The Clickers in The Last of Us are a terrifying and iconic enemy, instantly recognizable by their grotesque appearance and horrifying clicking sounds. These are the third-stage infected in the game's Cordyceps Brain Infection (CBI) pandemic, individuals ravaged by the fungus to the point where their heads have become grotesque fungal plates. Clickers are blind, relying on echolocation to navigate and hunt, making them formidable and deadly adversaries. They represent a significant threat throughout the game, forcing players to use stealth, strategic combat, and resource management to survive encounters.
The Origins of the Clicker
The origins of the Clicker are rooted in the lore of The Last of Us, specifically the Cordyceps Brain Infection (CBI). This fictional pandemic is caused by a mutated strain of the Ophiocordyceps fungus, which in the real world, infects insects. In the game's narrative, the fungus jumps to humans, leading to a global catastrophe. Understanding the Clicker requires tracing the progression of the infection through its various stages. — Kadarius Toney's Potential NFL Retirement: A Career In Review
The Cordyceps Brain Infection Stages
The Cordyceps Brain Infection unfolds in distinct phases, each marked by increasingly severe physical and behavioral changes in the host. Clickers represent the third and arguably one of the most visually disturbing and dangerous stages of this infection. — Taylor Swift's Impact On Kansas City Chiefs Games
- Runner Stage: The initial stage of infection transforms individuals into Runners. Within the first two days, hosts experience symptoms similar to a severe flu, but the fungus rapidly takes over the brain. Runners retain some semblance of their former selves in appearance but become highly aggressive and driven by the need to spread the infection. They are fast, move in hordes, and still possess some level of human vision, making them a dangerous early-stage threat.
- Stalker Stage: After a couple of weeks, the infected transition into the Stalker stage. The fungal growth is more pronounced, and they begin to seek secluded, dark areas. Stalkers exhibit cunning behavior, often hiding and ambushing their prey. They are more resilient than Runners, with early fungal growths providing some armor. This stage marks a transition towards the more grotesque forms of the infected.
- Clicker Stage: A year into the infection, the host enters the Clicker stage, the most visually disturbing transformation. Clickers are blind due to the extensive fungal growth covering their faces. This growth forms hardened plates that protect their heads but force them to rely on echolocation. The clicking sounds they emit to navigate give them their distinctive name and serve as a chilling auditory cue for players. Clickers are incredibly strong and aggressive, posing a significant threat in close combat. Stealth and careful resource management are often necessary to survive encounters with them. Clickers are drawn to sound, so a brick or bottle thrown in another direction will distract them, allowing a window to sneak past.
- Bloater Stage: In rare cases, if an infected survives for many years, they can evolve into Bloaters. Bloaters are heavily armored with thick fungal plates and are incredibly strong. They can also release toxic spores, making them dangerous at both close and long ranges. Bloaters are less common than other infected types but represent a major challenge when encountered.
- Shambler Stage: The Last of Us Part II introduces the Shambler, a variation of the infected that is unique to the Pacific Northwest. Shamblers are covered in pustules filled with corrosive acid. They can explode these pustules as a defensive mechanism, creating a cloud of toxic gas. Shamblers are more resilient than Clickers and pose a threat in both melee and ranged combat scenarios.
- The Rat King: The Rat King is an extremely rare and horrifying type of infected found in The Last of Us Part II. It represents a culmination of multiple infected individuals fused into a single, gigantic organism. The Rat King is incredibly strong, resistant to damage, and can separate into smaller infected forms, making it a terrifying and unique boss encounter. The Rat King is one of the most challenging enemies in the entire series, requiring significant preparation and strategy to defeat.
The Biological Transformation
The transformation into a Clicker is a gruesome process. The Cordyceps fungus invades the host's brain, hijacking motor functions and instincts. Over time, the fungus grows externally, forming thick, hardened plates around the head. This fungal growth replaces the eyes, rendering the Clicker blind. The clicking sounds are produced by the Clicker snapping its mouth and expelling air, creating a biological form of echolocation. This allows them to perceive their surroundings by interpreting the echoes of these clicks. Clickers are incredibly sensitive to sound, making stealth a crucial tactic for survival in The Last of Us.
Clickers are not merely mindless monsters. Their behavior is a result of the fungus's drive to reproduce and spread. The infected are compelled to seek out living hosts to continue the cycle of infection. Clickers exhibit a mix of aggression and territoriality, often patrolling set areas and attacking anything that makes a sound. Their existence is a grim reminder of the devastating power of the Cordyceps infection and the horrors it inflicts on its victims.
Clicker Abilities and Behavior
The Clicker's abilities and behavior are what make them such a terrifying enemy in The Last of Us. Understanding how they function is crucial for survival in the game.
Echolocation
Echolocation is the primary sense Clickers use to navigate and hunt. Since their eyes are covered by fungal growth, Clickers emit a series of loud, distinct clicks. These clicks bounce off the environment, and the Clicker interprets the returning echoes to create a — St. John's Basketball Schedule 2024-2025: Key Matchups
