Fans of The Last of Us have witnessed a terrifying array of zombies, each exhibiting unique traits and visual designs. The series, derived from the critically acclaimed 2013 video game by Naughty Dog, features Pedro Pascal as Joel and Bella Ramsey, known for her role in Game of Thrones, as Ellie. Set in a post-apocalyptic landscape, the narrative unfolds after a devastating outbreak of a mutant Cordyceps fungal infection ravages the United States, resulting in the transformation of much of the population into mindless creatures known as “the Infected.”This insidious fungus infiltrates humans, morphing them into grotesque new forms.
The evolution of the Cordyceps zombies occurs in distinct stages, with early victims still bearing a semblance of their former selves, while later stages reveal shocking fungal growths. Each progressive stage leads to a deeper transformation, where the Infected become increasingly alien and far removed from their human origins. Although the series never explicitly labels these creatures as “zombies,”it closely aligns with their portrayal in the video game.
Stage 1: Runners
Two Days – Two Weeks
The initial phase of the Cordyceps infection leads to the emergence of “Runners”after roughly two days. By this point, the Infected exhibit severe changes, losing their hair and developing visible lesions. Their eyesight deteriorates as their eyes begin to fail, but they retain heightened senses, leading to an unnerving blend of ferocity and desperation in these newly transformed beings.
This stage of infection is critical in the series; the Runners are primarily featured in the premiere episode, where Joel and Ellie frequently encounter these aggressive creatures, making their presence felt from the outset.
Stage 2: Stalker
Two Weeks – One Year
The timeline of infection leads to the emergence of “Stalkers”as the zombies transition to a more advanced stage after a few weeks. Stalkers represent a chilling fusion of human and fungus. While portions of their faces remain intact, they exhibit extensive fungal growths that accentuate their terrifying appearance. Operating with remarkable speed similar to that of a Runner, Stalkers adopt a more menacing approach by strategically planning their attacks from concealed locations.
In the series, Joel and Tess encounter a Stalker entrenched within a wall, demonstrating their stealth and danger. Their deadly encounters continue throughout the narrative, proving they are significantly more formidable than their Runner counterparts.
Stage 3: Clicker
One Year – Several Years
Following extensive infection lasting over a year, individuals known as “Clickers”become severely deformed; they almost entirely lose their human characteristics aside from their limbs. At this stage, the fungal growth envelops their heads, resulting in total blindness. Clickers produce distinct “clicking” sounds which they use for echolocation to navigate their environment and locate prey.
This unsettling noise embodies one of the hallmark features of the franchise, heightening the tension when Joel, Tess, and Ellie encounter them in a dilapidated Boston museum. These encounters reveal the terrifying ferocity of Clickers; they unleash chaos upon any human they spot, attacking with ruthless intent.
Final Stage: Bloater
Several Years After Infection
If a Clicker manages to survive for several years, it evolves into a “Bloater.”These massive entities are the apex predators of the Infected, encased in a thick layer of Cordyceps fungi that serves as armor, making them nearly impervious to attacks, particularly without fire. Though Bloaters move more slowly than earlier stages, their strength is astonishing, posing a considerable threat to anyone who attempts to confront them.
This variant made its series debut in Season 1, Episode 5, showcasing its terrifying resilience after being set ablaze, establishing it as an extraordinary challenge for Joel and Ellie.
Final Stage Variation: Shambler
Several Years After Infection
An Infected individual that endures several years in moist environments transforms into a “Shambler”instead of a Bloater. While visually similar, a Shambler’s mouth is frozen open, rendering them incapable of biting. Instead, they emit explosive clouds of spores from acidic pustules scattered across their bodies. Notably, Shamblers were excluded from the first season, potentially hinting at their inclusion in future episodes.
Fans are eager for Shamblers to make their appearance, as they represent a significant threat and are one of the few abominations yet to be portrayed in the series.
Anomaly Variation: The Rat King
The Final Version
In some rare instances, the infection can lead to the emergence of a unique monstrosity known as “The Rat King,”featured in The Last of Us Part II. This abnormally powerful creature originates from several Infected merging together over decades post-outbreak, resulting in an immensely formidable foe.
If the series introduces the Rat King in subsequent seasons, it is likely to present an unparalleled challenge for Joel and Ellie, unlike any adversary they have faced thus far.
Encounter Frequency: Joel & Ellie
Runners feature prominently as the earliest zombies in the first season of The Last of Us, making their initial appearance in the season premiere where they quickly attack Joel with alarming speed. These creatures pose a continuous threat due to their recent transformation, and Joel expresses concern to Ellie about the lingering humanity found within these Runners.
Stalkers appear shortly thereafter in the second episode and continue to be a focal point; Ellie encounters one while exploring with her friend Riley in the seventh episode, during which she manages to kill it but not without sustaining injuries. Clickers also debut in the second episode and ambush the group of Joel, Ellie, and Tess in the museum, accentuating their perilous nature. The initial appearance of a Bloater takes place in the fifth episode, proving to be nearly indestructible in battle.
While Shamblers have yet to make an official appearance in the show, fans eagerly anticipate the arrival of the Rat King, even though it is sure to bring unparalleled peril to the protagonists.