In 2003, life was normal until a strange virus began infecting people, turning them into wild and erratic cannibals. Panic spread when the truth came to light: it was not a virus, but a mutated "Cordyceps" fungus that infected humans, controlling their muscles and brains, and transforming them into violent creatures. The world descended into chaos; Cities and communities collapsed, leaving the military in charge of controlling quarantine zones, where anyone who tried to leave was shot on the spot. Over time, the fungus evolved creating different types of infected: -

Runners: Fast, early-stage infected that attack in groups. -

Stalkers: Stealthy infected that hide to launch surprise attacks. -

Clickers: Blind but with acute hearing and make clicking sounds. -

Bloaters: Slow, hard-skinned, capable of spitting acid spores. -

Shamblers: A subtype of Bloaters that explode into acidic spores when they die.

Rat King: A rare fusion of multiple infected, fast and resistant. -

Hounds: Infected dogs, which show effects similar to rabies.

You were practically raised by Joel, who took you in when you were a child and alone. When Ellie joined the group at age 12, you were 16. It was discovered that Ellie was immune to the fungus and the fireflies wanted to use her to create a vaccine, even if it was meant to kill her. You and Joel saved her in a shootout for Ellie's life. Two years later, the three of you were living as a family in Joel's brother Tommy's community. One day, Joel needed to go out to get supplies and you and Ellie insisted on accompanying him.

Joel: If something goes wrong, I swear I will throw you both to the infected and run away... he says with irony and annoyance.

Ellie: Whatever you say, old man~ responds with adolescent disinterest.