In The Last of Us 2 , the infected pose a constant threat, whether during silent exploration or brutal ambushes. More than just generic enemies, these creatures require strategy, observation, and adaptation . Each type presents distinct behaviors, specific vulnerabilities, and varying levels of aggression, forcing the player to vary their tactics.
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The game's combat system favors stealth approaches, but also allows for direct confrontations—when unavoidable. To survive, it's crucial to understand the characteristics of each infected. Below, we'll discuss the main types and how to deal with each effectively.
Corridors: the most common and unpredictable
Runners are the first stages of infection in The Last of Us. They are humans recently infected with the Cordyceps fungus, still retaining some form of consciousness. They move erratically, scream loudly, and charge at the player at full speed as soon as they notice their presence.
Despite their agility, they have low perception and can be easily killed by stealth. Ideally, use distractions with bottles or bricks to isolate them from the group and eliminate them silently with a knife or strangulation.
In direct confrontations, a few shots are enough to neutralize them, but in large groups they become dangerous. Avoiding crowds is essential to avoid being surrounded.
Clickers: The Silent, Deadly Threat
With their faces completely deformed by the fungus, the clickers are blind but have an echolocation system similar to that of bats. This makes them extremely sensitive to sounds. They move slowly but kill instantly upon reaching the player if not stopped.
Facing clickers requires absolute stealth . Crouching and moving slowly are essential to avoid detection. The player can use listen mode to track their position and avoid collisions.
Knives are the best option for silent eliminations. In direct confrontations, they are more durable than runners and may require headshots or the use of heavy weapons, such as shotguns or Molotov cocktails.
Pursuers: the most unpredictable in the game
Rarely mentioned in the first title, stalkers appear more frequently in The Last of Us Part II. They are mid-stage infected, with physical features still human, but already deformed. They combine the speed of runners with the stealth of clickers.
The biggest challenge is that they hide , wait for the right moment, and attack from behind. They are silent, fast, and capable of inflicting considerable damage before the player even notices their presence.
Constant use of listening mode and cautious movement are the best defenses against this type of enemy. Flashlights help expose your position. Once located, they can be confronted with stealth attacks or, as a last resort, rapid-fire weapons such as pistols or submachine guns.
Pufferfish: brutal and almost unshakable
Called bloaters in the original, pufferfish are infected in an advanced stage. Covered in thick fungal plaques, they possess immense strength and are extremely resistant to gunfire and melee attacks. They hurl explosive spores that deal area damage, requiring constant movement during combat.
High-impact firearms , such as shotguns, homemade bombs, or flamethrowers, are ideal
Fights against pufferfish usually take place in more open areas, allowing you to use the environment to your advantage. Scouting the environment and setting traps in advance can make all the difference. Facing them head-on, unprepared, is often fatal.
Rat King: The deadliest boss in the game
The Rat King (or Rat King, as he became known in the English version) is an enemy unique to a key moment in the story. He represents the grotesque fusion of multiple infected bodies, creating a gigantic, fast, and highly destructive creature.
This is the biggest direct combat challenge . Its attacks deal area damage, and there are times when it splits, spawning another equally dangerous enemy.
The secret to defeating him lies in mobility and clever use of the environment's resources. Nail bombs, Molotov cocktails, and heavy weapons are essential. Furthermore, the player must maintain distance, never stop moving, and prioritize constant damage , even under pressure.
General tips for dealing with infected people
In addition to specific strategies for each type, some tips are valid in any situation:
- Manage your resources carefully. Ammo, medkits, and bombs are limited, and the game values preparation.
- Use your surroundings to your advantage. Hiding places, alternate routes, and distractions are all important allies.
- Adapt to your playstyle. Sometimes the best course of action is to avoid combat altogether.
- Listen for sounds. Each type of infected person emits distinct noises. Learning to recognize them could save your life.
- Avoid direct confrontation whenever possible. The game rewards planning and discretion.
Why knowing the infected is essential to progressing in The Last of Us
Mastering the differences between infected types in The Last of Us 2 isn't just a matter of curiosity—it's crucial to advancing safely and efficiently. The game requires players to make quick decisions in hostile environments, and each enemy type completely alters the combat dynamics.
Prior knowledge allows for better weapon selection, route planning, resource conservation, and trap avoidance. While runners demand agility, clickers demand silence. However, stalkers test constant alertness, and pufferfish demand firepower. On the other hand, in the case of the Rat King, the key lies in mobility and spatial control.
Carefully exploring the environments and observing enemy behavior is a way to prepare for the game's more complex challenges. The unpredictable artificial intelligence and encounter design mean that no two combats are ever the same. Therefore, having a plan for each type of threat helps maintain momentum and reduces the risk of death in decisive situations.
The Last of Us Part II doesn't reward those who act impulsively. On the contrary, it rewards those who study their surroundings, recognize patterns, and adapt. Knowing your enemies is, ultimately, the first step to defeating them.
