TL;DR
- Three story-based trophies require specific contextual triggers during flashback sequences
- The museum hat trophy demands careful exploration and interaction timing with dinosaur exhibits
- Shooting range competition success relies on headshot accuracy and weapon selection
- Aquarium bow challenge emphasizes speed over precision with unique arrow physics
- All hidden trophies are missable and require chapter replay if overlooked
Securing the Platinum trophy in The Last of Us Part 2 requires mastering three elusive hidden achievements that blend seamlessly into the narrative. These story-driven challenges demand specific contextual interactions during key flashback moments, making them easily missable during normal gameplay progression.
While numerous trophies focus on collecting scattered items and upgrading equipment, these particular achievements test your observational skills and timing within emotionally charged story sequences. Missing any of them necessitates replaying entire chapters, which can consume significant additional time.
Critical spoiler alert: Proceeding further reveals specific story moments and locations that are best experienced organically during your initial playthrough. Consider completing the game naturally first, then returning for cleanup using this guide to minimize narrative disruption.
For comprehensive assistance beyond these hidden challenges, explore our Complete Guide covering broader gameplay mechanics and progression systems.
This charming character moment occurs during the initial museum flashback featuring Joel and Ellie’s exploration. The sequence unfolds in a natural history museum where environmental interactions drive the trophy trigger.
Immediately upon entering the museum’s first chamber, scan the left-side display rack for a distinctive brown explorer’s hat. Ellie will automatically don the headwear, setting the stage for the upcoming interactions.
Critical execution tip: Progress deliberately through the dinosaur exhibition hall, methodically approaching each skeletal display. The contextual prompt to place the hat on Joel appears only after you’ve adorned two or three dinosaur specimens first. Rushing through this area frequently causes players to bypass the trigger entirely.
Common mistake: Many trophy hunters miss this achievement by advancing too quickly between interactions. The game’s pacing here is deliberately slow, requiring patience as you wait for Ellie’s dialogue options to populate. Position yourself directly facing Joel after the second hat placement to ensure the interaction prompt appears.

Strategic approach: Systematically interact with every dinosaur skeleton in sequence, returning to collect the hat each time before moving to the next display. This methodical approach guarantees the Joel interaction trigger activates consistently.
During the stadium preparation sequence before venturing into Seattle, your visit to the armory presents an optional shooting range challenge. After collecting your equipment from the quartermaster, rotate 180 degrees to discover the practice area where this competition unfolds.
Weapon selection strategy: While multiple firearms are available, the assault rifle’s combination of magazine capacity and firing rate makes it the optimal choice. Its forgiving nature accommodates minor aiming errors while maintaining competitive timing.
Target prioritization: Focus exclusively on achieving consistent headshots, as these deliver maximum points per target. Body shots require significantly more hits to match the score potential of precise cranial targeting.
Advanced technique: Practice controlled breathing between shots rather than rapid firing. The time bonus for accuracy substantially outweighs the penalty for slower pacing. Manny’s score threshold is reasonably achievable with disciplined marksmanship.

For deeper weapon mastery applicable to similar challenges, consult our Weapons Unlock guide covering aiming fundamentals and equipment optimization.
The final hidden trophy emerges during the aquarium flashback in the Winter Visit chapter, accessible after navigating the Hostile Territory segment. This nostalgic shooting gallery echoes similar mechanics from Uncharted 4, requiring both speed and trajectory understanding.
Bow physics mastery: Unlike conventional firearms, the toy bow features pronounced arrow drop over distance. Closer targets demand minimal elevation adjustment, while distant objectives require substantial aiming compensation.
Target pattern optimization: Begin with the nearest cardboard cutouts to build momentum, then systematically work outward. The scattered positioning allows efficient movement between clusters rather than random target selection.
Speed versus accuracy balance: Precision aiming is unnecessary—simply hitting any part of the targets suffices. The challenge emphasizes rapid successive hits over marksmanship perfection.
Knock down as many targets as you can before the timer runs out in the “Winter Visit” chapter; if you grab the high score, you get the Trophy.
Common challenge: Players frequently underestimate the arrow drop mechanics, consistently overshooting distant targets. Practice a few test shots at varying ranges before initiating the timed attempt to internalize the trajectory behavior.
Strategic positioning: Station yourself centrally in the aquarium space to minimize movement between target groups. This central hub approach reduces time wasted on repositioning between shots.
Chapter replay efficiency: If you miss any hidden trophy, utilize chapter select functionality rather than starting a new game. This approach preserves your collectible progress while allowing targeted trophy acquisition.
Timing optimization: For the aquarium challenge, complete a reconnaissance lap to memorize target locations before your scored attempt. This mental mapping prevents hesitation during the timed sequence.
Movement economy: Develop fluid motion patterns between targets, minimizing unnecessary steps. The timer continues during all movement, making efficiency as crucial as accuracy.
Score maximization technique: In both shooting challenges, prioritize consistency over perfection. Multiple solid hits outperform occasional perfect shots interrupted by misses.
For broader gameplay optimization that complements these trophy strategies, explore our Class Guide covering character specialization and ability synergies.
Completion tracking: Consider maintaining a checklist of these missable trophies alongside your main progression to avoid oversight.
Action Checklist
- Museum flashback: Methodically place hat on 2-3 dinosaurs before Joel interaction
- Stadium armory: Use assault rifle for headshots in shooting competition
- Aquarium Winter Visit: Master bow arrow drop for rapid target hits
- Practice bow trajectory with test shots before timed attempt
- Use chapter select for missed trophies rather than new game
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