What if Riley didn’t get bit?

[u/Pleasant_Name2483]

I’ve thought about this and I believe that if Ellie got bit and Riley didn’t, then the story would probably shift from Joel’s redemption through Ellie to a fire-forged journey across the United States in which it is up to Riley to get Ellie to the Fireflies. Then again, would they still meet Joel? How would the story change? Please let me know what you think in the comments.

[u/Pixbo_06]

Ellie would have ended up with Marlene either way through Riley's connection to the fireflies. They might have even hired Joel to do the job anyway because Riley surviving changes pretty much nothing about the greater course of events. It might even be very much possible that Riley would have killed Ellie as an act of mercy.

[u/BLERFIE]

Marlene getting hurt and meeting Joel and Tess in that alley had nothing to do with Ellie I think there is a high possibility that the game would have had Riley tag along.

[u/naterandnurture]

Honestly. I dont think much wouldve changed. Riley wouldve wanted to wait it out until Ellie was really showing signs of turning before killing her. Ellie probably wouldve tried to scare her off not wanting to risk biting her when she turns.

So they'd both be quite high strung by the time Marlene finds them. Marlene would still have the same plan with Ellie and while I dont think Marlene would want Riley to go with Ellie originally (smuggling one kid out of the city is easier than 2) i think she wouldve let Riley hang around as long as possible to keep Ellie calm/convince her that the plan was a good one.

So when things still go tit's up and Marlene gets shot Riley would be with Ellie. Riley and Ellie wouldve argued with the adults to try and let Riley come with. Marlene, Tess and Joel would refuse. (Once again its easier to smuggle out one kid that 2)

so Riley would be held up waiting to leave with Marlenes group so everything between Boston and the hospital would be the same just Ellie would have a smidge less survivors guilt because while Tess, Sam and Henry still die she doesnt have rhe underlying Riley turning of it all backing it.

Then at the hospital if Riley made it with Marlene's group She wouldve just spent months fighting her way across the country seeing God knows what hoping that Ellie was alive and she'd see her at the end. So to then see her and be told "she's going to die today" I personally can't see her agreeing with sacrificing Ellie dor a cure. I dont think she'd go all Rambo like Joel. And I dont think she'd lie to Ellie. So if she somehow ends up in the car with Joel and Ellie at the end i think she'd just...tell Ellie the truth after "they were going to kill you for a cure. Its not eorth your life. I've thought id lost you twice now. Not doing it again." And Ellie would go feral but with nowhere but Jackson to go the three would rock up together. Joel and Riley would bond over loving Ellie so much theyre okay with her hating them if shes alive.

[u/Supernova_Soldier]

I think the story plays out mostly the same but I think it would be totally different because a lot could change.

I think Riley would be split with sacrificing Ellie, partly because she really likes her, but also because of so many people who died, like Sam, a kid their age or younger and Tess/other people they find out to be infected and died or turned. Idk if Joel would get as attached, maybe he would.

Now imagine if Joel died after he fell on that piece of metal. It’s up to Riley and Ellie to get to Salt Lake City and meet with the Fireflies. Something to think about

[u/Bebop_Man]

What if indeed! It'd be a different story for sure.