Zombie Types in “The Last of Us” Series (Guide)

The world of “The Last of Us” series is filled with a unique and terrifying array of zombies. Unlike traditional undead creatures, these zombies are individuals who have been infected by a mutated fungus known as Cordyceps. Each zombie type in “The Last of Us” represents a different stage of infection, with distinct characteristics and behaviors.

In this article, we will explore the various types of zombies in “The Last of Us” series and provide a detailed explanation of each. From the relatively human-like Runners to the horrifying and powerful Bloaters, understanding these zombie variants adds to the suspense and horror of the series.

Key Takeaways:

• Zombie types in “The Last of Us” series are not your typical undead creatures.
• The infected in the series are individuals taken over by the Cordyceps infection.
• Each zombie type represents a different stage of infection with unique characteristics.
• The stages of infection include Runners, Stalkers, Clickers, Bloaters, and the rare Rat King.
• Understanding the different zombie types adds to the horror and suspense of the series.

Runners: Stage 1 Zombies in The Last of Us

In the dystopian world of “The Last of Us” series, the cordyceps infection has taken hold, transforming humans into various stages of infected creatures. The first stage of infection, known as Runners, are the most human-like of the zombies. These creatures display pale, molting skin, bloodshot eyes, and thinning hair. Runners are fast and aggressive, posing a constant threat to survivors.

While the exact level of consciousness in Runners is unknown, their behavior suggests some remnants of their former selves. They exhibit a degree of strategy, working in groups to overwhelm their prey. Their status as stage 1 infected means that the fungus has not fully taken over their bodies yet, allowing them to retain some semblance of their original appearance.

Runners serve as the starting point of the horror in “The Last of Us” series, encountered by the main characters in the premiere episode. Their existence sets the stage for the more terrifying and evolved stages of infection that await as the story unfolds.

“These Runners are fast, not your typical mindless zombies. They maintain a level of aggression and coordination that is both alarming and mystifying. It’s as if there’s still a flicker of humanity buried deep within them, struggling against the grip of the infection.” – Joel, The Last of Us

The Stalkers – Stage 2 Zombies

In “The Last of Us” series, the second stage of infection is known as Stalkers. These zombies have been infected for up to a year, and the cordyceps fungus has started to grow out of their bodies. Unlike the Runners, Stalkers remain quiet and hide in order to ambush their prey. They have significant fungal growth around their eyes and shoulders, and their faces may become disfigured. Stalkers are highly unpredictable and pose a significant threat to survivors.

Encountering a Stalker can be a terrifying experience. They tend to attack silently, using their stealth and agility to surprise their victims. This makes them one of the most feared types of infected in “The Last of Us” series. Joel and Tess encounter a dead Stalker attached to a wall in the first episode, serving as a grim reminder of the danger that lurks in this post-apocalyptic world.

Stalkers often exhibit complex behaviors, such as setting traps and using teamwork to overpower their prey. Their ability to maintain some level of intelligence and strategy, despite being consumed by the fungus, adds an extra layer of suspense to the gameplay. Survivors must stay alert and use caution when navigating areas where Stalkers are known to inhabit.

Understanding the Stalkers is crucial for players of “The Last of Us” series, as they represent a formidable enemy that requires careful planning and resource management to overcome. With their camouflage and cunning tactics, Stalkers serve as a reminder that even in this grim world, survival is far from guaranteed.

The Clickers – Stage 3 Zombies

In “The Last of Us” series, the Clickers are the most terrifying and formidable zombies encountered by the protagonists. These creatures represent the third stage of infection, and their appearance is a stark departure from their human origins. Clickers have undergone extensive fungal growth, particularly around their heads, where their eyes have been replaced by a horrifying fungus skull. This unique adaptation renders them blind but grants them exceptional echolocation abilities.

Clickers are highly aggressive and pose a significant threat to any survivors they come across. Despite their lack of sight, they have an uncanny ability to detect the presence of humans using their echolocation, emitting distinct clicking sounds to navigate their surroundings. This unique communication method also allows Clickers to coordinate with other infected, making them even more dangerous in groups.

