Enemy Types & Strategies

Master The Last of Us Part I by learning enemy types. Understand strategies for facing both the Infected and human foes to improve your survival chances.

Enemy Types & Strategies

Surviving the harsh world of The Last of Us Part I requires a deep understanding of your adversaries. Both the infected and human enemies present unique challenges, demanding different tactical approaches. This section will detail each enemy type and provide actionable strategies to overcome them.

The Infected

The Cordyceps Brain Infection has mutated its hosts into several distinct, dangerous forms. Each stage of infection brings new threats and requires specific countermeasures.

Runners

• Description: These are the most recently infected, still possessing some human characteristics but driven by extreme aggression. They have good eyesight and hearing.
• Strategy:
  • Stealth is Key: Runners are easily alerted. Use Listen Mode (R1) to track their patrols.
  • Melee Advantage: A single stealth kill (Triangle) or a few well-placed melee hits (Square) with a Pipe or 2x4 are effective.
  • Headshots: If combat is unavoidable, aim for the head with any firearm for quick takedowns. The 9mm Pistol is efficient here.
  • Distraction: Throwing a Bottle or Brick can draw them away, allowing for stealth kills or escape.

Stalkers

• Description: A more advanced stage, Stalkers are faster and more cunning than Runners. They hide in shadows, ambush players, and are harder to detect in Listen Mode.
• Strategy:
  • Listen Mode Limitations: Stalkers often don't make enough noise to be consistently visible in Listen Mode. Rely on visual cues and environmental awareness.
  • Shotgun Effectiveness: The Shotgun is excellent for close-quarters encounters, often taking them down in one or two blasts.
  • Molotov Cocktails: A Molotov Cocktail can flush them out of hiding or deal significant damage if they're grouped.
  • Environmental Awareness: Always check corners and dark areas. They often hide behind cover, waiting to pounce.

Clickers

• Description: Blind but possessing acute echolocation, Clickers are deadly in close combat and instantly kill Joel if they grab him (unless you have a Shiv). They are heavily armored with fungal plates.
• Strategy:
  • Shiv Kills: The most efficient way to deal with a lone Clicker is a stealth Shiv kill (Triangle). Ensure you have a Shiv crafted from Binding and a Blade.
  • Melee Immunity: Do NOT engage Clickers in melee without a Shiv. It's an instant death.
  • Firearms: Headshots are still effective, but require multiple rounds due to their armor. The Revolver or Hunting Rifle are good choices.
  • Molotov Cocktails: These are highly effective, often setting them ablaze and killing them quickly.
  • Nail Bombs: A Nail Bomb can stun and damage multiple Clickers, creating an opening for follow-up attacks.
  • Distraction: Use Bottles or Bricks to lure them away from your path or into traps.

Bloaters

• Description: The most advanced and dangerous infected, Bloaters are massive, slow-moving tanks that throw corrosive spore bombs. They have extreme armor and are incredibly resilient.
• Strategy:
  • Explosives are Paramount: Molotov Cocktails and Nail Bombs are your best friends. Hit them with everything you've got.
  • Shotgun to the Face: While explosives are primary, follow up with Shotgun blasts to the head or exposed areas.
  • Maintain Distance: Their spore bombs deal heavy damage and obscure vision. Keep moving and stay out of range.
  • Environmental Hazards: Look for explosive barrels or other environmental elements that can be used to your advantage.
  • Patience: Bloaters are damage sponges. Don't rush; chip away at their health while avoiding their attacks.

Human Enemies

Not all threats are fungal. Desperate survivors, bandits, and military factions will also try to kill Joel and Ellie. These encounters often require a blend of stealth and direct combat.

Bandits/Hunters

• Description: These are hostile human survivors, often heavily armed and working in groups. They use cover, flank, and communicate.
• Strategy:
  • Stealth Takedowns: Whenever possible, use stealth kills (Triangle) from behind cover or after a distraction.
  • Headshots: Human enemies are vulnerable to headshots with any weapon. The Hunting Rifle is excellent for long-range precision.
  • Cover System: Utilize cover (L1) extensively to avoid incoming fire and reload safely.
  • Flanking: Don't stay in one spot. Move around the environment to flank enemies or gain a better vantage point.
  • Molotovs/Nail Bombs: These are highly effective against groups of human enemies, especially if they are clustered together or behind light cover.
  • Listen Mode: Use Listen Mode (R1) to track their movements and plan your attacks.
  • Melee Combat: If an enemy gets too close, a well-timed melee attack (Square) can stun them, allowing for a follow-up shot or another melee hit. Upgraded melee weapons (e.g., Pipe with Blades) are very powerful.

Military (FEDRA)

• Description: Soldiers from the Federal Disaster Response Agency are well-trained, heavily armed, and often wear body armor. They operate with more discipline than bandits.
• Strategy:
  • Armor Penetration: Armored enemies require more shots to take down. Aim for exposed areas (head, limbs) or use powerful weapons like the Shotgun or Hunting Rifle.
  • Explosives: Nail Bombs and Molotov Cocktails are excellent for dealing with armored targets or breaking up their formations.
  • Aggressive Flanking: FEDRA soldiers are good at holding positions. You'll often need to be more aggressive in flanking them to get around their defenses.
  • Suppressing Fire: Use automatic weapons like the Assault Rifle (when available) to suppress enemies, allowing you to move or your companion to act.
  • Patience and Observation: Study their patrol patterns and cover usage before engaging.