The Outskirts — The Last of Us Part I Walkthrough

Navigate The Outskirts in The Last of Us Part I. Survive Runners and Clickers using stealth, shivs, and careful crafting through Boston's overgrown ruins.

Having narrowly escaped the oppressive confines of the Boston Quarantine Zone, Joel, Tess, and Ellie now find themselves thrust into the perilous and overgrown urban decay of the city's outskirts. This chapter serves as a stark introduction to the true dangers of the post-apocalyptic world, moving beyond the human threats of the QZ to confront the terrifying reality of the Infected. Players will navigate crumbling cityscapes, encounter new enemy types, and begin to understand the critical importance of stealth and resource management.

The journey through The Outskirts is divided into several key sections, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities for exploration. Expect a significant increase in combat encounters, both against human scavengers and the various stages of the Infected. Resource scavenging becomes paramount, as supplies for crafting and healing will be stretched thin. Pay close attention to environmental cues and listen carefully for the distinctive sounds of the Infected to avoid being overwhelmed.

Key Objectives & Challenges in The Outskirts:

• Navigating Ruined Boston: The environment itself is a challenge, with collapsed buildings, flooded streets, and overgrown areas requiring careful traversal and puzzle-solving to progress.
• First Encounters with Infected: This chapter introduces players to Runners and Clickers, demanding new combat strategies focused on stealth, distraction, and precise execution.
• Resource Scarcity: Ammunition, crafting materials, and health kits are more difficult to come by. Players must learn to conserve and prioritize their use.
• Environmental Puzzles: Expect to encounter obstacles that require teamwork (often with Ellie or Tess) or clever use of the environment to overcome.
• Stealth vs. Combat: The Outskirts heavily emphasizes the choice between avoiding confrontation entirely or engaging enemies strategically. Going in guns blazing is rarely the best option.

Enemy Types Introduced:

• Runners: These are the most common and least dangerous of the Infected, but they are fast and attack in packs. They can be taken down with melee attacks or a few well-placed shots. Their screams will alert others.
• Clickers: Blind but possessing acute echolocation, Clickers are far more dangerous. Their fungal growths make them resistant to headshots, and a single grab is often fatal. Stealth is crucial when dealing with Clickers; shivs are your best friend for silent takedowns from behind.

Recommended Gear & Strategy:

• Shivs: Absolutely essential for silent Clicker takedowns and opening locked doors. Prioritize crafting these whenever possible.
• Molotovs: Excellent for crowd control against groups of Runners or for creating space against more formidable foes.
• Bricks/Bottles: Your primary tools for distraction. Throw them to lure Infected away or stun them for a quick melee attack.
• Listen Mode: Utilize Joel's Listen Mode frequently to scout enemy positions, especially in dark or cluttered areas.
• Scavenge Thoroughly: Check every room, every corner, and every drawer. Resources are hidden everywhere.

Walkthrough: Downtown

The initial segment of The Outskirts begins with Joel, Tess, and Ellie navigating the treacherous downtown area of Boston. This section is characterized by its dense urban environment, offering numerous opportunities for both stealth and intense firefights.

Initial Progression & Scavenging

Upon entering the downtown area, your immediate goal is to move towards the Capitol Building. The path is rarely straightforward, often blocked by debris or requiring detours through abandoned buildings. Keep an eye out for:

• Collectible: Firefly Pendants are often tucked away in less obvious corners.
• Crafting Materials: Look for rags, alcohol, blades, and binding in desks, cabinets, and on shelves.
• Supplements: These small pills are crucial for upgrading Joel's abilities.

First Infected Encounters

You will soon encounter your first groups of Runners. These encounters are designed to teach you the basics of stealth takedowns and managing multiple enemies. Remember:

• Stealth Takedowns: Approach from behind and press the indicated button for a silent kill. This conserves ammo and prevents alerting others.
• Distraction: Use bricks or bottles to draw Runners away from your path or to group them for an easier engagement.
• Melee Combat: If detected, use your melee weapon. Upgrade it at a workbench if possible.

The Museum & Clicker Introduction

A significant portion of the downtown segment involves navigating through a dilapidated museum. This area is a prime location for your first encounters with Clickers.

Strategy for Clickers:

1. Listen Carefully: Their distinctive clicking sounds are your primary warning.
2. Stay Low: Crouch-walking is essential. Avoid making any loud noises.
3. Shiv Takedowns: If you must engage a Clicker, a stealth shiv takedown from behind is the safest and most efficient method. Ensure you have at least one shiv available.
4. Avoid Direct Combat: If a Clicker detects you, your best bet is often to run and break line of sight, then re-establish stealth. Direct combat with firearms is risky and consumes valuable ammo.
5. Utilize Tess: Tess is a capable ally. She can distract or even take down Runners, but you'll need to handle the Clickers.

Environmental Puzzles: The Pallet

You will encounter a flooded section that requires Ellie to cross. Look for a wooden pallet. You'll need to push this pallet into the water and then guide it for Ellie to climb onto and cross the gap. This is a recurring puzzle mechanic throughout the game, often involving Joel helping Ellie across water or over obstacles.

Exiting Downtown

The downtown area culminates in a more open street section, often involving a mix of human enemies and Infected. This can be a chaotic encounter, so plan your approach carefully. Consider using Molotovs if you're overwhelmed by groups of Runners, or strategically pick off human enemies with silenced weapons if you have them.

As you progress, remember to constantly check your surroundings for resources and listen for enemy cues. The Outskirts sets the tone for the rest of the game, emphasizing survival through cunning, stealth, and careful resource management.