When Naughty Dog dropped The Last of Us Part II in 2020, the internet basically exploded. People were screaming about Joel, arguing about Abby, and tearing each other apart over the game's brutal cycle of violence. But in the middle of all that noise, there was Lev. Honestly, it’s hard to overstate how much the introduction of The Last of Us Lev shifted the emotional gravity of the entire series. He wasn't just a sidekick. He was the catalyst that made Abby’s redemption arc actually work, whether you liked her or not.
Lev isn't just a plot device. He’s a former member of the Seraphites—that terrifying, whistling cult known as the Scars—who was forced to flee for his life after defying their rigid social and religious dogmas. His journey alongside his sister, Yara, provides the most grounded look we've ever seen into the sociology of post-outbreak tribalism. It's fascinating. It’s also devastating.
The Secret Layers of Lev’s Backstory You Probably Missed
Most players know Lev was born Lily. Within the Seraphite community, roles are strictly assigned by gender. Women are expected to be wives and mothers, while men become warriors. When Lev shaved his head to signal his identity and his desire to serve as a soldier, the cult didn't just disagree; they marked him for death. This wasn't just about a "rebellion." It was a complete rejection of the only world he had ever known.
Think about the sheer courage that takes. He grew up in a world where the Prophet’s word was law. To the Seraphites, the "Old World" was a sin, and anything outside their island was a nightmare. Yet, Lev chose the nightmare over the lie.
Ian Alexander, the actor who brought Lev to life, has spoken extensively about the importance of this representation. Alexander, who is also trans, brought a level of authenticity that prevented Lev from becoming a caricature. You can feel the weight of his trauma in the way he handles a bow, or in those quiet moments when he asks Abby about "The Aquarium." It’s a performance rooted in a specific kind of quiet resilience.
He’s sixteen. That’s easy to forget because he acts so much older. But then he’ll ask a question about a pre-outbreak concept—like what a "bigot" is—and you’re suddenly reminded that he’s a kid who was raised in a religious vacuum. That contrast is where the writing really shines.
How The Last of Us Lev Parallelled Ellie’s Original Journey
If you look closely at the structure of Part II, Lev is essentially the "Ellie" to Abby’s "Joel." This isn't a subtle comparison; it’s baked into the game’s DNA.
The first game was about a cynical, broken adult finding a reason to live through a child who still had a spark of humanity. In the second game, Abby is just as broken as Joel was, if not more so. She’s consumed by a thirst for vengeance that has hollowed out her soul. Enter Lev.
- Lev forces Abby to confront her prejudices.
- He makes her realize that the "Scars" she’s been killing for years are just people.
- He gives her a path toward "light" that isn't tied to the WLF or the military.
It's a mirror image.
The scene where Lev and Abby cross the "Sky Bridge" is a masterclass in character development. Lev is terrified of heights. Abby is also terrified of heights. They bond over their shared vulnerability while suspended hundreds of feet in the air on a rusted crane. This is where the player starts to shift. You stop seeing them as "the enemy" and start seeing them as a team. Lev’s innocence—or what’s left of it—acts as a moral compass for a character who had completely lost her way.
The Physicality of the Character: Combat and Mechanics
From a gameplay perspective, The Last of Us Lev is a beast. He’s arguably the most effective AI companion in the franchise. While Ellie in the first game would occasionally throw a brick or stab a guy, Lev is a surgical instrument with that bow.
His movements are different from other characters. He’s smaller, faster, and stays lower to the ground. This reflects his training as a Seraphite scout. They don't use guns; they use the environment. When you're playing as Abby, Lev’s whistles—the same whistles that used to terrify you when you were fighting the Scars—become a source of comfort. It’s a brilliant bit of psychological design. You learn to associate those sounds with safety instead of an impending arrow to the neck.
The Seraphites' combat style is built on stealth and verticality. Lev embodies this. He’s able to slip through gaps and find angles that Abby’s bulkier frame simply can’t manage. It creates a dynamic where they actually rely on each other for survival, rather than Lev just being someone Abby has to protect.
The Controversy and the Impact
Let's be real: Lev's presence in the game wasn't without pushback. There were corners of the internet that hated the inclusion of a trans character. Some felt it was "forced" or "political." But if you actually play the game, his identity is central to the stakes of his survival. It’s not a footnote; it’s the reason he’s being hunted.
