How long does it take to become a bloater?

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It takes a few years for an infected human to develop and reach the stage of a Bloater after exposure to the Cordyceps brain infection. This transformation occurs through a series of stages, starting from a Runner, then potentially progressing to a Stalker, followed by a Clicker, and finally, the rare and dangerous Bloater stage, characterized by its thick fungal growth and enhanced strength.

Understanding the Stages of Infection

To comprehend the timeline of becoming a Bloater, it’s essential to understand the different stages of infection caused by the Cordyceps fungus. Each stage has distinct characteristics and plays a role in the potential development into a Bloater.

The Journey to Becoming a Bloater

The process begins when a human is infected, either through a bite or inhalation of spores. Initially, the person becomes a Runner, the most human-like stage of the infected, occurring within hours to days after infection.

FAQs

1. What is the life cycle of a Bloater? Bloaters continue to grow until they reach adulthood and have been recorded living up to 10 years.

2. How long does it take for an infected to become a Clicker? Clickers are individuals who have been infected for at least one year, allowing the fungus to spread and cause blindness, forcing them to use echolocation.

3. Can all Clickers become Bloaters? Not all infected progress to the next stage; only successful hunters can advance, and the progression from a Clicker to a Bloater is rare.

4. What makes Bloaters so dangerous? Their size, strength, and the fungal growth acting as armor make them highly formidable.

5. How to kill a Bloater efficiently? The most efficient way to kill Bloaters is by using fire, such as throwing a Molotov cocktail or using a flamethrower, due to their vulnerability to fire.

6. Can Bloaters see? Like Clickers, Bloaters use echolocation to locate and attack, but their method is less refined due to the significant deformation of their face and blindness caused by the fungal infection.

7. What is the difference between a Bloater and a Shambler? Shamblers are arguably more deadly, as they can spray acid and fire acidic spores, a trait not observed in Bloaters.

8. How does one become a Bloater? Becoming a Bloater involves being infected with the Cordyceps brain infection and progressing through the stages of infection over several years.

9. Is there a cure for the Cordyceps infection? In the context of The Last of Us, the possibility of a cure is left unresolved, especially concerning Ellie’s immunity.

10. Why are Bloaters big and strong? Their fungal growth provides them with armor-like protection and enhanced strength, making them physically imposing.

11. Can headshots kill Bloaters? Targeting the growth on their body with a precise shot can be as effective as a headshot in killing them.

12. What is the Rat King, and is it a Bloater? The Rat King is a unique infected entity composed of multiple infected, including a Bloater, all connected by the Cordyceps fungus.

13. Do all infected eventually become Bloaters? No, not all infected progress to the Bloater stage; the progression depends on various factors, including the infected’s ability to hunt and survive.

14. How does Ellie’s immunity work? Ellie’s immunity to the infected is a central plot point, but the mechanics of how it works and whether it could be used to create a cure are not fully explained.

15. Can the Cordyceps infection happen in real life? While there are Cordyceps species that infect insects, the idea of a Cordyceps-related apocalypse as depicted in The Last of Us is considered extremely unlikely by the scientific community.