The world of The Last of Us is more than just Infected and rain-soaked survival. It’s also a full-blown zoo of factions — each convinced they hold the key to humanity’s salvation. Or at least plan to outlast everyone else. Some wear uniforms. Some pray. Some stage coups. Let’s break down who’s fighting for what.
FEDRA: Discipline, Dictatorship—and Then Some More Discipline
FEDRA (Federal Disaster Response Agency) started out as a government institution. Post-outbreak, it quickly morphed into a strict military dictatorship. They control the quarantine zones, enforce order, hand out rations, and reward snitches.
Sounds stable — until you factor in public executions for minor disobedience and officers moonlighting as black market dealers.
FEDRA runs on fear, not belief. It’s survival instinct dressed in uniform. Don’t like it? You can always run to the opposition — though they come with baggage of their own.
The Fireflies: Freedom, Science and a Bit of Guerrilla Warfare
The Fireflies are the main resistance force. A scattered, anarchist network of rebels convinced FEDRA is evil and salvation lies in freedom — and maybe a breakthrough cure. Their cause sounds noble, but their methods? Not so much. Think bombings, kidnappings, and some ethically murky medical experiments.
They're the ones behind Ellie’s storyline, and it’s because of them Joel makes that choice at the end of season one.
Seraphites (aka Scars): Silence, Arrows and Religious Zen
Season two introduces the Seraphites: a spiritual group that believes modern civilisation was a mistake. Their goal? Return to nature. They don’t speak — only sign — and carry bows like they’ve wandered in from The Revenant. The nickname "Scars" comes from their ritual facial slashes. Don’t be fooled by the quiet. They’ve got strict hierarchies, a code of conduct, and their version of peace involves waging brutal war against the WLF.
WLF: A State-less Army with a State of Mind
The Washington Liberation Front is what happens when ex-military types band together and say, "Let’s build a better FEDRA — with fewer screwups." They rise from the ashes of old systems, reject the Fireflies’ idealism and the Seraphites’ mysticism, and focus on one thing: survive, defend the base, and keep the mushroom-zombies out. They don’t preach, they don’t philosophise — they just get the job done. And unlike FEDRA, they’re actually good at it.
Final Thought: When Good and Evil Stop Mattering
What do all these factions have in common? They all started out with good intentions. But in a world where hope is a luxury, good turns grey fast. Everyone has their own truth. But no one holds the monopoly on humanity.
So when Ellie, Joel (rest in peace, old man), or anyone else gets caught between them — it’s no longer about who’s right. It’s about who shoots first.
