The Last of Us Universe Welcomes a New Premium Collectible
Few franchises have captivated audiences like The Last of Us. As fans anxiously await concrete news about a potential third game or major updates to the hit HBO adaptation, the world of exclusive merchandise takes the spotlight. This summer, the series’ most terrifying infected—the Bloater—makes its way into living rooms with a sinister new collectible that’s already starting conversations in the global fan community.
Premium Craftsmanship: The Bloater Like Never Before
Naughty Dog, in collaboration with Dark Horse Direct, has unveiled The Last of Us: Bloater Statue, an imposing resin figure towering around 15 inches. Designed to mirror the game’s grotesquely detailed creatures, the statue captures the Bloater in mid-charge, fungal plates arching, spore clouds threatening to burst. It stands on a rich hardwood base, ensuring it matches the scale and quality of Naughty Dog’s previous collectibles.
This is more than just another gaming statue; it’s a hyper-limited edition piece with only 1,000 statues in circulation worldwide. Priced at about $220 USD (shipping not included), this collectible targets die-hard fans who prize both rarity and authenticity in their memorabilia. Pre-orders are now available directly through Dark Horse Direct, but with such a low edition count, expect these to vanish quickly.
The Horror and Lore Behind the Bloater
If you’ve maneuvered through the dark, tense corridors of The Last of Us, the mere mention of Bloaters likely makes your heart race. As late-stage infected, Bloaters present one of the greatest threats to survivors, armored with thick fungal plating and known for lobbing spore-filled projectiles. Iconic encounters—like the infamous school gym showdown—have cemented them as unforgettable foes, and this statue brings those harrowing moments into sharp, physical reality.
Shipping Window and Scarcity
Set to ship between June and August, each Bloater statue is a statement piece destined for only the most passionate collectors. Inventory is moving fast, so enthusiasts aiming to solidify their collections with a centerpiece straight from the bleak universe of The Last of Us should act swiftly.
Shifts in the Franchise: Fanbase in Flux
Despite the electrifying nature of this collectible, the overall future of The Last of Us franchise remains veiled in uncertainty. While some fans rally behind calls for The Last of Us Part 3, others question whether another sequel is necessary. Meanwhile, Naughty Dog is busy with its new IP, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, and changes around the HBO series—particularly after Neil Druckmann’s departure—have stirred debates within the community.
This makes the Bloater statue not just a collector’s trophy, but a unique celebration of the franchise’s chilling legacy at a moment when its future is delicately poised. For those hooked on curated memorabilia, this release serves as both a nod to the past and a possible sign of more unique content to come.
