When was the Beginning of Outbreak in The Last of Us?
The Last of Us, a critically acclaimed video game and HBO series, is set in a post-apocalyptic world where a deadly outbreak has devastated humanity. The game’s story takes place in 2033, but the outbreak occurred much earlier, in 2003. In this article, we will explore the beginning of the outbreak and its significance in the world of The Last of Us.
The Cordyceps Brain Infection
The outbreak in The Last of Us is caused by a mutated form of the Cordyceps fungus, which infects humans and turns them into mindless, zombie-like creatures. The fungus spreads through bites or contact with infected bodily fluids. The Cordyceps fungus is a real-life fungus that infects insects, but it has not been known to infect humans.
The Initial Outbreak
The initial outbreak occurred on September 26, 2003, when the Cordyceps fungus first infected humans. This event is known as "Outbreak Day." The outbreak began in Austin, Texas, and quickly spread globally, infecting millions of people.
The Evolution of the Fungus
The Cordyceps fungus evolved rapidly, adapting to its new human hosts. It developed a new stage in its life cycle, where it infected humans and turned them into carriers. These carriers were known as "Runners" or "Infected," and they were the primary means of spreading the fungus.
The Immune System
Some individuals, like Ellie, were immune to the Cordyceps fungus. This was due to their mothers being bitten during childbirth, allowing them to develop immunity. Ellie’s mother, Anna, was bitten during childbirth, which is why Ellie is immune.
The Search for a Cure
As the outbreak spread, scientists scrambled to find a cure. However, their efforts were unsuccessful, and the fungus continued to spread. Joel and Ellie’s journey in the game is centered around finding a cure, but it is ultimately revealed that a cure was never possible.
Conclusion
The beginning of the outbreak in The Last of Us is a significant event in the game’s world. It marks the start of a global pandemic that has devastated humanity and set the stage for the game’s story. The Cordyceps fungus is a unique and terrifying enemy, and its evolution and spread are key to understanding the world of The Last of Us.
Timeline of the Outbreak
Here is a timeline of the outbreak in The Last of Us:
- September 26, 2003: The initial outbreak occurs in Austin, Texas.
- 2003-2013: The outbreak spreads globally, infecting millions of people.
- 2013: The fungus evolves, allowing it to infect humans and turn them into carriers.
- 2033: The game takes place in this year, where Joel and Ellie are on a mission to find a cure.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Cordyceps fungus?
- The Cordyceps fungus is a real-life fungus that infects insects.
- What caused the outbreak?
- The outbreak was caused by a mutated form of the Cordyceps fungus that infected humans.
- How did Ellie survive the bite?
- Ellie survived the bite because her mother, Anna, was bitten during childbirth, allowing Ellie to develop immunity.
- Was a cure ever found?
- No, a cure was never found in the game.