In the world ofThe Last of Us 2, theCordyceps funguscaused a global outbreak in September 2013 that brought about the end of the world as we know it. Since society collapsed and the world essentially ended inThe Last of Us 2’s September 2013, some fans have been wondering how it was possible that Joel was able to perform a cover of Pearl Jam’s “Future Days” song at the beginning ofThe Last of Us 2, when the song wasn’t released until October 2013 alongside the band’sLightning Boltalbum. While this has been described as a “plot hole” by some critics, it turns out that there’s an explanation for it.

The Last of Us 2director Neil Druckmann took to Twitter to offer an explanation for this supposed “plot hole,” revealing that the song was actually performed live by Pearl Jam in the months prior to the album’s release. Not only that, but Pearl Jam’s live version of “Future Days” was actually uploaded to YouTube in July 2013. Therefore, it is entirely within the realm of possibility that Joel had listened to and learned the song prior to Outbreak Day, even though it didn’t actually release until the next month.

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Joel performs his version of Pearl Jam’s “Future Days” near the beginning of the game when he gives Ellie her guitar.Ellie’s guitarremains an important symbol throughout the entirety ofThe Last of Us 2, featured prominently in cut-scenes and used as part of gameplay as well.

There are multiple times inThe Last of Us 2when players use Ellie’s guitar to play a song as part of a rhythm mini-game. Players also have the opportunity to practice on the guitar at their leisure, and some players have even managed toplay real songs usingThe Last of Us 2’s guitar. What could have been a throwaway feature actually has a surprising amount of depth, and is a good example of Naughty Dog’s insane attention to detail in the game.

Considering how accurately and painstakinglyNaughty Dog recreated Seattle inThe Last of Us 2, it would be somewhat out of character for the studio to slip up with this Joel Pearl Jam plot hole, so it’s good to see that there is a logical explanation for it.

The Last of Us 2is out now, exclusively for PlayStation 4.

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