The Last Of Us: Survival, Infection, And The Creatures Of A Post-Apocalyptic World

In The Last of Us, Joel Miller (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie Williams (Bella Ramsey) have to push their survival skills to their limits to make it across the U.S. safely on a mission that could be the key to saving humanity. The series, adapted from the critically acclaimed video game, delves deep into a world ravaged by a deadly infection, where survival becomes a daily struggle against both the infected and the remnants of humanity. As viewers, we are not only captivated by the emotional journeys of these characters but also by the terrifying creatures that threaten their existence.

The world as we know it has gone in the HBO show, and humanity has been savaged by the Cordyceps Infection, a mutated fungus that takes control of its host's brain while they’re still alive and turns them into a mindless monster. This transformation raises questions about humanity, morality, and the lengths one will go to in order to survive. The infection manifests in various forms, leading to the creation of several terrifying creatures that challenge our protagonists at every turn.

The first stages of this infection were seen in the show’s premiere episode; however, the Infected can be classed into multiple categories, the main three being Runners, Clickers, and Bloaters. Each of these categories presents unique challenges that Joel and Ellie must navigate as they journey through a landscape filled with danger. Here is everything you need to know about the creatures.

What Are Clickers, Runners, and Bloaters? 'The Last of Us' Infected Explained

The Cordyceps brain infection spread across the globe at an alarming rate after the titular fungus mutated successfully, culminating in Outbreak Day on September 26, 2003, in the HBO drama (it happens in 2013 in the game). In the opening episode, viewers got their first glimpse at Runners, the earliest stage of the Cordyceps Infection, which sees the fungus take over hosts' minds and push them to run after anyone not infected and kill them, hence the moniker.

The infection is spread through bites, and anyone who is bitten by an Infected is expected to turn in no time, with one exception. A Runner can then turn into a Stalker, those who have been infected for between two weeks to a year, and in the game, they stalk their prey in the dark before attacking them. This evolution highlights the relentless nature of the infection and the dire consequences of a single mistake in this new world.

Clickers are much more dangerous; they tend to be those who have been infected for a year or more, and by that stage, the fungus has spread to the point of blinding the host so that they have to use echolocation to find their prey. They are incredibly strong and difficult to defeat, making encounters with them particularly harrowing. Bloaters are the next stage of Infected and have been affected by Cordyceps for several years, causing their bodies to bloat. They have enhanced strength and are quite resilient, thanks to being protected by the fungus, which acts as a protective barrier across their body.

In The Last of Us Part II, there are two more stages of Infected: Shamblers and the Rat King. It is unclear if either of these will appear in the HBO show in a future second season, but if it is renewed, then it’s a possibility as the drama has stuck closely to its source material's story thus far. Shamblers aren’t as physically strong as Clickers or Bloaters, but they are still a difficult enemy to defeat. When they are killed, they release a final burst of Cordyceps to try and pass on the infection.

The Rat King, meanwhile, is several Infected combined into one creature that has been contaminated by the fungus for 20 years. It’s extremely strong and giant in size, proving to be a formidable opponent due to its resilience to various attacks. Each of these Infected types adds to the complexity and terror of the world within The Last of Us, making each encounter a test of survival.

The Last of Us airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max, further immersing viewers in its haunting world of survival against overwhelming odds.