In The Last of Us Part II, the infected represent a constant threat, whether during silent exploration or in brutal ambushes. More than just generic enemies, these creatures demand strategy, observation, and adaptation. Each type exhibits distinct behaviors, specific vulnerabilities, and different 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, see the main types and how to deal with each one effectively.
Runners: the most common and unpredictable
Runners are the first stages of infection in The Last of Us. They are humans recently infected by 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 sense their presence.
Despite their agility, they have a low level of perception and can be easily taken down in stealthy approaches. Ideally, distractions such as bottles or bricks should be used to isolate them from the group, and they can be silently eliminated with a knife or by 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 and deadly threat
With their faces completely deformed by the fungus, the Clickers are blind, but possess an echolocation system similar to that of bats. This makes them extremely sensitive to sound. They move slowly, but kill instantly upon reaching the player if left unchecked.
Facing clickers requires an absolutely stealthy approach. Crouching and walking slowly is essential to avoid detection. The player can use listening mode to track their position and avoid collision courses.
Knives are the best option for silent takedowns. In direct confrontations, however, they are more resistant 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 game, the stalkers appear more frequently in The Last of Us Part II. They are infected in an intermediate stage, with still human physical traits, but already deformed. They combine the speed of the runners with the stealthy behavior of the 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 engaged with stealth attacks or, as a last resort, with fast firearms such as pistols or submachine guns.
Pufferfish: brutal and almost unshakeable
Originally called bloaters , pufferfish are infected in an advanced stage. Covered in thick plates of fungus, they possess superhuman strength and are extremely resistant to gunfire and melee attacks. They launch explosive spores that cause area damage, requiring constant movement during combat.
Ideally, use high-impact firearms, such as shotguns, homemade bombs, or flamethrowers. The flames from Molotov cocktails cause continuous damage and eliminate enemies efficiently.
Battles against pufferfish usually occur in more open areas, allowing you to use the environment to your advantage. Exploring the surroundings and preparing traps in advance can make all the difference. Facing them head-on, unprepared, is usually fatal.
Rat King: the deadliest boss in the game
The Rat King is an enemy unique to a key moment in the story. It represents the grotesque fusion of multiple infected bodies, creating a gigantic, fast creature with high destructive power.
This is the biggest challenge in direct combat in the game. Its attacks cause area damage, and there are times when it splits, creating another equally dangerous enemy.
The secret to defeating him lies in mobility and the intelligent use of environmental resources. Nail bombs, Molotov cocktails, and heavy weapons are indispensable. Furthermore, the player needs to maintain distance, never stop moving, and prioritize constant damage, even under pressure.
General tips for dealing with infected people
In addition to strategies specific to each type, some tips are valid in any situation:
- Manage your resources carefully. Ammunition, medical kits, and bombs are limited, and the game values preparation.
- Use your environment to your advantage. Hiding places, alternative routes, and objects of distraction are important allies.
- Adapt to the play style. Sometimes the best approach is to avoid combat altogether.
- Listen to the 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 the types of infected in The Last of Us Part II isn't just a matter of curiosity—it's a crucial factor for progressing safely and efficiently. The game demands that the player 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 avoidance of traps. While runners demand agility, clickers require silence. However, pursuers test constant vigilance, and pufferfish require firepower. On the other hand, in the case of the Rat King, the key lies in mobility and control of space.
Exploring the environments carefully and observing enemy behavior is a way to prepare for the more complex challenges the game offers. The unpredictable artificial intelligence and encounter design mean that no two fights are alike. Therefore, having a plan for each type of threat helps maintain the pace and reduces the risk of death in crucial situations.
The Last of Us Part II doesn't reward those who act impulsively. On the contrary: it rewards those who study the environment, recognize patterns, and adapt. Knowing your enemies is, ultimately, the first step to defeating them.
