Infected Variants

Master The Last of Us Part II's infected. Learn the tactics for Runners, Stalkers, Clickers, Bloaters, and Shamblers to survive every encounter.

The infected are the terrifying remnants of humanity, twisted by the Cordyceps fungus. Over the course of The Last of Us Part II, players will encounter several these mutated horrors, each with unique behaviors, strengths, and weaknesses. Understanding these variants is crucial for survival, as different tactics are required to overcome each threat.

The most common infected you'll face are the Runners. These are recently infected humans, still retaining some semblance of their former selves. They are fast and attack in swarms, often overwhelming players with sheer numbers. Their primary attack is a lunging bite. Due to their speed and tendency to swarm, shotguns and rapid-fire weapons are effective, as are Molotov cocktails to clear groups. Stealth is also a viable option, allowing you to pick them off from a distance with a bow or silenced weapon before they can alert others.

Next are the Stalkers. These are more cunning than Runners, often hiding in dark corners or behind cover, and will attempt to flank you. They are more intelligent and will retreat if spotted, only to reappear later. They are particularly dangerous in enclosed spaces. Using Listen Mode is essential to detect their movements. They are vulnerable to headshots, and traps like trip mines can be very effective against them. Their unpredictable nature makes them a persistent threat.

The terrifying Clickers are blind but possess incredibly acute hearing. They navigate using echolocation, emitting distinctive clicking sounds. Their fungal growths have hardened their bodies, making them resistant to most small-arms fire. Headshots are critical, but often require precise aim. Melee combat against Clickers is extremely risky; a single grab can be fatal. Using stealth to sneak up behind them for a stealth kill is the safest approach. Alternatively, throwing a brick or bottle to distract them and then attacking from behind is a good strategy. Shotguns at close range can also be effective, but will likely attract more infected.

The most formidable infected are the Bloaters. These are massive, heavily armored creatures that are incredibly strong and resilient. They throw explosive spore sacs and can charge with devastating force. Their thick fungal plating makes them resistant to most conventional weapons. High-powered firearms like the shotgun or rifle, along with explosives like pipe bombs and flamethrowers, are necessary to take them down. Aiming for weak points, often exposed fungal growths, can speed up the process. Due to their immense power, it's advisable to fight them in open areas where you have room to maneuver and avoid their attacks.

Finally, there are the Shamblers. These are a new variant introduced in Part II, found primarily in wet environments. They are large, lumbering infected that release clouds of acidic spores when they get close or are damaged. These spores can cause significant damage over time. They are less agile than Clickers but more aggressive. Fire-based weapons and explosives are effective, as are well-aimed shots to their weak points. It's best to keep your distance and use ranged attacks to defeat them.