Can Infected See Your Flashlight?
In the survival horror game series, The Last of Us and its sequel, it’s crucial to know what the infected can and can’t see. One vital piece of information is whether they can detect the flashlights used by survivors, like Joel and Ellie, to navigate through the dark environments. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of The Last of Us to answer the question: can infected see your flashlight?
Infected and Lighting
The infected in the game are not like living beings; they’re undead creatures that have been overtaken by a fungal disease. Their senses are modified, and they rely more on their other senses like hearing and smell to find their prey. Running and Stalking Infected are the two most common types of infected players will encounter. Runners, Stalkers are more aggressive and equipped with better senses, especially their hearing.
Visual Acuity of Infected
The infected have relatively poor eyesight, as they’re not living organisms anymore. Their vision is limited, and they cannot see as clearly as survivors. Clickers and Bloaters, two of the more aggressive infected, have less refined vision due to the fungal growth on their bodies. Runners and Stalkers, in contrast, have better low-light vision, but Clickers and Bloaters are more hindered by their poor eye health.
Flashlights and Infected
Surprisingly, infected cannot see your flashlight from a distance. Joel and Ellie use flashlights to navigate through dark corridors and alleys, while the infected are oblivious to the light. Except for Stalkers, who can see the flashlights if they’re near. Stalkers have better senses, as mentioned earlier, and may detect the light if you’re close to them. Runners and most other infected won’t bother with the light; they’re more focused on their surroundings and won’t notice the light.
| Infected Type | Effect on Flashlight |
|---|---|
| Runners | No Effect |
| Stalkers | Can detect if nearby |
| Clickers and Bloaters | Less likely to notice |
Avoiding Infected with Your Flashlight
When sneaking past infected, remembering that they can’t see your flashlight from a distance is crucial. Keeping a safe distance and conserving your flashlight’s energy will help you conserve resources and avoid detection.
Conclusion
In The Last of Us series, the infected aren’t as sensitive to flashlights as you might expect. Runners and most other infected won’t notice, while Stalkers may detect the light if they’re close to you. Clickers and Bloaters, with their poor eye health, are less likely to notice the light. If you’re careful with your flashlight usage and keep your distance, you’ll survive the infected hordes without being detected.
When to Use Your Flashlight
- When transitioning between areas: Use your flashlight to illuminate dark rooms or corridors, making sure to conserve energy.
- When navigating through tight spots: Flashlights can light up narrow passages, preventing you from stumbling into hiding infected.
- As a distraction: Use the flashlight to distract a stray infected, giving you the opportunity to sneak past undetected.
Remember that flashlights are a double-edged sword in this game. While they aid in navigation, they also attract unwanted attention. Conserve your energy, conserve your resources, and The Last of Us‘ environment will be a little darker, but a lot scarier.