Etta James' version of "I Got You Babe" was reused from the game; Druckmann felt the song's romantic lyrics hidden by joyous music mirrored the feelings of Ellie and Riley.
Captain Kwong's keychain has the Naughty Dog red paw logo etched on it.
Riley gives Ellie a copy of No Pun Intended Volume Too, the source of the jokes Ellie tells Joel in Episode 4.
A-ha's 'Take On Me' is heard playing, which is a major song in the second game.
Neil Druckmann chose the song "All or None" by Pearl Jam as it represented Ellie's loneliness and discomfort, and the title reflected her general attitude in life.