: Wear and Tear
Every swing reduces the weapon’s quality. Once the durability bar is empty, the weapon is useless. You must manage this. If you use a weak weapon on a tough enemy (like an armored soldier), it breaks much faster. This “wastes” its potential hits.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you play the game should guide your weapon choice.
Stealth Takedowns
For silent kills, almost any small, one-handed weapon works fine. A Shiv (if available in the context of the encounter) or a simple knife is quiet. These are best used for quick, silent eliminations on lone, unarmored enemies.
Open Combat and Defense
When things go loud, you need a reliable tool. A two-handed weapon, like a strong axe or a fully upgraded metal pipe, shines here. You need the extra durability to handle multiple enemies attacking you at once. Use these heavy hitters when you know you are about to enter a serious fight.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About TLOU2 Melee Weapons
Q: What is the most durable melee weapon in the game?
A: Generally, the metal-based weapons, especially those that have received the maximum durability upgrades at a workbench, offer the best longevity.
Q: Can I repair a broken melee weapon?
A: No. Once a weapon breaks completely, it is gone forever. You must find a new one or craft a replacement if possible.
Q: Do different characters use melee weapons differently?
A: Yes. Ellie and Abby have slightly different base attack speeds and animations, which can affect how quickly they swing certain weapons.
Q: Are there silent melee weapons?
A: Yes. Knives and shivs (when used for stealth kills) are completely silent. Swings with other weapons make noise that attracts nearby enemies.
Q: What is the best weapon for killing Clickers quickly?
A: Weapons with high base damage, like a Machete or an Axe, will usually stop a Clicker in fewer hits than a simple wooden bat.
Q: How important is the “Reach” stat?
A: Reach is very important for safety. Longer weapons let you hit an enemy before they can grab you, which is a huge advantage in close calls.
Q: Should I use my best weapon on an early armored enemy?
A: It is better to save your top-tier weapons for later, tougher enemies. Use a weaker weapon that is about to break on the armored foe, or use a firearm if you have ammo.
Q: Where do I find the best melee weapon blueprints?
A: Blueprints for upgrades are usually found near workbenches or in specific, well-hidden areas throughout the game world.
Q: Do I need to upgrade every weapon I find?
A: No. Focus your limited scrap materials on upgrading one or two primary melee weapons that fit your playstyle, rather than spreading your resources thin.
Q: Is there a difference between finding a weapon and crafting one?
A: Yes. A found weapon might be damaged already. A crafted weapon is usually at full starting durability, but crafting often requires specific components you might need elsewhere.
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