Exploring the post-apocalyptic aesthetic of "The Last of Us" part 2

This is the second part of my series that explores the post-apocalyptic aesthetic inspired by The Last of Us. My goal was to understand the art direction, storytelling, and mood-building techniques that make this world so emotionally impactful.
All the environments were created in Unreal Engine 5, focusing on: Lighting and mood – Studying how natural decay, overgrown foliage, and soft cinematic light tell a story of abandonment and survival. Material storytelling – Learning to create surfaces that feel lived-in and weathered, carrying the weight of time and tragedy. Composition and atmosphere – Experimenting with framing, depth, and subtle color grading to evoke the emotional tone seen in The Last of Us.
This project was a learning journey—breaking down references, analyzing Naughty Dog’s approach to visual storytelling, and applying those techniques to create something personal yet faithful to the theme.