Do the Zombies in Last of Us Eat?
The Last of Us, a critically acclaimed post-apocalyptic video game series, has captivated players worldwide with its gripping story, engaging characters, and terrifying enemies – the Clickers and Runners, also known as the Cordyceps-infected humans. One of the most frequently asked questions is whether these zombies eat? In this article, we’ll delve into the fungal infection, the behavior of infected humans, and answer the question: Do the zombies in Last of Us eat?
Infection and Behavior
Cordyceps is a fungus that infects insects, not humans, in real life. The game’s creators, Neil Druckmann and Bruce Straley, took creative liberty to adapt the fungus for their fictional world. The infected humans in the game do not eat for sustenance. The fungus grows inside their brains, controlling their behavior and eventually leading to their decay and eventual death.
Instead of feeding on human flesh, the infected humans rely on their fungal growth for sustenance. The growth of the fungus provides a source of nutrients, sustaining the infected individuals until the fungus has fully taken control of their bodies.
Fungal Growth and Zombie Behavior
The Cordyceps fungus grows inside the human body, eventually infecting the brain and transforming the individual into a runner or a Clicker.
- Runners: Infected humans with eyes still intact, they sprint towards the nearest source of sound, often making the most noise.
- Clickers: Infected humans with eyes destroyed, resulting in a loss of sensitivity, they rely on the fungus to guide them to their prey.
Comparison to Real-Life Fungus
While the gameplay mechanics of the Cordyceps-infected zombies are fictional, the similarities between the game’s version and the real-life Cordyceps fungus are striking. In reality:
- Cordyceps fungus infects insects: The fungus Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, also known as the fungus that turns ants into "zombies," infects carpenter ants and causes them to climb to a high location before producing a fruiting body.
- Fungal growth:
- Runners: Insects behave erratically, moving with a new purpose, whereas in the game, human Runners sprint towards their prey.
- Clickers: Insect bodies eventually become rigid and immobile, similar to the Clickers in the game.
Do Zombies Eat in Last of Us?
To summarize:
- No, infected humans in Last of Us do not eat for sustenance. The fungal growth provides a source of nutrients, sustaining them until the fungus has fully taken control of their bodies.
- The fungus utilizes the human body as a host to grow, spread spores, and eventually create new fruiting bodies.
- Gameplay mechanics: Runners and Clickers are distinct, with Runners characterized by their speed and sudden movements, while Clickers rely on their fungal-driven instincts to navigate.
While the Last of Us ‘zombies’ do not eat in the classical sense, their behavior is nonetheless terrifying and unsettling. The game’s unique adaptation of the Cordyceps fungus creates a dark, unsettling atmosphere, propelling the narrative forward in a way that keeps gamers engaged.
The Last of Us: Beyond the Game
The infected humans in Last of Us serve as a cautionary tale, highlighting the darker aspects of human nature, the fragility of humanity, and the devastating impact of a fungal infection that can manipulate and control an individual’s behavior.
For those interested in exploring further, there are many books, articles, and academic papers on the real-life Cordyceps fungus and its fascinating behavior, as well as the adaptations of fungi in various ecosystems worldwide.
In conclusion, in the world of Last of Us, the infected humans do not eat for sustenance, but their behavior remains a constant threat to surviving humans. The game has captivated audiences worldwide with its unique take on this fictional world, offering insight into the darker aspects of human nature and the resilience required to survive in a catastrophic environment.