The world of The Last of Us is hauntingly unforgettable — not just because of its spine-chilling Clickers or emotional gut punches, but because of its human monsters. Over two games (and a gripping TV series), we’ve encountered all kinds of factions, each with their own twisted ideologies, brutal tactics, and survival codes. So today, we’re diving headfirst into the madness and ranking the most iconic factions across The Last of Us universe — from the eerily cultish to the purely chaotic.
1. The Fireflies – The Tragic Idealists
They’re the first major faction we meet, and they leave a lasting impression. The Fireflies are all about revolution — fighting against FEDRA’s authoritarian rule and searching desperately for a cure. Noble? Maybe. But their methods? Questionable at best. They weren’t afraid to spill innocent blood in the name of a better future, and their ultimate downfall was their own tunnel-vision obsession with saving the world, at any cost.
Would you have made Joel’s choice? That debate still divides players years later.
2. The WLF (Washington Liberation Front) – Muscle Over Morality
Big guns. Big territory. Bigger grudges. The WLF rules Seattle with military might, turning post-apocalyptic warfare into an organized operation. They’re essentially what FEDRA wanted to be: a disciplined paramilitary group with tanks, dogs, and a whole lot of bullets. But as Ellie and Abby both learn the hard way, this faction’s loyalty often comes at the price of humanity.
If you’re hopping back into The Last of Us Part II, you’ll want your gear ready. That’s why many players choose to buy PlayStation Store gift card ahead of time — making it quick and easy to unlock extra content, expansions, or even just a well-earned skin for your next run.
3. The Seraphites (a.k.a. Scars) – Whispers in the Woods
Creepy? Definitely. Dangerous? Absolutely. The Seraphites are a religious cult that thrives on silence, submission, and brutal rituals. With their eerie whistling communication and complete rejection of modern technology, these forest-dwelling fanatics feel like something out of a horror movie. But in the world of The Last of Us, they’re painfully real — and painfully effective with a bow.
Their ideological war with the WLF tore Seattle apart. But what’s scarier than two armies colliding? Being caught between them.
4. FEDRA – Order Through Oppression
Once upon a time, FEDRA was the government’s answer to chaos. But by the time we meet them in the game and show, they’re essentially the new world’s stormtroopers — corrupt, cruel, and clinging to control by any means necessary. Curfews, rations, public executions… yeah, not exactly poster children for justice. Still, without FEDRA’s cold grip early on, things might’ve fallen apart even faster.
Their downfall across multiple cities proves one thing: fear-based rule never lasts.
5. Hunters & Cannibals – The Bottom Feeders
These aren't organized groups so much as recurring threats, but they deserve a spot for their sheer savagery. The Hunters from Pittsburgh, with their ambush tactics and looter culture, remind us just how brutal humans can be without rules. And then there’s David’s group — the cannibalistic horror show that took "survival" to the darkest extreme.
You’ll never look at a rabbit stew the same way again.
6. Jackson – A Rare Glimmer of Hope
Not every faction is a nightmare. Jackson — Tommy and Maria’s little slice of civilization — is a functioning community with electricity, gardens, and even movie nights. It’s what the world could be, if people worked together instead of tearing each other apart. And in a game filled with pain, Jackson stands as a beacon of peace… until the past inevitably catches up.
Final Thoughts: Trust No One (Except Maybe Tommy)
The Last of Us isn’t just about infected enemies — it’s about the terrifying unpredictability of people. Every faction, from the Fireflies to the Seraphites, is a reminder that survival can warp even the noblest intentions. Whether you side with the rebels, the military, or the cult, one thing’s for sure: trust is always a gamble.
And if you’re planning your next replay, load up on resources the easy way. Eneba digital marketplace makes it simple to buy PlayStation Store gift cards, snag DLCs, or grab that remastered version you’ve been eyeing. Just like in the game, preparation is everything.