Was Riley In Love With Ellie? Unpacking Their Deep Connection

Darrel Greenholt 27 Jul 2025

The relationship between Ellie and Riley in The Last of Us has captivated many hearts, and it's a question that often comes up: Was Riley in love with Ellie? For fans of the game and the recent show, this bond is more than just friendship; it truly shapes Ellie's character and her path. It's a connection that feels very real, sparking a lot of discussion among those who follow their story closely.

So, too it's almost, the dynamic between Ellie and Riley is a central part of The Last of Us universe. It's a story that starts with two young people relying on each other in a difficult world. Their shared experiences and the dangers they face bring them incredibly close, and you can really see how much they mean to one another.

This article will look closely at their bond, drawing details from the game's downloadable content, "Left Behind," and the HBO series adaptation. We will explore the moments that define their connection and answer, in a way, whether love truly blossomed between them, offering a comprehensive answer to this often-asked question.

The Beginnings: A Friendship Forged in Chaos
- Meeting and Early Bonds
- Riley's Departure and Return
The Turning Point: A Night at the Mall
- A Celebration of Their Connection
- The Kiss: A Moment of Clarity
Love in the Face of Despair
- The Bite and Its Aftermath
- Riley's Powerful Words
The Last of Us Adaptation: Expanding the Love Story
- Embracing and Expanding Their Bond
- Casting and Chemistry
FAQ About Ellie and Riley

The Beginnings: A Friendship Forged in Chaos

Meeting and Early Bonds

Ellie and Riley's story, you know, began within the confines of the quarantine zone. Their initial meeting was actually quite dramatic, setting the stage for their unique connection. Riley, in fact, stepped in when Ellie, as a newcomer, was facing some bullies.

Riley, you see, stopped the bullies by fighting them back, which is pretty brave. This act of protection, right then and there, formed the foundation of their early relationship. It showed a protective side to Riley, and it made Ellie feel safe with her.

After this initial encounter, the two, sort of, developed a very close friendship. They relied on each other in a world where trust was a rare and valuable thing. They were, in some respects, each other's only constant, a true anchor in a sea of uncertainty.

Riley's Departure and Return

At one point, Riley, rather abruptly, left Ellie without a single word. This departure, naturally, left Ellie feeling abandoned and hurt. It was a tough blow for someone who had come to depend so much on her friend.

Then, one night, Riley, surprisingly, broke into Ellie's room. She came back with a proposition, asking Ellie to come with her on an adventure. Ellie, initially, was hesitant and refused the invitation.

However, Ellie, you know, quickly changed her mind. This was just like Riley had, apparently, predicted she would. It shows the deep understanding Riley had of Ellie, knowing she couldn't resist the lure of something new and exciting, especially with her.

The Turning Point: A Night at the Mall

A Celebration of Their Connection

The night at the mall, you see, was a very special event for both Ellie and Riley. It represented, in a way, an experience Riley wanted to give Ellie. It was a chance for them to just be kids, if only for a short while, away from the harsh realities of their daily lives.

This outing was meant to celebrate, too it's almost, the intensity of their relationship. It was a moment of pure joy and exploration, filled with arcade games and rides. They were just having fun, like any normal teenagers might, which was a rare luxury for them.

Ellie, really, was enticed by the thrill of sneaking out with her best friend. The abandoned mall became their playground, a place where they could, you know, forget their worries and just exist in the moment. It was a beautiful, fleeting escape.

The Kiss: A Moment of Clarity

While they were dancing, a very pivotal moment occurred. Ellie, actually, stopped and asked Riley not to go. This plea, you know, showed how much Ellie valued Riley's presence and how scared she was of losing her again. It was a raw, honest expression of her feelings.

Then, Ellie, pretty much, kissed Riley. This kiss, you know, was a crucial turning point in their story. It wasn't just a friendly gesture; it was a clear indication of deeper feelings between them. It sealed, in a way, the romantic nature of their connection.

Riley's response, too, solidified this. When Ellie kissed her, Riley, apparently, said that Ellie shouldn't be sorry for it. This acceptance, this affirmation, removed any doubt about the mutual nature of their feelings. It was a moment of shared vulnerability and undeniable affection.

This event, you know, clearly established that Ellie and Riley were, in fact, in love. They started out as best friends, only having each other, but this kiss marked their transition into something more. It was a relationship that, you know, truly began to blossom.

Love in the Face of Despair

The Bite and Its Aftermath

After their wonderful night at the mall, a tragic event unfolded. Both Ellie and Riley, you know, came under attack. This sudden assault, as a matter of fact, led to both of them being bitten, a devastating turn of events in their already precarious lives.

