Scent Trails Explained

Scent Trails are a new feature in The Last of Us Part II (TLoU 2), which make it easier for the enemies to spot you. Here we will explain the feature, as well as how to detect and avoid getting caught by Scent Trails.

What are Scent Trails?

Scent Trails is a new feature added in to The Last of Us Part II. These trails are picked up by Guard Dogs that are used by the WLF (Washington Liberation Front).

These Guard Dogs will follow your Scent Trail allong with their handler and give your exact location.

How to Detect Scent Trails

When a Guard Dog detects your scent, they will start following your trail while being accompanied by its handler. Use Listen Mode to detect your own Scent Trail to easily plan your next action and to prevent them from catching up on you.

How to Avoid Scent Trails

Distracting the Enemy

You can use Bricks, Bottles, and other items to cause a distraction to both the Guard Dogs or their handlers and divert their attention to the noise made by these items.

Constantly Moving

If a Guard Dog spots you, moving around the area will widen your scent trails, causing them cover more grounds and making it harder to pinpoint your location.

Setting Up Traps

You can also use the Scent Trails to your advantage and lure the Guard Dogs and handlers onto traps or to areas further away from their allies for a stealthy kill. Doing this will give you more options on how you will deal with them, since it gives you an opportunity to take them out first. Just note that a trap blowing up will almost certainly alert other enemies nearby.

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