Tommy’s Dam is the seventh chapter set in autumn where Joel and Ellie reach a hydroelectric plant settlement. The chapter includes forest approach, valve puzzles, meeting Tommy and Maria, defending against a bandit raid, and chasing Ellie on horseback to a ranch. Complete all areas to agree on traveling to Colorado University.

What Collectibles Are in the Forest Approach?

The forest path to the bridge contains a revolver and comic book. The revolver is located at a wrecked jeep while the comic requires climbing upstream.

Forest collectibles:

ItemLocationAccess
El Diablo RevolverWrecked jeepOn bridge path
Comic (6)Near fallen carDescend cliffs left toward river, climb upstream before bridge

How to Complete the Hydroelectric Plant Valve Puzzle?

The hydroelectric plant requires turning valves on both sides of the water channel. Use a wooden raft to transport Ellie across so she can turn the second valve. Ignoring Ellie’s offered hand after she turns the valve unlocks an achievement.

Plant entrance collectibles:

ItemLocationAccess
Ingredients, Ammo, Parts (50), Pills (10)Behind lockpick door (9)Use shiv before crossing

Valve puzzle sequence:

  1. Turn valve outside plant entrance.
  2. Valve rotates gate to create bridge.
  3. Second valve must be turned on opposite side.
  4. Jump into water near pipes.
  5. Swim into flooded house.
  6. Carry wooden raft out of house.
  7. Place Ellie on raft.
  8. Transport Ellie to opposite side where railing is broken.
  9. Ellie turns second valve and offers her hand.
  10. Ignore Ellie’s hand to unlock achievement.

Post-bridge area:

LocationInteractionNotes
TentExamine tentPast the bridge
Grave with stuffed toyExamine graveBehind tent, Ellie remembers Sam (conversation 27)
PillsClimb rocks, crawl under log leftBlue flowers
Location map (55)Small houseHanging inside
Locked gatesApproach gatesTommy and Maria greet Joel and Ellie

What Activities Are Available in the Camp?

The camp contains horses, a turbine room, dog petting, and workbench access. Petting the dog on the walkway unlocks an achievement.

Camp exploration:

LocationInteractionConversation/Achievement
CourtyardExamine horsesTriggers conversation (28)
Building with TommySet up turbineTommy shows photograph (conversation 29)
WalkwayTalk to womanConversation (30)
WalkwayPet dogUnlocks achievement

Control room collectibles:

ItemLocationDetails
Pills (5), Training manual (8)Control roomSmoke bomb upgrade
Workbench (7)Control roomAvailable for use
Firefly pendant (18)Side room rightNear small generators

After control room: Watch turbine repair. Discuss Ellie’s immunity in private.

How to Defend the Camp from Bandits?

Bandits infiltrate the base after the alarm sounds. Defend the generator hall and clear enemies from upper room and adjacent building.

Bandit raid sequence:

AreaEnemiesStrategy
Generator hallMultiple banditsHide behind generators, shoot enemies
Upper roomAdditional enemiesClear room, collect map (56) from desk
Outside adjacent buildingMore enemiesKill enemies in front of building
Inside adjacent building3 banditsClear interior

How to Find Ellie on Horseback?

Ellie rides off alone while Joel and Tommy argue. Chase her on horseback through a bandit ambush and waterfall route to reach the ranch where she hides.

Horseback chase route:

  1. Mount horse after discovering Ellie left.
  2. Ride right at fork.
  3. Descend to waterfall area.
  4. Encounter bandit ambush on right.
  5. Fight 4 enemies shooting from above.
  6. Collect ingredients from small house.
  7. Return to horses.
  8. Ride left and upward.
  9. Reach ranch.

Ranch house collectibles:

ItemLocationFloor
Firefly pendant (19)DresserGround floor
Comic (7)Left roomSecond floor
EllieFarthest roomSecond floor

Ranch siege:

AreaEnemiesStrategy
Upstairs rooms2 banditsSilently eliminate
First floor3 enemiesThrow Molotov at group
Outside1 banditKill after clearing house

Chapter conclusion: Return to camp after defeating bandits. Tommy reveals Fireflies are at Colorado University. Joel and Ellie will travel as a pair without Tommy initially.