How to Beat The Rat King

Defeat The Rat King in The Last of Us Part II by understanding its attack patterns and exploiting its weaknesses using strategic evasion and heavy weaponry.

The Rat King is one of The Last of Us Part II's most terrifying and challenging boss encounters. This grotesque amalgamation of infected is a relentless foe that requires a strategic approach to overcome. Understanding its attack patterns, exploiting its weaknesses, and using the environment are key to surviving this harrowing fight.

This boss fight, encountered in the hospital basement, is a true test of your combat prowess and resourcefulness. The Rat King is a multi-stage boss, meaning its behavior and vulnerabilities change as you inflict damage. Preparation is crucial; ensure you have ample health kits, ammunition for your most powerful weapons, and any available explosives before entering the arena.

Understanding The Rat King

The Rat King is a massive, mutated creature composed of multiple infected fused together. It's incredibly durable and possesses a powerful melee attack. Its primary threat comes from its sheer size, speed, and the fact that it can split into smaller, equally dangerous entities.

Phase 1: The Amalgamation

In its initial form, the Rat King is a single, hulking mass. Its attacks are primarily sweeping melee strikes and lunges. The arena is relatively confined, with some environmental cover.

• Weapon Choice: Your most powerful weapons are essential here. The shotgun, hunting rifle, and flamethrower are highly effective.
• Dodging: Learn the timing of its lunges and sweeps. Dodge roll is your best friend.
• Explosives: Pipe bombs and Molotov cocktails can deal significant damage. Try to bait it into areas where you can detonate them effectively.
• Headshots: Aim for the head whenever possible, though its size makes this difficult.
• Movement: Constantly move. Do not stay in one place for too long, as it will quickly close the distance.

Phase 2: The Split

After taking enough damage, the Rat King will split into two distinct threats: the large, lumbering Rat King and a fast, agile Stalker-like infected that breaks off from the main body. The Stalker is particularly dangerous due to its speed and ability to flank.

• Prioritize the Stalker: The Stalker is often the more immediate threat due to its speed. Try to dispatch it quickly using a shotgun blast or a well-aimed rifle shot.
• Kiting: Use the environment to kite the main Rat King while dealing with the Stalker.
• Ammo Management: Be mindful of your ammo. You'll need it for both threats.
• Health Kits: Use health kits liberally. This phase can be chaotic.

Phase 3: The Final Stand (Main Body)

Once the Stalker is dealt with, you'll need to focus on the remaining large Rat King. It will continue its aggressive attacks.

• Sustained Fire: Continue to unload your most powerful ammunition into it.
• Exploit Openings: After its lunges, there are brief windows to get in damage.
• Flamethrower: If you have flamethrower fuel, it can be very effective in this phase.

General Tips for the Fight

• Preparation: Before entering the basement, ensure your weapons are fully upgraded and you have a full stock of crafting materials for health kits and explosives.
• Environmental Hazards: Look for any environmental advantages, though they are limited in this arena.
• Patience: This is a marathon, not a sprint. Don't get discouraged if you take damage or need to restart.
• Listen for Cues: Pay attention to the sound des; it can alert you to incoming attacks.

Defeating the Rat King is a significant achievement. By staying calm, using your resources effectively, and learning its attack patterns, you can emerge victorious from this brutal encounter.