Are Last of Us Zombies Alive?
The Last of Us, a critically acclaimed video game and TV series, has left audiences wondering about the nature of its infected characters. Are they truly zombies, or is there more to their existence? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of The Last of Us and explore the answer to this question.
Direct Answer: Are Last of Us Zombies Alive?
No, the infected in The Last of Us are not zombies. They are living beings, albeit ones that have been taken over by a fungal infection that reanimates their bodies after death. This infection, known as Cordyceps, is a real-life fungus that infects insects and other small animals.
What is Cordyceps?
Cordyceps is a fungus that grows inside the bodies of insects and other small animals, eventually killing them and taking control of their bodies. The fungus grows a long, thin stalk out of the insect’s body, which produces spores that can infect other animals. In the case of The Last of Us, the Cordyceps fungus infects humans, causing them to become reanimated and aggressive.
The Infected in The Last of Us
The infected in The Last of Us are not mindless, shambling corpses like traditional zombies. They are intelligent, mobile, and capable of communicating with each other through a series of clicks and chirps. They are also able to adapt to their environment and learn from their experiences.
Stages of Infection
The infection progresses through several stages, each with its own unique characteristics. The first stage is characterized by a rash on the skin, which eventually spreads to the entire body. As the infection progresses, the infected individual becomes increasingly aggressive and violent.
Clickers and Runners
The most well-known types of infected in The Last of Us are the Clickers and Runners. Clickers are the most advanced stage of the infection, characterized by their ability to emit a loud, clicking sound and their complete loss of vision. Runners, on the other hand, are less advanced and retain some of their cognitive functions.
Immune Individuals
In the world of The Last of Us, there is only one known individual who is immune to the Cordyceps infection: Ellie. Ellie’s immunity is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to her genetic makeup.
Are There Other Immune Individuals?
As of now, there is no evidence to suggest that there are other immune individuals like Ellie. The game and TV series suggest that Ellie is the only known individual who has managed to survive the infection without becoming infected herself.
Why Can’t They Make a Vaccine?
In the world of The Last of Us, the scientist who is trying to develop a vaccine is unable to do so because the Cordyceps fungus is too complex and adaptable. The fungus is able to mutate and evolve, making it difficult to develop an effective vaccine.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the infected in The Last of Us are not zombies. They are living beings that have been taken over by a fungal infection. The infection progresses through several stages, each with its own unique characteristics. While there is only one known individual who is immune to the infection, there is no evidence to suggest that there are other immune individuals like Ellie.