How Long Until You Become a Bloater? A Deep Dive into the Cordyceps Infection
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The question of how long it takes to transform into a Bloater in the world of The Last of Us is one that fascinates and horrifies fans alike. These behemoths, covered in fungal plates and exhibiting incredible strength, represent a terrifying endpoint of the Cordyceps infection. While the exact timeline varies slightly across the game and HBO adaptation, the general consensus is that it takes several years post-infection for a human to reach the Bloater stage. This lengthy period allows the fungus to completely overtake the host, resulting in the grotesque and formidable creatures we see. It’s not a matter of days or weeks; it’s a slow, agonizing process spanning years of fungal growth and mutation.
The Stages of Infection and the Bloater’s Place
Understanding the Bloater’s transformation requires a look at the different stages of the Cordyceps infection. Bloaters are not the first or second stage, but rather the fourth and rarest stage of infection, making them the most formidable encountered.
From Runner to Clicker
Initially, an infected person will rapidly transform into a Runner, exhibiting increased aggression and speed. This stage is often achieved within hours or a day after being infected by a bite. As time progresses, usually around a year or so, the infected will develop into a Clicker. This stage sees the fungus mature, covering the head and causing blindness, forcing them to rely on echolocation to hunt. The clicker stage is characterized by advanced fungal growth that enhances strength beyond normal human capabilities, and they are already considerably more dangerous.
The Bloater Transformation
After this, for some, the fungus continues to grow and morph the host. It takes many years, typically a decade or more for an infected to develop into a Bloater. This stage is the pinnacle of fungal manifestation, with the host’s body now almost entirely encased in hardened fungal plates. It is a complete transformation, going far beyond the Runner or Clicker. Bloaters are almost entirely fungus, with immense strength, aggression, and a much more robust body. They are more like fungal beasts than a human, now. This lengthy incubation period, coupled with their extreme rarity, makes encounters with Bloaters terrifying and significant events in The Last of Us narrative. This makes them an example of what can happen with many years of evolution of the infection.
The Rarity and Danger of Bloaters
The rarity of Bloaters is attributed to the specific conditions required for this advanced stage to develop. It is theorized that they form when an individual is exposed to higher concentrations or strains of the Cordyceps fungus or where an infected person stays in one place for an extremely long time, allowing the fungus to build and grow unhindered. Because they take so long to manifest, they also tend to be in more isolated or forgotten locations.
When encountered, Bloaters pose a significant threat. Their hardened fungal armor makes them resistant to most firearms, and their immense strength allows them to tear through obstacles and humans with ease. They also have powerful melee attacks that can kill instantly if the Bloater grabs a victim, and they can even launch pieces of their own hardened fungal plates as projectiles. Fire is their primary weakness, highlighting their vulnerability to extreme heat, which can burn away the fungal growth and damage the host underneath.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How quickly do you turn after being bitten in The Last of Us?
The speed of transformation after a bite depends on the location. Face or neck bites will result in turning within 5-15 minutes. A bite to the arms or torso gives you around 2-8 hours, while a bite to the leg provides the most time, around 12-24 hours before turning.
2. Are Bloaters blind like Clickers?
Yes, Bloaters are blind, and like Clickers, rely on echolocation to find their prey. The heavy fungal growth that covers their head is a likely cause of their blindness.
3. Are Bloaters stronger than Clickers?
Absolutely. Bloaters are significantly stronger than Clickers due to their extensive fungal growth and size. While Clickers possess enhanced strength, the sheer power and bulk of a Bloater make them far more dangerous.
4. Can Bloaters see fire?
Although Bloaters can not see in the traditional sense, they do react strongly to fire. This is due to the fungal growth being extremely vulnerable to burning. They don’t have eyes, so can not see it in the way a human can, but they will be damaged and attempt to avoid it if possible, indicating they perceive fire as a threat.
5. What is a Bloater’s main weakness?
A Bloater’s primary weakness is fire. It is exceptionally effective at destroying the fungal armor and exposing the vulnerable host beneath. The heavy fungus that makes up their thick armor also makes them slow, making fast, ranged attacks easier to perform on them.
6. What is the difference between a Bloater and a Shambler?
Although similar in appearance, Shamblers lack the immense strength of Bloaters. They also emit a corrosive gas, making close-range combat dangerous. They are more mobile than bloaters, but less resistant to attacks. Also, they seem to grow to a slightly smaller size than a Bloater.
7. What is the most dangerous infected in The Last of Us?
While Bloaters are incredibly dangerous, the Rat King is considered the most formidable infected. This creature, found in The Last of Us Part II, is a multi-stage amalgamation of numerous infected, creating a terrifying, near-immortal boss.
8. How did the Cordyceps infection start?
In the show, the Cordyceps infection started by spreading rapidly through an infected food supply, although the exact means of infection were more ambiguous in the original game. It is a fungal infection that rapidly overtakes its human host.
9. Can Ellie infect others?
Ellie cannot infect others with the mutated strain of Cordyceps that she carries. Her immunity prevents the spread of the unmutated strain. It is not confirmed if a bite from Ellie would be harmful, but the consensus is it would not create a regular infected.
10. Why is Ellie immune?
It is implied that Ellie’s specific strain of Cordyceps is unique, likely due to her initial exposure in utero. This mutation prevents her from falling to the fungus, making her immune. The Fireflies believe that studying her blood could potentially lead to a cure, but that is not confirmed.
11. Is there a cure for the Cordyceps infection?
The series makes it clear that no cure for the Cordyceps infection exists. In fact, medical science has not figured out a way to cure or eradicate any fungal-based virus.
12. Can you beat The Last of Us without killing anyone?
No. While you can sneak past many encounters, the game has several scripted events that will require you to kill infected and humans. You can get through most of it with stealth, but not 100%.
13. How old is Ellie in The Last of Us Part 2?
Ellie is 19 years old in The Last of Us Part II, and the relationship between herself and Joel is tested by his lie regarding the events of the first game.
14. Do infected need to eat?
Infected are not dead but rather living hosts, albeit controlled by the Cordyceps fungus. They do not require food to survive, although they can still consume living beings. Many infected seem unable to eat, either locked in buildings or stuck in collapsed tunnels.
15. What is the hardest part of The Last of Us?
Many consider the Firefly Hospital to be the most challenging part of the game, with other difficult areas, such as the Hotel Basement, the Suburb Sniper Nest, the Sewers with Sam, and the Winter Fight with David, proving very challenging as well.