10 Really Stupid Decisions In Horror Video Games
5. Joel's Selfishness - The Last Of Us
This is a pretty controversial choice, and not one everyone will agree with - but objectively, the ending of The Last of Us can definitely be seen as a really stupid decision.
Whilst the emotional impact and reasoning of Joel's choice are all absolutely perfect, and the humanity behind his decision-making undeniable, the final choice he comes to is ridiculous when it comes to rebuilding Earth and ensuring humankind actually survives.
When faced with losing his surrogate daughter Ellie, who's immunity to the Cordyceps fungal infection could provide the scientific breakthrough the Firefly collective needs to produce a vaccine, Joel decides to take her back. He manages to fight his way into her procedure, murder the surgeons, and runs away with her after finishing off the head of the Fireflies herself, Marlene.
This results in a world that could very realistically become overrun with the infected and never recover again. All for the love of one little girl.
It's a stupid decision, yes, but not one without its emotional caveats. It's not one anyone should ever have to make, that's for sure, and one we will see the true repercussions of soon enough in Part 2.