File:The Last Of Us Monster Seen In Episode 5 Explained-2

Bloaters are the fourth, rarest, and most dangerous stage of the infected in The Last of Us. Bloaters are incredibly strong and physically imposing infected that are covered in thick fungus that effectively acts as armor plates. As such, their skin forms large patches of scale-like tissue that glow in the dark, which form their mykotoxin pouches and engulfs their entire body. Because of this protective covering, they can withstand multiple hits from weapons such as the shotgun and hunting rifle, and even hatchets and machetes, making them extremely tough to eliminate.