If you’ve played The Last of Us 2, you’ve probably wondered how old Ellie and Joel are during the events of the game. Their age difference and personal growth are a big part of what shapes their relationship, and understanding their ages gives even more depth to their story. Let’s break it down.
In The Last of Us 2, Ellie is 19 years old. The original game, The Last of Us, takes place in 2033, when Ellie is 14. The Last of Us 2 picks up five years later, in 2038. During those five years, Ellie matures significantly—not just physically, but emotionally. She’s no longer a kid surviving in a broken world—she’s now a young adult facing the complexities of identity, love, revenge, and trauma.
As for Joel, he is around 52 years old in The Last of Us 2. In the first game, Joel mentions that he was in his late twenties when the outbreak began in 2013. If we estimate that Joel was about 28 or 29 at the time, and considering that The Last of Us 2 takes place in 2038, that would make Joel around 52 during the second game’s events.
Their age difference of over 30 years adds a unique dynamic to their relationship. Joel isn’t just a father figure to Ellie—he’s someone shaped by decades of pain, survival, and loss. Ellie, meanwhile, is still growing into her own identity, navigating a world that’s far different than the one Joel once knew.
Understanding their ages helps contextualize the emotional choices and difficult conflicts throughout the game. Joel is worn, careful, and fiercely protective. Ellie is determined, impulsive, and still learning what it means to live with the consequences of her decisions.
Whether you’re new to the series or replaying it for the 10th time, knowing how old Ellie and Joel are adds another layer to the emotional storytelling The Last of Us 2 is known for.