Episode 5 of The Last Of Us, which aired on February 11, has delivered some of the most intense and engaging action sequences since the series debuted, featuring the emergence of a new, more dangerous type of zombie.
The latest episode of The Last Of Us revolves around the journey of Joel and Ellie as they flee through downtown Kansas City, alongside two new companions, Henry and Sam. They find themselves being relentlessly hunted by the Hunter group and soon face the terrifying emergence of a zombie type that has lain dormant beneath the earth, including the formidable Bloater – the most dangerous type of zombie in The Last Of Us to date.
What is a Bloater?
A Bloater is the third stage in the life cycle of the Cordyceps fungus on a human host, typically manifesting after many years—sometimes even decades. This stage is often viewed as the final stage of infection. In the second episode, Joel mentioned that infected individuals usually survive for only a few days to a month. This highlights why the infected “live longer,” like Clickers and Bloaters, represent a significant danger to humans.
Unlike Clickers, where the fungal infection mainly affects the initial part of the host, Bloaters encompass the entire human body, causing them to grow larger and bulkier. At this stage, the fungal layers have effectively dulled the senses, making them more susceptible to traps. However, these thick fungal layers create an armor-like shell, which can resist bullets or various forms of gas attacks.
Strengths of the Bloater
In the original game, the fungal layers on the outside of a Bloater can also emit a glow in the dark, creating toxic gas pockets. When threatened, they can throw these gas pockets to weaken their prey, while also emitting spores to spread the infection.
Similar to Clickers, Bloaters also utilize echolocation to determine the position of their prey. However, instead of the usual clicking sounds, they emit much deeper and harder-to-hear sounds.
Compared to earlier infected stages, including Runners, Stalkers, and Clickers, Bloaters possess outstanding physical strength, making them formidable hunters that can employ various lethal methods against humans. While they may be slow, if one is unfortunate enough to be caught by a Bloater, the chances of survival for the human host are nearly zero. This has been vividly represented in Episode 5 of The Last Of Us.
Like other types of zombies, Bloaters also have a weakness: fire. This is the most effective way to counter them in the game. When deprived of oxygen, they will frantically run around seeking a way to escape. Under the effect of fire, the Bloater’s fungal armor will burn to ash, making them more vulnerable and easier to destroy. The latest adaptation has only showcased the horror strength of Bloaters without providing any clear countermeasures to eliminate this type of zombie.
The Role of Bloaters in the Original Game
Bloaters play the role of mini-bosses, appearing in several key segments of both The Last Of Us games. Unlike the series adaptation, Joel and Ellie first encounter a Bloater during a tense moment while searching for batteries for their truck in the Lincoln school. Furthermore, when they arrive in Pittsburgh (which has been changed to Kansas City in the adaptation), Joel encounters this dangerous type of zombie in an underground hotel.
Battling a Bloater has never been an easy feat, whether in the show or the game. First and foremost, players cannot confront it directly with brute force; they must rely on stealth tactics, often needing to sneak around it, similar to other zombie titles: utilizing firearms and traps. However, if you want to avoid a confrontation, players can still navigate this type of zombie without spending time battling it.
As previously mentioned, the primary weakness of Bloaters is fire. However, even when deprived of oxygen, these formidable zombies can still grab players if they stand within their range. With just one successful grab, Bloaters can severely damage the player, forcing them to fight back.
Bloaters in the Series Adaptation
One of the key factors contributing to the success of the series The Last Of Us is its faithful adherence to the original material, both in terms of narrative and character development. Similar to the Clickers, the Bloater in the series adaptation also retains many characteristics aligned with the original game.
This type of zombie still retains a massive physical form, with a body covered in layers of Cordyceps fungus. In addition to that, they also possess a resistance to bullets and can easily inflict damage on humans with their melee attacks. Even the distinct appearance of the Bloater, which is preserved in this series, is executed with remarkable detail, offering shocking visuals.
Moreover, the time and various stages of infection of the Cordyceps fungus have also been applied by HBO to enhance its series. During their escape from downtown Kansas City, Henry mentions that FEDRA once captured everyone infected and kept them underground about 15 years ago. This time frame is crucial for the infected to reach the Bloater stage.
Are Bloaters the final type of zombie in The Last Of Us?
In essence, an infected individual in The Last Of Us can either reach the Bloater stage after a long time or may take on various forms through the stages of infection: Runner, Stalker, Clicker, and Bloater. Therefore, theoretically, the Bloater can be viewed as the final stage of infection for this type of disease.
However, The Last Of Us Part II has clarified that environmental factors can influence the progression of the Cordyceps fungus in different infected stages. This game takes place in Seattle, where Bloaters are often replaced by Shamblers.
As for the Bloater, it remains a type of zombie enveloped in layers of fungal tissue. However, instead of emitting toxic spores, they can spray acid from their bodies and explode when destroyed, akin to a final blast. While not officially confirmed, the game’s details suggest that the humid climate and rainy conditions in Seattle have impacted the evolution of Cordyceps, creating a distinct difference between Bloaters and Shamblers.
Additionally, in The Last Of Us Part II, players also face off against a creature known as the Rat King. This entity is a conglomerate of several infected individuals that has formed an immense, grotesque creature living in the basement of a hospital in Seattle, where the first infection outbreak was recorded. The Rat King only appears once throughout the entire game series and serves as a unique and terrifying encounter in the world of The Last Of Us.
Source: ScreenRant, Kotaku
