A closer look at every stage of of monstrosity the Cordyceps infection results in.
Major spoiler warning: This guide contains information for every enemy in the game.
The Last of Us Part II brings forward all the infected from its predecessor and throws a couple of new horrors into the mix. Years later, the Cordyceps infection that caused the world to fall is still wreaking havoc. Even if you're a veteran of the original game, you might not be totally prepared for what's coming. Here's a list of every infected in the game, as well as their weaknesses.
List of every infected in The Last of Us Part 2
Runners
As Stage 1 of the infection, Runners are one of the most common enemies you'll face. They can be found wandering and sobbing, charging straight at you if they spot you. Fortunately, runners are weak to just about everything. A single headshot from any gun will put them down. Unlike most infected, dodging their attacks and using your switchblade is a valid option and melee weapons put them down with ease. You can also shake them off if they grab you.
The most dangerous thing about Runners is their numbers; they're never alone and often wander in large groups. Since Runners are so vulnerable, it's usually best to save your stronger weapons's ammo and dispose of them through stealth kills. You can also use a glass bottle to attract multiple runners to a single spot, disposing of them all at once with a Molotov cocktail.
Stalkers
As Stage 2 of the Cordyceps infection, are a weird cross between Runners and Clickers. They still have some vision and are far more cautious than any other infected, working to attack you from multiple angles and hiding if you actively search for them.
Stalkers are far more numerous than they were in the original game, so you need to learn to deal with them efficiently. Like Runners, using Molotov cocktails or melee weapons is still a valid strategy. Headshots also work well, though there's a small chance a second headshot will be needed.
Clickers
Clickers, Stage 3 of the infection, are arguably the most iconic enemy in The Last of Us. The Cordyceps has fully sprouted and destroyed the host's eyes, armoring its face in thick fungus and forcing it to click, using echolocation to spot unlucky prey. They're also strong enough to grab and kill you instantly, so being close without a melee weapon is a bad idea.
Try to maneuver slowly and quietly, staying behind cover so you won't be detected. Clickers can be stealth killed, which will usually be your best strategy. Clickers can take multiple headshots from weaker weapons, so using the rifle or shotgun is best. Molotov cocktails also work but not as well as on Stalkers or Runner. Unlike in the first game, there's a small chance a Clicker will survive one Molotov.
Bloaters
We've now arrived at Stage 4 of the infection. Bloaters are coated in years upon years of fungal growth. Heavily armored all over, they are resistant to gunfire, throw sacs of mycotoxin acid if you're at a distance, and will literally tear you apart if they get close — there's no breaking free if they grab you. Mercifully, Bloaters remain quite rare.
When you encounter a Bloater, burning it with a Molotov cocktail should be your first move. This removes some of the armor and makes the Bloater more vulnerable to gunfire. After that, you should use high-powered ammunition: upgraded rounds from the rifle or revolver work best.
If, for some reason, you can't burn it, then try to keep moving while repeatedly shooting the same spot, ideally with your most powerful guns. This will damage and remove chunks the armor, allowing you to actually hurt the Bloater, though you should note it's going to take a lot of ammo.
Shamblers
is a mutation of some sort. Because its mouth has been covered by the fungus, it doesn't bite. Instead, it rushes in close and releases a massive spray of acidic gas that'll quickly burn and kill you. It'll also release one final spray upon death, so get back once it falls.
Shamblers are best disposed of using trap bombs, though following up with a headshot or two from the pistol may also be necessary. Due to their usage of acidic gas, getting close for a melee attack isn't advised. Shamblers are capable of grabbing you and holding you in place while they release acid, although it's possible to break free.
The Rat King
Named for the rare Rat King that has taken place in the animal kingdom, the Rat King is the stuff of nightmares. Multiple infected, including at least one Bloater and one Stalker, have fused together, resulting into a multiple-armed, multiple-mouthed abomination. As such, it's not so much a stage of infected as it is a horrifying, unnatural anathema.
The Rat King doesn't have a "weakness" in the sense that the others do. You're going to need to unleash everything you have: pipe bombs, shotgun blasts, any flamethrower fuel, you need to use it all just to have any chance of survival.
The Last of Us Part II features many gruesome foes
The Last of Us Part II tells the next chapter in Ellie and Joel's story, with deadly infected lurking around every corner. If you'd like to learn more about it, you can from PlayStation lead Jennifer Locke. In it, she wrote that "The Last of Us Part II is an outstanding achievement in storytelling with believable, flawed characters, but some of the narrative decisions are sure to be divisive."
Our pick
The Last of Us Part II
There's a cost for revenge.
Ellie and Joel's story continues with Naughty Dog's biggest game ever. Horrific new threats like the Shamblers — and far, far, FAR worse — are waiting for you.