The Great Joel Migration: From Texas Tumbleweeds to Boston Brick Walls (We Think)
Ah, Joel. The gruff smuggler with a heart (mostly) of gold from Naughty Dog's masterpiece, The Last of Us. We see him in the game living the post-apocalyptic life in the Boston quarantine zone, but how did our favorite flannel-wearing fella get all the way from Texas? Buckle up, fireflies, because this is where things get murky.
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| How Did Joel Get From Texas To Boston |
The Official Line (or Lack Thereof)
QuickTip: Read with curiosity — ask ‘why’ often.
The game itself is tight-lipped on Joel's journey. We flash forward twenty years after the outbreak, leaving a giant question mark hanging over his travels. Maybe the developers figured we'd be too busy being terrified of clickers to care where he came from. Or perhaps they're saving the epic road trip story for a future DLC (fingers crossed!).
Tip: Break it down — section by section.
Fan Theories: From Wild to Wonderful
In the absence of facts, the internet has, as always, provided a smorgasbord of speculation. Here are a few of our favorites:
Tip: Stop when you find something useful.
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- The Hitchhiking Hopeful: Maybe Joel, ever the charmer, sweet-talked his way across the country on the back of mutated monster trucks (hey, it's a wasteland, anything goes, right?).
- The Motorcycle Maestro: There's a throwaway line where Joel mentions a cross-country motorcycle trip with his brother, Tommy. Did they just keep on truckin' after the world ended?
- The Tunneling Turtle: Okay, this one's a stretch, but some fans theorize Joel burrowed his way east like a particularly grumpy mole. Not the most scenic route, but hey, points for persistence.
The Likely Truth (with a Side of Speculation)
Given the scarcity of resources in the apocalypse, hitching rides from super mutants seems a tad optimistic. The motorcycle theory holds some weight, though. We know Joel is handy with a wrench, and a long-distance motorcycle trip would explain his gruff demeanor (hours on a Harley will do that to a man).
Tip: Focus on clarity, not speed.
But here's the kicker: Wouldn't it be amazing if the answer was simpler? Maybe after the outbreak, Texas just wasn't his scene. Perhaps the wide-open spaces reminded him too much of a life he'd lost. Boston, with its cramped quarters and bustling (well, as bustling as a post-apocalypse gets) QZ, might have felt strangely comforting in its way.
So, the real answer? We don't know. But that leaves plenty of room for imaginative storytelling!
FAQ - How to Channel Your Inner Joel (Without the Clickers)
- How to hone your gruff exterior? Practice scowling in the mirror for extended periods. Bonus points for muttering to yourself about fireflies.
- How to become a smuggling extraordinaire? Mastering the art of haggling is key. Just remember, the best deals are often made in dimly lit, monster-infested alleyways.
- How to cultivate a don't-mess-with-me aura? Learn to disassemble and reassemble a firearm blindfolded. This will establish dominance (and hopefully deter any potential looters).
- How to survive a post-apocalyptic road trip? Pack lightly, travel during the day (when clickers are less active...ish), and always have a good escape plan (tunneling optional).
- How to find your own Boston (metaphorically speaking)? Sometimes a change of scenery is all you need. Just make sure your new digs aren't crawling with infected monstrosities.
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