The Last of Us: Who are the Stalkers, the new threat of season 2

The second season of The Last of Us is already underway on HBO and promises to double the tension with an unprecedented threat to the protagonists: the Stalkers.

This new variant of infected, more strategic and intelligent than any seen so far, challenges Ellie and Dina, introducing a type of terror that is more psychological than physical, but equally devastating.

Stalkers: the new step in the evolution of Cordyceps

In contrast to the well-known Runners and Clickers, the Stalkers represent a more advanced stage of the infection process. With a more moderate physical deterioration and part of their brain functions still active, these enemies are characterized by their ability to stalk, analyze, and attack with tactical intelligence, making them unsettling predators that are difficult to anticipate.

"We wanted the Stalkers to bring a different threat, less visceral and more psychological," explained Neil Druckmann, co-creator of the series.

In the first episode of the season, Ellie and Dina experience an unexpected twist when a routine patrol confronts them with a Stalker hidden in a ruined supermarket. What seemed like a supply search turns into a desperate escape.

From console to screen: tension and narrative strategy

In Naughty Dog's video games, the Stalkers had already positioned themselves as occasional but lethal enemies. However, their television adaptation elevates them to a central narrative role, with sequences designed to expose their meticulous nature and ambushes that require the viewer to hold their breath.

These creatures represent a significant evolution not only in the ecosystem of infected but also in the way the characters must think about their movements and survival strategies. The role change—from hunters to prey—is a narrative axis that enhances the emotional connection with the protagonists.

A threat that reconfigures the survival narrative

The introduction of the Stalkers poses new challenges. Ellie and Dina must modify their combat style, and the series explores how the enemy's intelligence redefines the rules of the game. This more cerebral approach adds layers of drama, suspense, and reflection to the apocalyptic tale.

Additionally, the production has already hinted that the Stalkers will have a recurring presence throughout the season, establishing themselves as a threat that transcends the physical and forces the characters to face their fears from another dimension.

With this new creature, The Last of Us reaffirms its ability to reinvent itself, maintaining the essence of the original game while bringing depth and freshness to the screen. The series not only continues to be a masterpiece of the post-apocalyptic genre but also deepens its exploration of the human and the inhuman in a devastated world.