All Fungal Creatures in The Last of UsAll Fungal Creatures in The Last of Us

A quick Introduction

All Fungal Creatures in The Last of Us
All Fungal Creatures in The Last of Us

The infected are the product of an unexpected breakout of a mutant Cordyceps fungus that now impacts humans rather than insects. According to different publications in Austin, 2013, the fungus started in South American produce.

The fungi enter the human brain, where it grows spores inside the tissue and kills brain cells. This wipes out memories and sends the host crazy, altering their impulses to pursue only one goal: spreading the spores to others. The parasite ends up killing its victim and then develops fungal filaments out of its body to transmit spores.



The fungus rapidly spread throughout the globe, ravaging the population and causing panic and chaos. The original infection completely disintegrated civilization and sparked widespread bloodshed.

The outbreak was not controlled by martial rule, and people were on the brink of extermination. In reaction, the US military transformed into FEDRA, an oppressive regime that continued to use violence to censor information to keep population control.

To guarantee safety from infection, densely populated regions were first bombarded and quarantine zones (QZs) were created. Later, a rebel organization known as the Fireflies was established in reaction to the founding of FEDRA and the military’s tyranny.

The organization centers on fighting the illegitimate government, though most of its hard work is pointless due to its small size and limited funds.

One of the last organizations to be actively researching the infected and looking for a cure, they nevertheless think they can stop oppression through the development of a vaccine.

All Fungal Creatures in The Last of Us
All Fungal Creatures in The Last of Us

All Fungal Creatures in The Last of Us

  • Runners
  • Stalkers
  • Clickers
  • Shamblers
  • Bloaters
  • Rat King



The Runners

All Fungal Creatures in The Last of Us Runner
All Fungal Creatures in The Last of Us: Runner

The least dangerous form of the infected, known as runners, can be found in The Last of Us, The Last of Us Part II, and  Left Behind DLC.

They are humans who have lately developed infections as a result of coming into touch with Cordyceps brain infections. They stand out for their rapidity, and imprecise strikes, but also their habit to crowd their prey.

The Stalkers

All Fungal Creatures in The Last of Us Stalker
All Fungal Creatures in The Last of Us: Stalker

Stalkers are the second level of the infected in The Last of Us, The Last of Us Part II, and Left Behind. From being subjected to Cordyceps brain disease, it can take anywhere from two weeks to a year for them to achieve this condition. Stalkers combine the quickness and vision of runners with the brutality of clickers.

The Clickers

All Fungal Creatures in The Last of Us Clicker
All Fungal Creatures in The Last of Us: Clicker

The third level of the infected in The Last of Us, The Last of Us Part II, and Left Behind is known as a Clicker. They achieve this state of the virus after interaction with the Cordyceps brain infection in about a year. They have been exposed to the fungus for a long time and have developed a power that is far greater than that of the typical person.

The Shamblers

All Fungal Creatures in The Last of Us Shamblers
All Fungal Creatures in The Last of Us: Shamblers

In The Last of Us Part II, a different fourth phase of the infected is revealed. Shamblers are at this stage, and they can be found in Seattle and Santa Barbara.

As opposed to the typically dry habitats in that bloaters form after infection with the Cordyceps brain infection, they are thought to have grown as a result of exposure to large quantities of water.


The Bloaters

All Fungal Creatures in The Last of Us Bloater
All Fungal Creatures in The Last of Us: Bloater

In The Last of Us and The Last of Us Part II, Bloaters are the fourth, most uncommon, and most harmful form of the infected. After being exposed to the Cordyceps brain infection for decades, it takes them years to grow and reach this level. Bloaters are a particularly powerful and physically intimidating type of infection that is coated in a dense fungus that serves as a defense plate.

Rat King

All Fungal Creatures in The Last of Us Rat King
All Fungal Creatures in The Last of Us: Rat King

The rat king, a contaminated oddity first seen in The Last of Us Part II, is a super-organism made from several stalkers, clickers, and bloaters that have been joined together by the Cordyceps fungus. The rat king is stronger and more resilient than a bloater, having amazing strength and toughness.

Other Game Guides:

Avatar photo

By ReallyNotACookie

I am a gamer interested in Fortnite mostly, but I play with great enthusiasm anything that I can put my hands on for my PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4. Do not go into the sideways!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *