The Training Manuals in *The Last of Us Part II* are essential collectibles, with a total of eight scattered throughout the game. These manuals, which include various books and magazines, allow you to unlock new Upgrade Branches—essentially skill trees—that grant new abilities for the main characters. However, these upgrades require Supplements, so make sure to collect them as you explore.
This guide will assist you in locating all the hidden Training Manuals. It’s advisable to hold off on investing in upgrades until you become more familiar with the characters and combat mechanics. Keep in mind that if you miss any Training Manual, there’s no going back; you’ll have to wait until a New Game Plus run to correct your course.
Now, let’s delve into where you can find every Training Manual and what upgrade branches they unlock.
Training Manuals for Ellie in *The Last of Us Part II*
In *The Last of Us Part II*, there are four Training Manuals specifically for Ellie. These focus on her core abilities: crafting, stealth, precision, and explosives. Collecting all four is beneficial, but it’s wise to prioritize your Supplements on the crafting and precision branches for a smoother experience towards the game’s conclusion. Continue reading to discover where to find each of Ellie’s upgrade manuals.
Crafting Training Manual Location
Training Manual: Crafting Training Manual
Location: Seattle Day 1, Downtown
Character: Ellie
You can find the Crafting Training Manual in two places on the Seattle Day 1 map. While it may appear at the overpass, the better spot to grab it is at the Courthouse located at the intersection of 6th Avenue and Madison Street.
After entering the Courthouse, which Ellie visits to look for gasoline, head into the basement office next to the elevators. On a bookshelf, you’ll find *PREP: A Survival Guide for the Silent Majority by Todd Garrett*—that’s the Crafting Training Manual. Don’t forget to use one of the safe codes while you’re there to collect some valuable Supplements before leaving!
Stealth Training Manual Location
Training Manual: Stealth Training Manual
Location: Seattle Day 1, Capitol Hill
Character: Ellie
After escaping the horrors of the elementary school, you’ll explore the Capitol Hill area. You’ll eventually come across a gas station that has one of the workbench locations. Upgrade your weapons here, then cross the street to a bookstore with a coffee shop adjacent to it.
Inside the bookstore, located next to a typewriter, you’ll find *Last Round: The Survivalist Magazine*, which is your Stealth Training Manual—ideal for avoiding those Clickers lurking just outside the doors.
Precision Training Manual Location
Training Manual: Precision Training Manual
Location: Seattle Day 2, Hillcrest
Character: Ellie
Migrating to the Hillcrest area, you should remain on high alert for collectibles. Navigate through a bike shop, then head to a Liquor Store across the street where you will encounter some shamblers, so proceed with caution as you descend to the basement.
After clearing out the basement, ascend the staircase to a children’s bookstore where you will find an *Outdoor Sportsman Magazine* resting on the counter. This is the Precision Training Manual, helping Ellie improve her accuracy with weapons.
Explosives Training Manual Location
Training Manual: Explosives Training Manual
Location: Seattle Day 2, The Seraphites
Character: Ellie
This Training Manual appears later in Ellie’s journey as you navigate the Seraphites. As you move through an apartment complex, make your way to the first floor. Turn right into an apartment with a workbench inside; triggering this will cause some enemies to rush in. Once you’ve dealt with them, go back towards the entrance to find an unlocked door with a copy of *Organic Chemistry: Concepts & Practice*. This is the Explosives Training Manual that will assist you in the challenging encounters ahead.
Spoilers for Later in the Game…
At this point in the game, discussing the storylines without revealing spoilers becomes quite tricky. If you haven’t progressed beyond the Seraphites, it’s best to stop reading here. But for those who have, continue on!
Training Manuals for Abby in *The Last of Us Part II*
After the character switch, a new set of weaponry, unlocks, and Training Manuals for Abby becomes available. Unlike Ellie, you’ll start off comparatively underpowered, which you should keep in mind when engaging in fights. Let’s explore where to find every Training Manual for Abby.
Covert Ops Training Manual Location
Training Manual: Covert Ops Training Manual
Location: Seattle Day 1, On Foot
Character: Abby
As Abby, during your time in Seattle Day 1, you’ll eventually find yourself in a warehouse. Look around; although it seems sparse, pay attention to the large boat present. Head to the second floor, where you’ll see a room with a ladder. Use this ladder to reach a higher location, enabling you to find one of the new coin collectibles for Abby.
With that completed, set the ladder down near the boat to cross over into it. Inside, you’ll discover the *David Versus Goliath* book, which serves as the Covert Ops Training Manual—essentially Abby’s version of the crafting manual, letting her craft shivs and other essential items.
Close Quarters Training Manual Location
Training Manual: Close Quarters Training Manual
Location: Seattle Day 1, Behind Enemy Lines
Character: Abby
There are two possible locations for the Close Quarters Training Manual during the Behind Enemy Lines sequence on Seattle Day 1. The first option is to find a building with the ‘Tang Fabrics’ sign; enter this building, then climb over to an adjacent one where you’ll locate the *Urban Warrior: Close-Quarters Combat Training for Civilians* book on a counter.
The preferred location is as you head deeper towards the aquarium. Upon reaching the street shown in the earlier image (after Abby spots the WLF vehicles through the window), break into Jasmine Bakery on the left side and find a safe at the back of the store. Use the combination 68-96-89 to unlock it and claim the Close Quarters Training Manual.
Firearms Training Manual Location
Training Manual: Firearms Training Manual
Location: Seattle Day 1, The Forest
Character: Abby
In The Forest area of Seattle Day 1, it’s crucial to gather as many resources as possible. After defeating the large Seraphite woman with the hammer who took your backpack, head into the Auto Shop where you can utilize a workbench.
When you’re ready, go to the kitchen and take an immediate right. There, on the cabinet located in the back of the room, is a book titled *Bring Your Own Bullets: How to Make Your Own Improvised Munitions with Everyday Household Items*. This is the Firearms Training Manual, enabling Abby to craft new ammunition types.
Ordinance Training Manual Location
Training Manual: Ordinance Training Manual
Location: Seattle Day 1, The Coast
Character: Abby
Congratulations on reaching the final Training Manual’s location in *The Last of Us Part II*! After tumbling from the highway into the water, navigate towards the ferry in the last section of Seattle Day 1. Be sure to explore your surroundings to find the Crossbow before heading up to the second level and locating the Mutiny Note artifact.
This artifact contains the code for the safe situated on the top floor of the ferry. Use the code 90-77-01 to unlock the safe and acquire the Ordinance Training Manual, which will help Abby hone her skills as you tackle the game’s challenging segments.
With all the Training Manuals obtained, you’re getting closer to finishing the game. Once completed, be sure to check out our tips for *The Last of Us Part II: No Return* to help you master the unlockable roguelike mode.
