Table of Contents

Surviving the Fungal Nightmare: A Comprehensive Guide to Killing Clickers

Quick answer

This page answers What can kill a clicker? quickly.

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, those horrifying, echolocating fungal monstrosities, are among the most terrifying enemies in video games. Their grotesque appearance and brutal efficiency in combat make them a formidable threat. But fear not, fellow survivor! While daunting, these creatures can be killed. The key to dispatching a Clicker lies in understanding its weaknesses and exploiting them effectively. Simply put, Clickers can be killed by various means including stealth takedowns with a shiv, powerful firearms targeted at unarmored areas, fire, and even well-placed melee attacks after stunning them.

Understanding the Clicker Threat

Before diving into the arsenal of Clicker-killing techniques, let’s understand what makes them so dangerous. Clickers are a stage of the Cordyceps infection where the fungus has completely overtaken the host, blinding them and encasing their head in a thick, fungal plate. They rely on echolocation to navigate and are incredibly aggressive. Their fungal armor makes them resistant to many forms of attack.

The Anatomy of a Threat

Fungal Armor: This is the Clicker’s greatest strength. Bullets bounce off the thick plates on their head, rendering frontal assaults ineffective.
Echolocation: Their reliance on sound means stealth is paramount. Any noise can alert them to your presence.
Aggression: Clickers are relentless and will pursue you relentlessly once alerted.
Strength: They possess enhanced strength, capable of overwhelming even seasoned survivors in close combat.

Methods of Termination: How to Kill a Clicker

Now that we’ve established the threat, let’s explore the various ways to neutralize it. Different strategies are effective depending on the situation, your resources, and your playstyle.

Stealth Takedowns: The Silent Approach

The most reliable and resource-efficient method for dealing with a lone Clicker is a stealth takedown.

Crouch and Sneak: Approach the Clicker from behind, moving slowly and quietly.
Shiv Required: When close enough, you’ll be prompted to grab and shiv the Clicker. This will instantly kill it, but it consumes a shiv.
Advantages: Silent, resource-efficient (if you have shivs).
Disadvantages: Requires careful positioning and can be risky if other infected are nearby.

Ranged Combat: Distance is Your Friend

Engaging Clickers from a distance minimizes the risk of being grabbed. However, accuracy and weapon selection are crucial.

Target Unarmored Areas: Aim for the neck, shoulders, or anywhere the fungal plating doesn’t cover.
Upgraded Weapons: Powerful, upgraded weapons are highly recommended. Consider the best-upgraded weapons in your arsenal.
Headshots (Strategically): While direct headshots are often ineffective due to the fungal armor, sometimes precise shots can find gaps in the plating or damage the exposed brain tissue.
Advantages: Safer than close combat.
Disadvantages: Requires ammunition and accuracy.

Firepower: Bring the Heat

Fire is a Clicker’s greatest weakness.

Molotov Cocktails: These are incredibly effective, especially against groups of Clickers. A single Molotov thrown into a group can quickly incinerate them.
Flamethrower: While resource-intensive, the Flamethrower is devastating against Clickers. The sustained flames quickly overwhelm them.
Advantages: Highly effective, especially against groups.
Disadvantages: Can attract other enemies, consumes resources quickly (Flamethrower).

Melee Combat: A Last Resort

Melee combat with Clickers is extremely risky and should only be attempted as a last resort or when you have a significant advantage.

Bricks and Bottles: Use these to stun the Clicker before attacking. A stunned Clicker is vulnerable to melee attacks.
Powerful Melee Weapons: Use an axe, pipe, or other heavy melee weapon.
Running Melee Strike: After stunning the Clicker with a brick or bottle, sprint towards it and deliver a running melee strike.
Advantages: Can be effective in a pinch.
Disadvantages: Highly risky, requires precise timing and positioning.

Resource Management: The Key to Survival

Regardless of your preferred method, managing your resources is crucial. Ammunition, shivs, and crafting materials are all precious.

Scavenge Thoroughly: Explore every nook and cranny for supplies.
Craft Wisely: Prioritize crafting items that are effective against Clickers, such as shivs and Molotov cocktails.
Conserve Ammunition: Avoid unnecessary shots. Make every bullet count.

FAQs: Your Clicker-Killing Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions to further hone your Clicker-slaying skills:

Can I kill a Clicker with a brick? Yes, but not directly. A brick can stun a Clicker, creating an opening for a melee attack. It takes approximately 3 hits with the brick to kill a Clicker.
Are Clickers weak to anything in particular? Yes, Clickers are extremely susceptible to Molotov cocktails and fire in general.
How do you stealthily kill a Clicker? The most effective way to stealthily kill a Clicker is by sneaking up behind it and using a shiv.
Can I choke a Clicker? No, you cannot strangle a Clicker.
Why is the Clicker so scary? Clickers are scary due to their aggressive behavior, enhanced strength, and the grotesque fungal growth that covers their bodies.
Can you outrun a Clicker? Yes, it is generally easy to outrun a Clicker, as they move at a moderate pace.
Can you one-shot Clickers? It is very difficult to one-shot a Clicker due to their fungal armor. Powerful weapons targeted at unarmored areas have the best chance.
Can you punch a Clicker? Punching a Clicker with bare hands is ineffective and dangerous. They are very likely to grab you.
Can Clickers see you? No, Clickers are blind due to the fungal growth over their eyes. They rely on echolocation to navigate and detect their prey.
How hard is it to kill Clickers? Killing Clickers can be challenging, but they are manageable with the right strategy and resources. Using TLOU’s game’s best-upgraded weapons is generally the most effective way to dispatch a Clicker from range.
Do guns kill Clickers? Yes, guns can kill Clickers, but you must target unarmored areas or use powerful weapons. Shotguns and the El Diablo rifle are particularly effective.
How many shots does it take to kill a Clicker? It typically takes two headshots from any gun or around 3-4 revolver shots anywhere on the body to kill a Clicker.
Why can’t you punch a Clicker? Punching a Clicker is ineffective because their fungal armor protects them, and they are likely to grab and kill you.
What is a Clicker zombie? A Clicker is a human who has been infected with the Cordyceps fungus for an extended period, resulting in significant physical and behavioral changes. The fungal infection causes blindness and enhances their strength.
Can you kill a Clicker with a pipe? Yes, a pipe can be used to kill a Clicker, especially after stunning them with a brick or bottle.

Beyond the Game: Learning Through Play

The challenges presented by Clickers in video games offer more than just entertainment. They require strategic thinking, resource management, and problem-solving skills. The Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org explores how games can be used as powerful tools for education and skill development.

Conclusion: Mastering the Clicker Encounter

Clickers are a formidable foe, but by understanding their weaknesses, mastering the art of stealth, and utilizing your resources effectively, you can overcome this fungal nightmare. Remember to scavenge, craft, and strategize. Good luck, survivor, and may your shivs always be sharp!