Killing a Clicker requires precision and careful planning. Due to their fungal armor and enhanced durability, traditional means of attack, such as gunfire, are often ineffective. Survivors must rely on stealth and close-quarters combat, utilizing crafted weapons or makeshift shivs to deliver a decisive blow. It’s crucial to remain undetected during encounters with Clickers, as their heightened senses make them formidable adversaries.

“Clickers are the epitome of fear and danger in ‘The Last of Us’ series. Their grotesque appearance and relentless pursuit of human prey make them an unforgettable enemy. Players must be quick-witted and resourceful to survive encounters with these stage 3 zombies.”

The Clickers – Stage 3 Zombies: Abilities and Weaknesses

While the Clickers’ fungal armor makes them tough opponents, they do have weaknesses that can be exploited. Their reliance on echolocation means that remaining silent and avoiding sudden movements significantly reduces the chances of detection. Additionally, Clickers have a vulnerability to fire, which can both damage their fungal growth and cause them to panic, giving survivors an opportunity to strike.

The Bloaters – Stage 4 Zombies

The Last of Us series introduces the Bloaters as the most dangerous and rarest type of infected. These creatures represent the fourth stage of infection, where the cordyceps fungus has almost completely taken over their bodies. Bloaters are covered in a thick layer of fungus, acting as a protective armor against attacks. They are large, slow-moving, and possess immense strength, making them formidable adversaries for survivors.

Unlike other infected types, Bloaters have pockets of toxins in their skin that they can release, infecting anyone in close proximity. This, combined with their size and strength, makes them one of the most feared enemies in the series. It is crucial to maintain distance and employ strategic tactics when encountering Bloaters to increase chances of survival.

Bloater Characteristics:

• Stage of Infection: Fourth
• Appearance: Almost entirely covered in fungus
• Size: Large
• Movement: Slow
• Strength: Highly powerful
• Special Ability: Release toxins to infect others
• Weakness: Vulnerable to fire

“Bloaters are the stuff of nightmares, their fungal armor making them nearly invincible. The key to taking them down is firepower and keeping your distance. Just one swipe from a Bloater can be lethal.” – Survival Tips from Joel, The Last of Us

In addition to Bloaters, a variation called Shamblers can form when infected individuals are exposed to excess water. Shamblers are also highly dangerous and exhibit similar characteristics to Bloaters, but they are slightly weaker and lack the same level of armor. However, they make up for it with their ability to release corrosive spores, further adding to the challenges faced by survivors.

Encountering Bloaters and their variations is a terrifying experience, requiring careful planning, resource management, and swift action. These stage 4 zombies test the limits of both mental and physical endurance, adding depth and intensity to the apocalyptic world of The Last of Us.

The Rat King – Anomaly Variation

The Rat King is a unique and rare anomaly in “The Last of Us” series. Unlike the other stages of infection, the Rat King is not a specific type of zombie, but rather a terrifying amalgamation of multiple infected creatures fused together. It is believed to be the fifth and final stage of infection, taking over 25 years to form. The Rat King possesses characteristics from the previous stages, combining the stealth of Stalkers, the blindness and aggression of Clickers, and the immense strength and resilience of Bloaters.

Although the Rat King has not made an appearance in the series yet, its existence is rumored among survivors. This enigmatic and nearly indestructible creature is the stuff of nightmares in the post-apocalyptic world of “The Last of Us.”

Quotes:

“The Rat King is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. It’s a grotesque and powerful monster, a culmination of the horrors we face in this world.” – Ellie

“I’ve heard tales of the Rat King, but I never thought it could actually exist. It’s a terrifying thought, knowing that such a creature roams the ruins of our world.” – Joel

The Rat King represents the pinnacle of the infection, a horrifying and powerful force that poses a significant threat to any survivors in “The Last of Us” series. Its existence serves as a reminder of the ever-present danger and the dire consequences of the cordyceps fungus that has devastated the world.

