Highlights
- Maria remains a mysterious, strong leader in The Last of Us franchise, deserving more focus.
- Future games can avoid sidelining Maria by making her a companion NPC or exploring her story through new playable characters like Tommy.
- The next The Last of Us installment could shift focus away from Ellie, possibly highlighting characters like Tommy, adding depth to Maria.
The Last of Us has a large roster of characters, though it’s a good idea not to get too attached to anyone, as the game’s world is a ruthless one. Though Joel and Ellie take the lead, characters like Tess and Dina are also unforgettable. Players find out a lot about these characters, but not so much in the case of Maria.
Future The Last of Us games should delve further into Maria’s character, as she plays an important, occasionally maternal, role. This could be done by having Maria join in on Ellie’s adventures, or by having a character close to her, like Tommy, be playable.
The Last of Us Deserves a Breather That Only Naughty Dog Can Give It
Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us series remains popular, but that doesn’t mean the franchise should forfeit a chance at a breather.
Maria in The Last of Us Franchise
Maria appears to have a knack for establishing and maintaining safe settlements. She and her father created a settlement in Jackson, Wyoming which she supplies with electricity through the use of a hydroelectric power plant. Following Tommy’s departure from the Fireflies, he crosses paths with Maria and the two get married.
It is clear that Maria is a strong leader who cares deeply about the families in Jackson. She can be stern when needed, but sometimes even she can’t control Ellie when she has her mind set on something. This is seen when Ellie insists on seeking revenge against a group that harms one of her loved ones.
Maria Remains a Mystery
Though Maria plays an important role in the franchise, very little is known about her. Players aren’t told about her history and how she became the strict but fair leader that she is. There also isn’t much detail given regarding how Tommy and Maria met and fell in love. All these questions could be answered in the next The Last of Us game.
How The Last of Us 3 Can Avoid Sidelining Maria
To avoid sidelining Maria, she could become a companion NPC who goes on adventures with Ellie. Though she has been established as a caretaker of the settlement, that doesn’t mean that she shouldn’t travel out of Jackson to prevent threats from approaching. This would give Maria more screen time and a chance to delve into her history.
Alternatively, players could find out more about Maria from having a playable character that is close to her. The most obvious choice is Tommy, though after the events of The Last of Us Part 2, he does not seem fit for much more action. Nevertheless, playing as Tommy would give greater insight into how he met Maria and how their love flourished.
Who Will be the Playable Character in The Last of Us 3?
It is impossible to predict which character will be playable in the next Last of Us game. The Last of Us Part 2 already illustrated that the franchise is willing to subvert expectations, allowing players to control characters from different factions, blurring the lines between heroes and villains. This makes it possible that the next game could place less emphasis on Ellie and more on characters such as Abby.
Maria is one of the franchise’s most memorable characters, brave enough to stand up to formidable figures like Joel when needed. Despite this, she has a deeply maternal side, and she wants the best for everyone in her settlement. Instead of treating her like a minor character, the next The Last of Us game should shine the spotlight on her and allow players to learn more about this intriguing figure.
The Last of Us Part I
The Last of Us Part 1, released in 2022, is an action-adventure title by Naughty Dog. This game is a remake of the 2013 edition, featuring refined gameplay elements such as improved combat and broader exploration. Its narrative centers on Joel, responsible for safely guiding young Ellie across the post-apocalyptic United States. Their journey is filled with dangers, including the threat from creatures that have been transformed by the Cordyceps fungus. Additionally, the game features an expansion titled The Last of Us: Left Behind.
- Franchise
- The Last of Us
- Released
- September 2, 2022
- Publisher(s)
- Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure
- Metascore
- 88
- PS Plus Availability
- N/A