The game doesn't sugarcoat the trans experience in the apocalypse. It's brutal. Lev loses his sister. He loses his mother. He loses his home. By the time he and Abby reach Santa Barbara, they are both husks of their former selves. The sight of Lev hanging on those pillars at the end of the game is one of the most haunting images in modern gaming. He looks so small. So fragile. It’s the final push that makes Ellie—and the player—realize that the cycle of killing has to stop. If Ellie kills Abby, she’s essentially killing Lev, too, because he has no one else left.
Why We Need Lev in The Last of Us Part III
Rumors about a third game are always swirling, and it’s hard to imagine a sequel that doesn't feature The Last of Us Lev in a major way. He and Abby are now the emotional core of the Firefly resurgence. They are the ones searching for a better world while Ellie is left picking up the pieces of her life in Jackson.
Lev represents the future. He’s a bridge between the old ways and something new. He’s seen the worst of religious extremism and the worst of military fascism, and he’s still standing. That kind of perspective is rare in the world of The Last of Us.
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If Naughty Dog decides to follow their journey to Avalon and the Fireflies, we might see a more hardened, older version of Lev. One who has mastered both the bow and the philosophy of the New World. Honestly, seeing a 20-year-old Lev leading a faction would be incredible.
What Most People Get Wrong About Lev’s Faith
There’s a common misconception that Lev hates the Seraphites. He doesn't. He hates what they’ve become, but he still carries the core tenets of the Prophet with him. He often corrects Abby when she insults their beliefs. He still prays. He still finds comfort in the rituals.
This is a nuanced take on deconstruction. It’s possible to leave a toxic environment while still holding onto the parts of your culture that you find beautiful. Lev doesn't want to be a "Wolf" (WLF). He wants to be himself. That distinction is vital for understanding his character. He’s not "joining the other side"; he’s creating a third path.
Expert Insights: The Design of a Survivor
Character designers at Naughty Dog, including lead concept artist Ashley Swidowski, worked hard to ensure Lev’s look reflected his history. His clothing is a mix of traditional Seraphite garb and scavenged gear. The scarring on his face isn't just for show; it's a mark of his former life.
Every detail matters. Even the way he speaks—very formal, almost archaic—shows the isolation of the Seraphite island. He doesn't use slang. He doesn't understand sarcasm half the time. It makes his bond with the cynical, dry-witted Abby even more compelling. They are two people from completely different worlds who were forced to find a common language.
Moving Forward: How to Experience Lev’s Story Best
If you’re revisiting the game or playing it for the first time, there are a few things you should do to truly appreciate Lev’s arc.
- Listen to the whistles. When you're in Seraphite territory, try to decode what they’re saying. They have a whole language for "intruder found" or "searching."
- Check the artifacts. There are several notes scattered around the island that mention "Lily" and the reaction of the elders to Lev’s transition. It adds a lot of context to the hunt.
- Pay attention to the background dialogue. If you stay still during the quiet moments between Abby and Lev, they have some of the best optional conversations in the game.
The legacy of The Last of Us Lev is still being written. He changed the way we look at side characters in AAA games. He wasn't there to support the lead; he was there to challenge them. In a world defined by fungal infections and clickers, Lev reminded us that the most dangerous—and most beautiful—thing is still the human heart.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you want to dive deeper into Lev's character or the lore of the Seraphites, here is what you should do next:
- Watch the "Making of" Documentaries: Look for Naughty Dog's behind-the-scenes footage specifically focusing on the motion capture sessions between Ian Alexander and Laura Bailey (Abby). The chemistry is real and it’s fascinating to see how they built that bond.
- Analyze the "Prophet" Lore: Re-read the letters found on the island. The game suggests the original Prophet might have been a much more peaceful figure than the current elders, which mirrors Lev's own struggle with his faith.
- Experimental Playthrough: Try playing the Abby/Lev sections using only "Seraphite" weapons (bows and melee). It completely changes the tension and makes you realize the skill Lev actually possesses.
Lev isn't just a character. He's a shift in perspective. He’s proof that even in the literal end of the world, people are still trying to figure out who they are. That’s a story worth telling.
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Source References:
- Grounded II: Making The Last of Us Part II (Naughty Dog Documentary)
- Interviews with Ian Alexander via The Hollywood Reporter and Wired
- The Art of The Last of Us Part II (Dark Horse Books)