The Death of Infected

In the world of “The Last of Us” series, the infected creatures pose a constant threat to the surviving humans. While these zombies can be killed through various means, it’s important to note that the fungal infection continues to grow even after their demise, potentially infecting others in the process. However, there is one ultimate demise for the infected – sunlight. Exposure to sunlight can dry out the fungal growth and kill the infected, preventing further spread and providing a glimmer of hope for humanity.

Although the infected can be killed by humans or injuries, it is crucial to understand that the fungal infection persists. This means that even after the infected individual is dead, there is still a risk of the fungus spreading and infecting others. It’s a constant battle to contain the infection and prevent it from reaching epidemic proportions.

“The Last of Us” series highlights the desperate struggle for survival in a world plagued by the infected. It’s a constant race against time, as every encounter with the infected brings the risk of further proliferation of the fungus. The survivors must be vigilant and strategic in their fight, always aware of the potential consequences of their actions.

The infected creatures can only infect others while they are still alive and the fungus is actively growing within their bodies. Once the infected individual has passed away, sunlight becomes their ultimate nemesis. The exposure to sunlight causes the fungal growth to dry out, effectively killing the infected and halting the spread of the infection. It is a small victory in an otherwise bleak world, but one that can make all the difference in the fight for humanity’s survival.

Overview of Zombie Types in “The Last of Us”

In the world of “The Last of Us” series, the infected are humans who have fallen victim to the Cordyceps brain infection. This mutated fungus takes over their bodies, causing them to transform into horrifying creatures. The infected come in various forms, each representing a different stage of the infection.

The first stage of infection is known as Runners. These zombies are the most human-like of the infected, with the fungus not fully overtaking their bodies yet. They are fast and aggressive, characterized by their pale, molting skin and bloodshot eyes. Runners are encountered in the early stages of the series, becoming a formidable threat to survivors.

As the infection progresses, the infected reach the stage of Stalkers. These creatures have been infected for up to a year and have begun to grow fungus out of their bodies. Stalkers are stealthy and hide to ambush their prey. They have significant fungal growth around their eyes and shoulders, resulting in a disfigured appearance.

The third stage of infection introduces the infamous Clickers. These creatures have almost no resemblance to humans, with their eyes and face replaced by a blooming fungus skull. Clickers are blind and navigate using echolocation, emitting a distinct clicking sound. They are highly aggressive and possess a fungal armor that makes them difficult to kill.

Finally, the rarest and most dangerous type of infected is the Bloaters. These creatures are almost entirely covered in fungus, acting as their armor. Bloaters are large, slow, and possess pockets of toxins that can infect humans. They are incredibly resilient and can only be effectively defeated with fire.

It is important to note that the stages of infection in “The Last of Us” represent a progression of the mutated fungus within the infected individuals. The world of “The Last of Us” is a bleak and terrifying one, as survivors must navigate through these various types of infected in order to stay alive.

Conclusion

The world of “The Last of Us” series is a haunting and intense depiction of a world overrun by the infected. These zombie types, created through the cordyceps brain infection, offer a unique twist on the traditional zombie genre. Each stage of infection brings forth new and terrifying characteristics, adding to the suspense and horror that permeates the series.

Starting with the human-like Runners, who are fast and aggressive, to the disfigured and stealthy Stalkers, and the infamous Clickers with their fungal skull replacing their eyes, the infected in “The Last of Us” are a constant threat to survivors. The Bloaters, with their armored fungus-covered bodies, pose a significant danger, while the rare Rat King remains a mystery, fusing different zombie characteristics into a near-indestructible entity.

Understanding the different zombie types and their stages of infection enhances the immersive experience of “The Last of Us” series. The attention to detail in their design and behavior showcases the creativity and dedication of the game developers. As players navigate through this post-apocalyptic world, they must strategize and adapt to the unique challenges posed by each zombie type, making the gameplay both thrilling and suspenseful.

With its gripping storyline and innovative take on the zombie genre, “The Last of Us” continues to captivate audiences around the world. Whether you’re a fan of horror or simply enjoy immersive storytelling, this series provides a chilling glimpse into a world overtaken by the infected. So brace yourself, sharpen your survival skills, and prepare to face the terrifying zombie types in “The Last of Us”.