There are six different kinds of infected people in The Last of Us. The normal-sized ones are runners, clickers, and stalkers. The bigger ones are bloaters, shamblers, and the Rat King. Each of them takes a certain level of skill and strategy to take out when you’re playing the game.
Runners are the most common and the smallest level of concern. You don’t need a gun or a bomb. You can go hand-to-hand or use a handheld weapon if you’re a skilled dodger. A clicker is different. You can’t run at them like Leeroy Jenkins. They’ll kill you. So, be quiet and creep. Or you can try for a headshot (just don't miss). If you’re dealing with stalkers, your best bet is to keep a shotgun handy, listen carefully, and watch your surroundings. Bloaters and Shamblers take a little bit of stealth, skills with guns and bombs, and a lot of dodging. And then there’s the Rat King.
I’ve played The Last of Us Part II a bunch with and without infinite ammo, and I’ve never managed to defeat it on the first try. It’s been done before (there are tons of videos on how to on YouTube), but I haven’t. The one thing that’s certain is that patience, dodge, and bombs are your best options. Of all the wins during boss fights, this one is the most satisfying.
*** WARNING! POSSIBLE SPOILERS FOR THE LAST OF US SEASON 3! ***
Now, HBO’s The Last of Us has brought in all but one of the infected beings. The only one we haven’t seen yet is - you guessed it! - the Rat King. Fans have debated on whether it will make its appearance in the show because it seems like a hassle to create. Well, on The Last of Us Season 2's Official Podcast, showrunner Craig Mazin all but confirmed its existence, saying, “But, note, nobody knows what’s on B-3. Just leaving that out there.”
Earlier in the podcast, Mazin, Troy Baker (who voices Joel in the game), and co-creator and showrunner Neil Druckmann, all discussed the addition of spores in the most recent episode of the series. In Seattle, the first appearance of spores happens in a hospital inhabited by the Washington Liberation Front (or WLF). This is where Sgt. Elise Park’s son says that basement levels B-1 and B-2 are inhabitable due to the infection getting into the air. However, they don’t get to level B-3. Mazin's hint towards B-3 is a reference to the classic scene in the video game where Abby fights the infected Rat King.
Unfortunately, there is a catch. At no point does anyone on the podcast confirm what’s down there. In fact, Craig Mazin makes it a point to say, “To repeat, we do not know what is on B-3.” Granted, the trio laughed when he said it, but that’s still not confirmation. Of course, if the Rat King were to appear before the end of season 2, it would be one of the best TV moments of the year (and give people nightmares), but what if they have something else in store for viewers?
HBO’s The Last of Us changes things from the video game in every episode. Sometimes it's minor, and other times it's huge. The Rat King fight could be one of those moments. It may look exactly like the source material, or appear different and more twisted, but remain a Rat King. However, here’s another thing to ponder. It could be something even more horrifying. Yes, that last part is an option and should give you even more of a reason to get ready for season 3.
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