The Last of Us Part II Remastered arrived on PC on 3 April 2025, ported by Nixxes and Iron Galaxy from Naughty Dog's 2020 original. Alongside the visual work it carries three things the 2020 release never had: No Return, a roguelike survival mode with twelve playable characters, three unfinished Lost Levels shipped with developer commentary, and Guitar Free Play. The campaign is unchanged at 11 acts and 46 sub chapters, split between Ellie and Abby across the same three days in Seattle.
Boss fights are where The Last of Us Part II Remastered tests everything you've learned. This guide covers strategies for bosses across all areas, organized by progression order. For general combat techniques, see our combat guide.
Boss Difficulty Overview
| Area | Difficulty | Recommended Role | Key Weapons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson | Easy | Abby | Bow |
| Channel 13 | Moderate | Abby | Bow |
| Hillcrest | Hard | Ellie | Semi-Auto Pistol |
| The Aquarium | Very Hard | Ellie | Semi-Auto Pistol |
| Santa Barbara | Extreme | Ellie | Semi-Auto Pistol |
Jackson Bosses
Area difficulty: Easy Recommended level: Act 1 Recommended role: Abby with Bow
Strategy
The first bosses teach core combat mechanics. Focus on learning patterns rather than dealing damage. Molotovs, shivs, health kits, explosive arrows and trap mines all draw on one shared pool of alcohol, rags, blades, binding and explosives, and crafting runs in real time without pausing. This is your primary tool here.
Key tips:
- Don't rush. Learn the attack patterns first.
- Use Crafting under pressure to create safe windows.
- Bow is enough to handle everything here.
Channel 13 Bosses
Area difficulty: Moderate Recommended level: Seattle Day 1, Ellie Recommended role: Abby with Bow
Strategy
Early game bosses test your understanding of Prone stealth and grass. Players who skipped learning this mechanic will hit a wall here.
Key tips:
- Prone stealth and grass is critical for these fights.
- Farm Bow upgrades if you're struggling.
- Consider switching to Abby if your current setup isn't working.
Hillcrest Bosses
Area difficulty: Hard Recommended level: Seattle Day 2, Ellie Recommended role: Ellie with Semi-Auto Pistol
Strategy
Mid-game bosses are the major skill check. They combine multiple mechanics and punish players who rely on a single strategy.
Key tips:
- You need both Crafting under pressure and Listen Mode tracking mastery.
- Semi-Auto Pistol makes a significant difference. Get it before attempting these.
- See our combat guide for advanced techniques.
The Aquarium Bosses
Area difficulty: Very Hard Recommended level: Seattle Day 1, Abby Recommended role: Ellie with Semi-Auto Pistol
Strategy
Late-game bosses are serious challenges. Build optimization matters as much as mechanical skill.
Key tips:
- Make sure your build is fully optimized.
- Semi-Auto Pistol at max upgrade is recommended.
- Study each boss's attack patterns. Most have 2-3 phases.
Santa Barbara Bosses
Area difficulty: Extreme Recommended level: Act 10 Recommended role: Ellie with Semi-Auto Pistol
Strategy
Endgame bosses are the ultimate test. They require mastery of all combat systems and an optimized build.
Key tips:
- Top-tier build with best-in-slot gear is mandatory.
- Master every mechanic. See our combat guide.
- These fights reward patience and pattern recognition above all else.
General Boss Tips
- Learn before you fight: Spend your first attempt observing attack patterns. Don't try to win on attempt one.
- Match your build: Some bosses favor certain builds over others. Don't be afraid to switch.
- Upgrade your weapons: A max-upgraded Semi-Auto Pistol trivializes fights that seem impossible with weaker gear.
- Use Crafting under pressure: The core combat mechanic is your best defensive tool in every boss fight.
- Check the walkthrough: Our walkthrough tells you when you're ready for each boss.
More The Last of Us Part II Remastered Guides
- The Last of Us Part II Remastered The Last of Us Part II Remastered Overview
- The Last of Us Part II Remastered Best Builds
- The Last of Us Part II Remastered Tier List
- The Last of Us Part II Remastered Walkthrough
- The Last of Us Part II Remastered Beginner's Guide
- The Last of Us Part II Remastered Tips & Tricks
- The Last of Us Part II Remastered Weapons Guide
- The Last of Us Part II Remastered Combat Guide
- The Last of Us Part II Remastered Maps & Locations
- The Last of Us Part II Remastered Crafting Guide
- The Last of Us Part II Remastered Classes & Characters
Similar Games
If you enjoy The Last of Us Part II Remastered, check out these related guides:
- Helldivers 2 Boss Guide: action game with similar mechanics
- Black Myth: Wukong Boss Guide: action game with similar mechanics
- Monster Hunter Wilds Boss Guide: action game with similar mechanics
