Every Infected from The Last of Us, Ranked

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In The Last of Us, the story unfolds within a globe engulfed by a catastrophic outbreak, similar to the one caused by the Cordyceps fungus known to infect ants in reality, which has spread its influence far beyond the ant kingdom in this fictional scenario.

In the video game, just like in humans, it causes a transformation, taking control of their minds to direct their actions. This includes attacking others and feeding on them. To put it another way, it alters humans into terrifying beings, which are referred to as “infected” by those not infected, due to the drastic changes in their physical state.

This infection may be transmitted by direct bites or via spores floating in the air, which makes it extremely contagious. Normally, the change begins about two days after becoming infected, although symptoms often show up within just a few hours.

In case we’re caught in a post-apocalyptic world filled with undead beings resembling zombies, it would be best if we hope and wish that we wouldn’t be in close proximity to these infected individuals.

It’s unfortunate that things aren’t better off, but we’re dealing with six distinct categories of contaminated entities, each progressing through various stages, displaying unique traits, and posing different levels of risk. We chose to categorize them based on their primary attributes: speed, power, appearance, and, without a doubt, their shocking visuals.

Every infected stage officially exists within the game universe.

6.
Runners

Stage 1: Run For Your Life

Infected individuals serve as the initial stage of the Cordyceps mutation, being taken over by the fungus within 24 to 48 hours post-infection. During this phase, humans are under the control of the fungus, which has invaded their brain and disrupted their senses.

Newly transformed Runners exhibit swift speed and assertive behavior, attacking anything within their sight or hearing range. Yet, their power levels are comparable to an average human’s. Consequently, they are the swiftest among the infected, often moving in packs due to their agility.

The Runners’ physical features are largely indistinguishable from those of ordinary humans, as the Cordyceps fungus has not fully engulfed them. There are minimal signs of the fungus on their head and arms. However, they can still be recognized by their hollow eyes, sparse hair, and pallor.

They exhibit unusual behavior, as they frequently vocalize discomfort and swiftly turn agitated, aggressive, and noisy upon identifying a possible prey.

Some folks argue that a Runner’s original consciousness persists within its infected form, given the recent nature of the infection. This hypothesis, combined with their ominous, dull-eyed appearance, only serves to heighten the unsettling nature of these beings.

Yet, these individuals are also the most vulnerable and simplest among the infected. Known as Runners, they can easily be dispatched with a few swift strikes or gunshots. Despite their potential danger, they hold the lowest priority due to the presence of stronger adversaries in the Last of Us universe for survivors to contend with.

5.
Shamblers

Stage 4-2: An Indie Infection

In another variant, Shamblers represent the final phase of the Cordyceps infection, newly presented in The Last of Us Part II. These creatures have advanced quite far in the process, and it’s believed that their full transformation takes multiple years, with some estimations suggesting over twenty years.

They could also be termed as “developing from the primary form of Stage Four, Bloaters,” yet undergoing extensive exposure to significant amounts of water, thus acquiring a swollen or inflated physical aspect and functionality.

These creatures are highly deadly, powerful, bulky, and hazardous, yet somewhat slow-moving. They’re capable of inflicting significant damage in both close and distant combat, particularly with noxious spores that resemble pus and can be thrown towards humans. Therefore, it’s crucial to exercise caution around them, as sneak attacks won’t have much effect on Shamblers.

Just as terrifying as their powers, Shamblers have an equally distressing physical appearance. Due to excessive water exposure, they’re disfigured, swollen, and completely overrun with fungus, a sight that is hard to stomach, especially for those like me who suffer from trypophobia. Trust me, you wouldn’t want to encounter them.

As a gamer, let me tell you, Shamblers are a real challenge to take down. Just looking at their intimidating form can send shivers down your spine. However, in The Last of Us’ world, they don’t make many appearances, which doesn’t give them enough spotlight and tends to overshadow the other infections.

4.
Bloaters

Stage 4-1: Original Ones

In simpler terms, Bloaters represent the primary form of the fourth evolutionary phase in the Cordyceps fungus mutation, which makes them resemble Shamblers. This suggests they are at an advanced stage, likely having been infected for over a decade.

Such transformations, given their extensive duration, are seldom encountered, yet they pose the greatest threat among all mutations. These require a specific environment to thrive, often found in enclosed, dimly lit, and relatively small areas like cellars and deserted structures such as old buildings.

As a gamer, I can tell you that Blloaters pack an insane punch and they’re always on the offensive. They can dish out massive damage from a safe distance, and it seems like no one is safe around them. To top it off, they have this nasty habit of throwing spore bombs – essentially acid grenades that not only hurt you but also corrode the environment around you. These guys are definitely a challenge to take down!