Once they were bitten, Ellie, understandably, became furious. She was, you know, ready to give up completely and end everything. The weight of their situation, the realization of their impending fate, was just too much for her to bear at that moment.

Riley's Powerful Words

It was Riley, you know, who stepped up during this dark time. She convinced Ellie that even if they were on borrowed time, they should make that time count. Her words were a powerful plea to embrace what little time they had left, and to use it well.

Riley, you know, urged Ellie to make their remaining moments worthwhile. She stressed the importance of spending that time with love, and really, to do what it takes to make it meaningful. It was a profound statement about choosing joy and connection even in the face of doom.

This conversation, you know, further cemented the depth of their love. It wasn't just about surviving; it was about living, truly living, with each other, for as long as they possibly could. This was a testament to their deep emotional bond, even in the most dire circumstances.

The two, as a matter of fact, started out as best friends who only had each other. But they soon entered into a relationship before Riley, tragically, got infected and died. Her final act, in a way, was to inspire Ellie to cherish every moment, especially those filled with love.

The Last of Us Adaptation: Expanding the Love Story

Embracing and Expanding Their Bond

The HBO television adaptation of The Last of Us, you know, really took the opportunity to expand on these relationships. In the cases of both Riley and Ellie, and Bill and Frank, the show not only included these game characters but truly embraced and expanded their love stories. This was a significant step beyond what the game was able to do.

In the game, you know, Riley's story was first released as downloadable content, known as "Left Behind." The creators, apparently, hadn't even thought about Ellie's orientation or anything like that in the main campaign. But with "Left Behind," they felt that Ellie and Riley just being friends was not weighty enough emotionally. So, they decided, you know, to tell a love story.

Riley, you know, just happened to already be established as a female character, so that made the decision quite natural. The show, in a way, built upon this foundation, giving more screen time and emotional depth to their burgeoning romance. It allowed viewers to really feel the connection between them.

As everyone, you know, anticipates a heartfelt remake of Ellie and Riley's relationship in the upcoming "Left Behind" adaptation, the Last of Us community is also, interestingly, lightening the mood by poking fun at the account. It shows how much this specific relationship means to the fan base, and how deeply it has resonated.

Casting and Chemistry

The casting for these roles was, you know, very important. Storm Reid was perfectly cast as Riley, and her chemistry with Bella Ramsey, who plays Ellie, was simply outstanding. They both, in fact, nailed the performances, bringing their characters' bond to life in a way that felt incredibly authentic.

The Ellie and Riley relationship, you know, is integral to understanding Ellie as a character. Their dynamic, their shared history, and the love they found, all contribute to who Ellie becomes later on. It's a foundational experience for her, shaping her outlook on connection and loss.

Storm Reid, who plays Riley in the latest episode of The Last of Us, actually told Teen Vogue about her character's relationship to Bella Ramsey's Ellie. This kind of insight from the actors themselves, you know, often helps fans understand the nuances of the bond they portrayed on screen.

Given the world they live in, and that the physical extent of their relationship was one kiss, some might, you know, question the depth. But the emotional impact of that one kiss, and Riley's powerful words, speaks volumes. It's not about the quantity of physical acts, but the quality of the emotional connection, which was very deep.

The bond between Ellie and Riley in The Last of Us is, you know, a significant aspect of the game's storyline. Many fans have pondered whether Ellie truly fell in love with Riley, and the evidence, both from the game's original intent for the DLC and the show's expansion, points to a clear yes. It was a profound and defining love story for both characters, especially for Ellie, who carried the memory of Riley with her.

Learn more about The Last of Us on our site, and link to this page The Last of Us Wiki.

FAQ About Ellie and Riley

Here are some common questions people often ask about Ellie and Riley's relationship:

What is the real relationship between Ellie and Riley?

Basically, Ellie and Riley started as best friends, but their relationship evolved into a romantic one. This was clearly established by their kiss at the mall and Riley's acceptance of Ellie's feelings. The creators, you know, specifically decided to tell a love story for the "Left Behind" DLC because they felt a mere friendship wasn't emotionally strong enough.

Does Ellie fall in love with Joel?

The road leading to the climax of HBO’s The Last of Us has been built around the relationship formed by Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Joel (Pedro Pascal). Initially antagonistic, it soon becomes a relationship of convenience, necessity, and eventually, love. So, you know, while Ellie had a romantic love for Riley, her love for Joel develops into a very different, paternal kind of bond.

Who is Ellie’s second girlfriend?

In 2020’s The Last of Us Part II, Ellie, you know, develops a romance with Dina. Dina is Ellie's girlfriend in the second game, a significant relationship that, you know, further explores Ellie's romantic life after the events of the first game and "Left Behind."

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