The Last of Us Part II: How to Defeat the Rat King and Effective Weapons
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This is a guide to help you defeat the Rat King boss fight in The Last of Us Part II! Learn about effective weapons, how to prepare, and its two phases.
©Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC. Created and developed by Naughty Dog, LLC.
How to Defeat the Rat King (Bloater Phase)
Deal Massive Damage with the Flamethrower
The Rat King is a boss encountered in Ground Zero. It starts out looking like a Bloater. Like other infected, it is weak against fire, so use the Flamethrower to attack. Don't worry about running out of fuel. Use up the fuel or dodge and run away when it gets too close to create distance.
Switch to the Double Barrel Shotgun or Pipe Bombs when out of fuel
Once you've used up the fuel for the Flamethrower, dodge and run while switching to the Double Barrel Shotgun or Pipe Bombs. Keep switching weapons as you run out of ammo.
Run away when it gets too close
The Rat King (Bloater Phase) has powerful charging attacks and releases poisonous gas, so avoid staying close to it. When it gets too near, quickly dodge and run away to create distance. Whenever you need to change equipment or heal, make sure to maintain a safe distance and do it behind pillars or walls.
Ignore the Stalkers that appear later
After dealing a certain amount of damage to the Rat King (Bloater Phase), Stalkers will separate and appear. However, you can ignore the Stalkers. Dodge their attacks and focus your attacks on the Rat King (Bloater Phase) as much as possible.
How to Defeat the Rat King (Stalker Phase)
Pick up fuel to use the flamethrower
Focus on the Rat King (Stalker Phase) only after defeating the Rat King (Bloater Phase). Unlike the Bloater Phase, the Stalker Phase is agile and difficult to locate even with listening mode, so the fight may last a while. First, pick up fuel scattered around the floor and use the flamethrower to finish the Rat King.
Find it by listening
The Rat King (Stalker Phase) moves around quickly, making it difficult to locate. It is helpful to determine its position by listening to its cries.
Defeat it while running around
The Rat King (Stalker Phase) attacks by throwing toxic substances, so try to dodge using L1. If you take damage, create distance by running and dodging before healing.
The Rat King (Stalker Phase) also spends a lot of time hiding in the shadows, so there is enough time to heal. Collect supplies and ammunition on this floor to gain an advantage.
Effective Weapons Against the Rat King
Flamethrower, Incendiary Shells, and Pipe Bombs are effective
| Effective weapons against the Rat King |
|---|
| Flamethrower |
| Double Barrel Shotgun (Incendiary Shells) |
| Pipe Bombs |
The Rat King is weak against fire, so the Flamethrower, Double Barrel Shotgun with Incendiary Shells, and Pipe Bombs are particularly effective. The ability to craft Incendiary Shells for the Double Barrel Shotgun is unlocked by upgrading Abby's Firearms skill.
Boss Fight Prep
Upgrade weapons at the workbench
Before taking on the Rat King, upgrade your weapons at the workbench in the same room as the generator. It is especially recommended to increase the damage of the Double Barrel Shotgun. If it is already upgraded, it is good to increase the damage of the high-powered Hunting Pistol.
Crafting Incendiary Shells and Pipe Bombs
Since the Rat King is weak against fire, it's a good idea to craft incendiary shells for the Double Barrel Shotgun and pipe bombs. If you can't craft the shells yet and have extra supplements, consider upgrading Abby's Firearms skills to unlock the recipe.
Switch to the Flamethrower before examining the ambulance
When you examine the surgical tools inside the ambulance, the boss fight will immediately begin. Switch to the Flamethrower in advance so that you have an advantage at the start of the fight. Make sure to reload your other weapons as well.
What is the Rat King?
A giant infected in Ground Zero
The Rat King is a boss fight during Ground Zero in Seattle Day 2 (Abby). It has a grotesque form that is a fusion of multiple infected, and it is speculated to be the result of the patients left in the emergency treatment room.
In combat, it is a formidable enemy that not only charges at you but also releases toxic gas. It should be noted that the name "Rat King" is not mentioned during the story, but you can view its name and graphics from the Model Gallery in the title screen's Extras after defeating it.
