The zombie apocalypse depicted in the popular video game series and newly adapted HBO series “The Last of Us” derives from a mutation to a type of fungus called cordyceps. Surprise! Cordyceps is real.

The zombies are identifiable by the fungi bursting from their bodies: a thicket of spiky tendrils, a miniature garden of mushroom-like fruiting bodies. These fungal parasites act as puppeteers, ...

Jake Fillery is an Evergreen Editor for Game Rant who has been writing lists, guides, and reviews since 2022. With thousands of engaging articles and guides, Jake loves conversations surrounding all ...