How to Take Down a Clicker: The Definitive Guide to Surviving The Last of Us
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Clickers. Just the name sends shivers down the spines of even seasoned The Last of Us players. These grotesque, fungal-ridden horrors are significantly tougher than the common Runners, and their horrifying clicks are a death knell to the unprepared. So, how do you shoot these terrifying creatures? The short answer: carefully, strategically, and with a focus on headshots. Clickers are virtually blind, relying on their echolocation clicks to navigate and hunt. A well-aimed bullet (or arrow) to the head is the most efficient way to dispatch them, but it’s not always as simple as point and shoot. Understanding their weaknesses, strengths, and the best tactics is crucial for survival in The Last of Us.
Understanding the Clicker Threat
Before we dive into shooting them, let’s understand what we’re up against. Clickers are the third stage of infection in The Last of Us, characterized by fungal growth covering their heads, effectively blinding them. This growth makes them incredibly durable, especially to body shots.
Clicker Strengths
- High Durability: Clickers boast significantly more health than Runners and Stalkers. Body shots are largely ineffective, wasting precious ammunition.
- One-Hit Kill Grab: If a Clicker gets close enough, they will grab you, resulting in an instant game over in most difficulty settings.
- Echolocation: Their clicks allow them to “see” their surroundings, making stealth more challenging.
- Unpredictable Movement: While slower than Runners, Clickers can change direction quickly, making them difficult to hit at close range.
Clicker Weaknesses
- Headshots: A clean headshot with a powerful weapon is the most reliable way to kill a Clicker.
- Vulnerability to Fire: Molotov cocktails and the flamethrower are highly effective against Clickers.
- Stealth (Sometimes): Despite their echolocation, you can sometimes sneak past them if you move slowly and quietly.
- Staggering: Explosions and certain powerful weapons can stagger them, creating an opportunity for a follow-up attack.
Shooting Clickers: The Optimal Strategies
Okay, now for the main event. Successfully shooting Clickers requires a combination of accuracy, resource management, and strategic positioning.
The Headshot Imperative
As mentioned before, headshots are king. While body shots might stagger them, they rarely kill Clickers outright, especially on higher difficulty levels. Aim for the exposed part of their head, between the fungal plates.
- Weapons of Choice: Revolvers, hunting rifles, and upgraded shorty shotguns are your best bets for clean headshots.
- Aim Steady: Take your time and line up your shot. Don’t rush, especially when under pressure.
- Listen Carefully: Pay attention to their clicks to anticipate their movement and adjust your aim accordingly.
Beyond Bullets: Alternative Tactics
While shooting is the primary method, other options can be extremely effective, especially when ammunition is scarce.
- Molotov Cocktails: A well-placed Molotov will set a Clicker ablaze, killing it quickly. This is an excellent option when facing multiple Clickers or when you need to conserve ammunition.
- Shivs (For the Desperate): A shiv can be used for a silent takedown, but it’s a one-time use and leaves you vulnerable if you miss. It’s generally best to save shivs for locked doors or other Infected types.
- Stealth Kills (The Risky Approach): It is possible to stealth kill a Clicker, but it requires patience, careful timing, and ideally, the upgraded shiv skill.
- Traps (If You’re Crafty): Setting up traps with trip mines can be a good way to deal with Clickers, but you need to make sure that they will walk into your traps.
Weapon Modifications and Skills
Investing in weapon upgrades and character skills can significantly improve your chances against Clickers.
- Weapon Stability: Upgrades that reduce weapon sway make it easier to land headshots.
- Increased Damage: More damage means fewer shots needed to kill, saving precious ammunition.
- Crafting Speed: Faster crafting allows you to quickly create Molotovs or other essential items in the heat of battle.
- Stealth Improvements: Skills that reduce noise and increase movement speed make stealth kills more viable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Clickers
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further arm you with the knowledge you need to survive Clicker encounters.
1. Can I sneak past Clickers?
Yes, but it’s tricky. Move slowly and quietly, and pay close attention to their echolocation clicks. Use cover and distractions to your advantage.
2. Are Clickers blind?
Yes, Clickers are effectively blind. They rely on echolocation to navigate and hunt.
3. What is the best weapon to kill a Clicker?
The hunting rifle and revolver are excellent choices for headshots. Molotov cocktails and the flamethrower are also highly effective.
4. How many shots does it take to kill a Clicker?
It depends on the weapon and difficulty level. A clean headshot with a powerful weapon should kill them in one shot. Body shots require significantly more ammunition and are generally not recommended.
5. Can Clickers climb?
No, Clickers cannot climb ladders or scale walls. Use this to your advantage to create distance or set up ambushes.
6. Are Clickers affected by smoke bombs?
Yes, smoke bombs can temporarily disorient Clickers, allowing you to escape or reposition.
7. Can I use a melee weapon against a Clicker?
It’s extremely risky. Clickers can grab you and kill you instantly if you get too close. Only attempt a melee attack as a last resort, and only if you have a shiv to defend yourself.
8. What’s the difference between Clickers and Bloaters?
Clickers are the third stage of infection, while Bloaters are a later, even more advanced stage. Bloaters are much larger, heavily armored, and extremely dangerous.
9. Are Clickers found in all areas of The Last of Us?
Clickers are found in many, but not all, infected areas. They tend to appear in areas that have been infected for a longer period of time.
10. How do I conserve ammunition when fighting Clickers?
Prioritize headshots, use Molotov cocktails when appropriate, and try to sneak past them whenever possible.
11. Can Clickers open doors?
No, Clickers cannot open doors. Use this to your advantage to create barriers or funnel them into kill zones.
12. Do Clickers react to noise distractions?
Yes, Clickers are highly sensitive to noise. Use bricks and bottles to lure them away from your path or into traps.
13. How do I deal with multiple Clickers at once?
This is a challenging situation. Use Molotov cocktails or pipe bombs to thin their numbers. Prioritize taking out the closest threat first and use cover to your advantage.
14. Are there any skills that make fighting Clickers easier?
Yes, skills that improve weapon stability, damage, and stealth are all beneficial. The shiv master skill is also helpful for stealth kills.
15. Can Clickers infect other humans?
Yes, Clickers can infect other humans if they bite or scratch them. The infection will progress through the same stages as the original host. Understanding how games like The Last of Us teach us strategic thinking is a fascinating area, and you can explore it further at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Final Thoughts: Surviving the Clicker Apocalypse
Taking down Clickers in The Last of Us is never easy, but with the right knowledge, tactics, and equipment, you can significantly increase your chances of survival. Remember to prioritize headshots, conserve ammunition, and use your environment to your advantage. Good luck, and may your aim be true! Remember to share this guide with your friends.