The Last of Us Part II: How to Defeat Bloaters and Effective Weapons Guide

How to Defeat Bloaters

Avoid staying in the same spot and keep moving around

The Bloater will charge at you and Runners will join in the fight. If you stay in the same spot, there is a high chance of getting grabbed by a Runner and then hit by the Bloater's charge attack. It is safer to keep running around and shooting while looking back as a basic strategy.

Attack after dodging the Bloater's charge attack

The Bloater has a powerful charge attack, but it only moves in a straight line, which makes it easy to dodge. After dodging the Bloater's charge attack, take the opportunity to shoot and create some distance between you. When the Bloater charges again, dodge and repeat this strategy.

Keep firing when the Bloater is stunned

When the Bloater charges into a wall or other obstacles, it becomes stunned and is temporarily immobilized. This is a perfect opportunity to shoot at it, so use fast-shooting high-damage weapons like the Pump Shotgun.

Sidestep when the Bloater makes a throwing motion

Aside from its charge attack, the Bloater also throws toxic projectiles. When you see the Bloater making a throwing motion, sidestep to avoid it. Be prepared to quickly dodge when in front of the Bloater, as it may immediately follow up with a charge attack.

Throw a Molotov cocktail if you have one

The Bloater is weak against fire, so Molotov cocktails are effective. Throwing a Molotov cocktail at the Bloater will momentarily stun it and cause continuous damage. Since it can also affect Runners, use Molotov cocktails when the infected are close together.

Create distance and reposition when in danger

If you find yourself in danger, such as being surrounded, try to run away from the Bloater. Then, take cover behind obstacles, like arcade machines, to change your equipment, heal, and reposition yourself.

Effective Weapons Against Bloaters

Molotov Cocktails

Bloaters, like other infected, are weak against fire, so Molotov Cocktails are effective. Not only do they deal significant damage, but they also stun the Bloater for some time. This creates an opportunity to attack if it's safe or to create distance and reposition if in danger.

Bloater Encounter Locations

Hotel in Finding Strings - Seattle Day 2

There is a Bloater fight in the hotel in Finding Strings during Seattle Day 2. Since you have Joel as your ally, defeating it shouldn't be too difficult. There's no advantage to sticking close to it so make use of the space to move around and avoid getting cornered.

Arcade in The Flooded City - Seattle Day 3

There is another Bloater encounter in the Arcade in the Flooded City during Seattle Day 3. This time, you'll be fighting alone as Ellie. Run around constantly since Runners will also make an appearance. Maintain a safe distance to avoid being grabbed then attack when you have an opportunity.

What is a Bloater?

An infected with advanced fungal growth

Bloaters are one type of infected with advanced fungal growth, making them more aggressive compared to Runners and Clickers. Due to their thick skin, regular attacks are ineffective, so use high-damage weapons against them. Equip weapons like the Pump Shotgun in advance and craft Molotov Cocktails to prepare for the encounter.