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Google Search added a The Last of Us easter egg in January 2023: search the title and, when the feature is available, a red mushroom button appears near the bottom of the results. Click or tap it to send illustrated fungal growth spreading across the page. The effect was reported on desktop and mobile, but its availability in 2026 is not confirmed as universal or permanent.
How to trigger the easter egg
- Open Google Search in a browser and search for The Last of Us.
- Scroll down the results page and look for a red mushroom button.
- Click or tap the mushroom. Press it again to make the illustrated growth spread further.
- Use the nearby X control to clear the effect.
The button may be below the part of the page initially visible. Contemporary reports also described Cordyceps and Cordyceps fungus as possible related search triggers, but these are not guaranteed to work now.
What happens when you press it?
Fungal tendrils grow up from the bottom of the results page. Repeated presses can spread them farther across the screen, though the precise animation and how much of the page it covers may differ by device. The search results remain part of the page beneath or around the effect, and an X control clears it. Contemporary coverage documented the feature on both desktop and mobile, without establishing identical behavior on every browser or device. 9to5Google’s January 2023 report and ITmedia’s account describe the animation.
Despite playful headlines about the browser being “infected,” this is a visual effect on the Search page—not malware. There is no indication that it installs software, changes files, or alters your device.
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- BASED ON AWARD-WINNING FRANCHISES: Experience the treacherous world of The Last of Us, now a major HBO TV series and a beloved video game from Naughty Dog, in an immersive board game format.
- RICH, NARRATIVE GAMEPLAY: Join iconic characters like Joel and Ellie on a harrowing journey from a Quarantine Zone to Jackson, navigating through iconic locations filled with challenges.
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Why a mushroom?
The mushroom and spreading growth refer to the fictional Cordyceps-based infection at the heart of The Last of Us. The franchise began as a Naughty Dog video-game series; the easter egg appeared during the January 2023 launch period of HBO’s television adaptation and was widely understood as a tie-in. The timing supports that connection, but the available reporting does not establish an official Google–HBO partnership or commissioning arrangement. The basic reference can be understood without spoilers.
Does the easter egg still work in 2026?
Contemporary reports documented the feature in January 2023; there is no identified official Google announcement establishing that it remains permanently available. Some users have reported seeing it again in 2025 and 2026, but those accounts are anecdotal and do not show that everyone will receive it. Google Search features can be temporary or served inconsistently by region, device, browser, or results surface. Treat it as something to try, not a guaranteed current feature.
Rank #2
- In this family card game, draw cards and try to avoid the dreaded Exploding Kitten! Use strategic action cards to skip your turn, shuffle the deck, or defuse the Kitten with laser pointers or catnip sandwiches. The last player standing wins!
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If the mushroom button is missing
- Check that you searched the exact title, The Last of Us, on Google Search—not another search portal.
- Scroll farther down the results; the button may be below the fold.
- Try a private or incognito window, then another current browser or a mobile/desktop browser if available.
- If you use an extension that blocks scripts or page effects, temporarily disable it for the test.
- You can also try Cordyceps, a reported alternative, but it may not trigger anything.
If none of these steps reveals the mushroom, Google may not be serving the easter egg to you, or it may have been paused or retired. Avoid pasting scripts into the browser console to force it; that is not needed for the normal feature and can introduce unnecessary risk.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- The Original and Authentic Version of the Sensational Party Game
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Rank #4
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- Easy to Learn: Boasting a simple objective and easy mechanics, Moose Match Mayhem is designed for everyone! This set collecting game makes it easy to jump in and start playing!
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Rank #3
- The Official Survivor card game is here: Collect advantages, find hidden Immunity Idols, form secret alliances, and vote out other players to become the sole survivor.
- Designed by Jeff Probst: From the 67 Action Cards and 12 Survivor Character Cards to the Voting Box and Survival Guide– each one underwent rigorous testing by the King of Survivor.
- Perfect For Survivor Fans And Newbies Alike: It’s easy to learn and quick to play for adults, teens, and kids aged 8 and up.
- This party game brings all the thrills and drama of the island to family game nights or Survivor watch parties. Plus, it’s a great gift for the Survivor fan in your life.
- From The People Who Brought You Exploding Kittens: The Kickstarter famous, viral card game that started it all!
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