The Last of Us Shocker: Is This Innocent NPC More ...

An eagled-eyed The Last of Us Part 1 fan believes that they have stumbled across Joel Miller’s long-distance girlfriend, Esther, as an NPC based at Tommy’s Dam. Since the franchise’s debut in 2013, there’s been no shortage of praise for The Last of Us‘ harrowing tale and its beautiful yet somber environments that are filled with unearthly infected and morally challenged enemies. However, beneath the game’s cold and cruel exterior lies a story of hope, love, and the things people do to survive in such harsh conditions.

Due to the dramatic events surrounding Joel’s daughter, Tess’ emotional sacrifice, and a traumatizing encounter involving Ellie at the Lakeside Resort, it’s easy to see why fans think that The Last of Us has one of gaming’s saddest storylines. It’s been 11 years since the Naughty Dog title launched, and fans are still discussing many aspects of the post-apocalyptic game, including some cool and interesting theories.

On Reddit, a player has delved into one of these theories, as they believe they have found Joel Miller’s long-distance girlfriend as an NPC hanging around Tommy’s Dam in The Last of Us‘ chapter seven. The poster shares that while they were playing as the game’s protagonist and following Tommy around the outside of the Hydroelectric Dam, an optional conversation with a woman who is on guard pops up. The woman begins to flirt with Joel, telling him that he looks like Tommy and that she meant that as a compliment. The Redditor mustered up a theory that this could very well be Joel’s girlfriend Esther, who, in a discarded version of the game’s story, lived out by the dam and whom he had a commuter relationship with.

The Last of Us Part 1 Fan Thinks They’ve Found Joel’s Girlfriend

Even though Naughty Dog didn’t establish Esther further in the game, Joel did have a complex relationship with The Last of Us‘ Tess that could be witnessed by players. It is implied that there was more to Joel and Tess’ relationship than just being business partners, as the two lived together and their on-screen chemistry was off the charts. Tess’ sacrifice early into the game’s story was also the initial catalyst for Joel and Ellie’s journey together.

Finding all of these interesting, and often missable, details throughout the game is a great way for fans to discover cool The Last of Us Easter eggs as they patiently wait to hear more about whether Naughty Dog will continue with the franchise.