How to Use Listen Mode

Listen Mode is an essential technique in The Last of Us Part 2, which allows you to see enemies before approach them. Read on to learn how to make the most of this mechanic, including Listen Mode Upgrades.

What is Listen Mode?

Listen Mode is a returning mechanic in The Last of Us Part II, and it was one of the central mechanics in the first Last of Us. Using Listen Mode allows you to 'see' the shapes of enemies that are behind walls and around corners. Proper use of this technique will allow you to get the upper hand on enemies by sneaking up on them or avoiding them all together.

How to Use Listen Mode

Listen mode can be used by holding the R1 button. Doing this will automatically force you to crouch, and cause you to walk even slower than the normal crouch walk speed. While holding the R1 button down, the screen will become much darker, and nearby enemies will be indicated by a blurry white outline. Note that while in listen mode, you will be unable to draw your weapon or do anything other than move slowly.

After using listen mode to look for foes, your next option is up to you. If you spot an enemy, you will typically want to do one of three things:

1. Avoid being detected and creep up from behind the enemy for a Stealth Kill.
2. Study the enemy's movement pattern momentarily, then sneak by, or run past it.
3. Ready your weapon and shoot the enemy before it gets to you.

The precise option you go with depends a little bit on your playstyle, as well as the situation you are in. For the most part, Listen Mode is a great tool for executing stealth kills on enemies, since it will let you track the enemy's location before it becomes aware of yours. This option lets you eliminate the threat without alerting other enemies and conserving ammo.

How to Stealth Kill | Stealth Tips

In other situations, you may opt to simply sneak past the enemy, especially if you are the type of player who just likes to get through an area as quickly as possible without exploring. Sometimes an enemy will detect you before you can sneak past them or stealth kill them, so Listen Mode will at least let you know to prepare for battle.

Listen Mode Upgrades

By using supplements, you can increase the effectiveness of Listen Mode. The upgrades are as follows:

* = The number of supplements required to unlock all previous upgrades in the skill branch.

Note: The list of upgrades is still under construction. More information is coming soon.

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