The infected are essentially just fungus-based entities, with no trace of human inside them. As they’ve reached an advanced stage, their bodies (now controlled by Cordyceps) function like a protective shell, enhancing their durability. If you encounter one, the only way to eliminate it is through explosives, fire, and prayers. Remember to keep your distance from it at all times. (Apologies for any discomfort caused by the mention of food.)

In contrast to the Shamblers, Bloaters appear more frequently throughout “The Last of Us” game series, making each encounter a tense and nerve-wracking experience. And let’s not even mention the generator sequence at Pittsburgh, or I might find myself haunted by those memories once more.

3.
Stalkers

Stage 2: Smart Ones

Stalkers represent the intermediate phase of a Cordyceps infection, making them particularly challenging to overcome. Typically, this stage’s complete metamorphosis occurs anywhere from two weeks to a year following contact with the fungus.

These individuals are remarkably intelligent and excel in stealth, moving swiftly like speedy messengers (Runners), meticulously searching like diligent explorers (Clickers), and possessing the lethal potential of explosive threats (Bloaters). This combination makes them extremely difficult to defeat.

Those who are infected often have a disturbing tendency to bide their time, carefully plotting, monitoring, and seemingly following their prey. If they sense danger, they’ll withdraw. Fortunately, we can steer clear of them by avoiding small, dimly lit, and damp environments.

The level of infection on these individuals is more evident compared to the initial Runners. A significant portion of their faces is affected due to the fungus preferring to grow in the head area, and their skin has noticeably decayed. They tend to be reticent and elusive, often avoiding exposure.

To be truthful, the concept of an intelligent disease carrier is enough to make my skin crawl. It’s undeniably the most horrifying possibility for any world after a catastrophe. Yet, considering how exceptionally Stalkers are portrayed in certain Seattle scenes from The Last of Us Part II, it seems only fair to acknowledge their commendable performance, doesn’t it?

2.
The Rat King

Stage ???: Infected Megazord

It’s possible to describe the Rat King as the fifth and ultimate stage of the Cordyceps life cycle, but it’s important to note that it remains uncertain whether there’s a stage between Bloaters/Shamblers and the Rat King, or if there might be stages beyond it. Since Bloaters/Shamblers and the Rat King exhibit significant differences, it leaves room for speculation about the progression of the life cycle.

In The Last of Us Part II, this new creature was introduced, and let me tell you, it’s absolutely terrifying. It’s like a strange combination of Runners, Stalkers, Clickers, Bloaters, and anything in between. Essentially, it’s as if they took an infected Megazord and made it even more grotesque, with multiple arms, heads, and bodies. The sight of it is truly disturbing.

Luckily, this change happens infrequently. It necessitates a highly unique environment to materialize, for instance, a confined, dim area, numerous affected persons in close proximity, and an extended period – over two decades – for development.

Therefore, it only surfaces in the basement of hospitals in Seattle, a place where some of the initial infected individuals were confined for treatment.

As a fervent fan, it might surprise you that our king didn’t claim the top spot initially, but let me clarify my choice. Though he is undeniably the most fearsome and appalling villain in The Last of Us’ narrative, his presence has been limited to a single appearance so far – unlike the next and ultimate competitor who has consistently featured throughout the storyline.

1.
Clickers

Stage 3: Marketing Kings

As a gamer, I’d say: “The Clickers, part of the Cordyceps mutation’s third stage, are undeniably the most recognized type of the infected. It takes over a year for them to fully transform after coming into contact with the fungus, and unlike other stages, they don’t need a specific location to grow. That means they can pop up anywhere, anytime, making them truly unpredictable.

These creatures surpass both Runners and Stalkers in speed, strength, and deadliness. Their worn-down appearance grants them a greater resilience than typical entities. Clickers’ primary vulnerability lies in their blindness; the fungus has progressed extensively within their brain, replacing their eyes.

Instead of relying on sight, these infected individuals employ echolocation – a technique where they emit sounds and listen for echoes to perceive their surroundings. They make a distinct clicking sound to identify players, hence they are often called “clickers” by the surviving group.

Clickers bear little resemblance to humans; instead, they resemble giant, fungus-like growths. Their bodies are often marred by infection, and any clothing a victim may have worn is torn and ruined.

Without mincing words, if you bring up The Last of Us, it’s a safe wager that you’ll mention the Clickers. They have become an iconic symbol for this franchise, thanks to their distinctive sound that’s hard to forget. Despite having no facial features due to being consumed by Cordyceps, they are still often associated as the symbol of The Last of Us.

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2025-06-05 16:11