Cordyceps: The Real Fungal Apocalypse Behind The Last of Us

If you’re a fan of The Last of Us, the post-apocalyptic series that brought zombie-like creatures to life, then you’ve probably heard of Cordyceps — the real-life fungus that inspired the show’s terrifying infection. But how much of this so-called fungal apocalypse is rooted in science? And what exactly is Cordyceps?
If you’re a fan of The Last of Us, the post-apocalyptic series that brought zombie-like creatures to life, then you’ve probably heard of Cordyceps — the real-life fungus that inspired the show’s terrifying infection. But how much of this so-called fungal apocalypse is rooted in science? And what exactly is Cordyceps?

Understanding Cordyceps

Fungus can grow in a wide range of environments, including aquatic habitats such as seawater and freshwater, terrestrial habitats such as soil and plants, as well as on animals, human skin, and even on the tiniest crevices of personal belongings. They play an important role in many ecosystems as decomposers and recyclers of organic matter.

The Parasitic Nature of Cordyceps

Cordyceps has stepped into the spotlight thanks to its eerie portrayal in The Last of Us, where a mutated version of the fungus drives a global fungal apocalypse. In the show, Cordyceps infects humans, turning them into mindless hosts that spread the infection.

While this idea is fictional, the real Cordyceps fungus is no less remarkable.

In reality, Cordyceps is a parasitic fungus that targets insects, spiders, and other arthropods. Once its spores land on a host, they release enzymes that penetrate the exoskeleton, allowing the fungus to grow inside. It doesn’t just feed on the host — it takes over.

The fungus releases neurotoxins that manipulate the insect’s behaviour, compelling it to climb to an elevated position. There, it dies — and a spore-filled mushroom stalk grows from its body, ready to burst and release new spores into the environment. This chillingly efficient life cycle is what earned Cordyceps the nickname “zombie fungus.”

What are the Benefits of Cordyceps?

Cordyceps is not just a parasitic fungus, thanks to research, it has been shown to have numerous health benefits. These include:

• Supporting immune function

• Reducing inflammation

• Enhancing exercise performance (Ashraf et al., 2020)

Cordyceps contain several bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides (carbohydrates found in plant-based foods) and cordycepin (the compound that provides health benefits), that together create a product with health-promoting properties. One study (Daba, 2020) even suggests that Cordyceps can increase the production of immune cells, helping the body defend itself more effectively.

While we’re not facing a real fungal apocalypse, Cordyceps remains one of nature’s most intriguing fungi. Its ability to infect and manipulate hosts has made it a favourite in both scientific and entertainment circles, and it continues to be studied in laboratories today.

References

Ashraf, S. A., Elkhalifa, A. E., Siddiqui, A. J., Patel, M., Awadelkareem, A. M., Snoussi, M., Ashraf, M. S., Adnan, M., & Hadi, S. (2020). Cordycepin for Health and wellbeing: A potent bioactive metabolite of an entomopathogenic medicinal fungus cordyceps with its nutraceutical and therapeutic potential. Molecules, 25(12). https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25122735

Daba, G. (2020). The endless nutritional and pharmaceutical benefits of the Himalayan gold, Cordyceps; Current knowledge and prospective potentials. Asian Journal of Natural Product Biochemistry, 18(2).