Best Minor NPC’s That Made A Major Impact

Developers work insanely hard on their main characters, as these characters, with emphasis on the protagonist, need to be able to carry the story, look good in the marketing material, match the tone and art style of the game, and so much more. This is why, most of the time, when a game releases, and we finally get to walk a mile in the protagonist’s shoes, they tend to be a pretty good fit.

However, despite all the effort that goes into the design of the core characters and those that play a major role in the story, there always seems to be a handful of minor NPCs and throwaway characters that fans resonate with. As a result, this makes these minor NPCs iconic characters within these respective games. Perhaps not deservedly, but who are we to say what constitutes a standout character?

All we can do is relay the facts, and the fact is that many of these standout minor characters have made a name for themselves, and we intend to give these minor characters a major platform today.

10

The Shopkeeper

What’s The Deal With That Cabinet Over There?

The Messenger

Systems

Released

August 30, 2018

Developer(s)

Sabotage

ESRB

E10+ For Everyone 10+ Due To Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence, Language

How Long To Beat

12 Hours

Expand

We kick things off with the Ninja Gaiden-inspired indie hit, The Messenger. Before Sabotage Studios was crafting one of the finest JRPG’s of all time in the form of Sea of Stars, they were making a name for themselves by creating one of the finest Ninja games on the market.

It’s a game where pinpoint platforming is key, and action takes center stage, but every time you complete a section of this game, you’ll be routinely offered the chance to visit The Shopkeeper, and this is a welcome treat, as with each new checkpoint they have a new, long-winded, philosophical and often funny story to tell.

Anyone who has played Sea of Stars will know that Sabotage Studios has a unique and irreverent writing style, and it’s clear that the blueprint was formed here with the Shopkeeper being their means of honing their writing chops. Every visit is a fun one, and in a game where non-stop action is the USP, that’s pretty admirable.

9

The Butler

You Just Can’t Get Good Help These Days

When we think back to Tomb Raider, a lot of us will remember the awkward tank controls, the dinosaurs, and the backflips while firing akimbo pistols. However, personally, the first thing that pops into my head is my many visits to Croft Manor and all the mischief I got up to when exploring Lara’s home.

When visiting this training area in Tomb Raider, you will be able to hone your skills with various platforming obstacle courses and much more, but the real star of the show is the little butler that follows you around as you go, trying to serve you a cuppa.

Naturally, this led to gamers having them follow Lara into the freezer of the mansion, and then once inside, players would lock the door, leaving them to freeze their butt off for all eternity. It’s such a tiny role, but it’s such an iconic moment and a core memory for all Tomb Raider fans that this old butler had a massive impact.

8

Face McShooty

Just Shoot Him In The Face Already!

Borderlands as an IP may not be having the best of times right now on account of the unanimously hated movie currently stinking out theaters. However, the series has been a stalwart of the FPS genre for many years now and has offered innumerable bombastic, action-packed moments to enjoy, alongside a wealth of funny, incomprehensibly stupid moments that were equally enjoyable.

It can be tough to pick out which of these stands out from the crowd, but for me, there is only one minor character that I would have representing this game, and it’s Face McShooty from Borderlands 2. A deranged Psycho who would love nothing more than if you would do him the honor of shooting him right between the eyes.

He’ll dance around and beg you to pull the trigger, with giant arrows around his neck pointing at his big ol’ mug. It’s the stupidity and absurdity of Borderlands in a microcosm, and probably the easiest quest you’ll ever complete in all gaming. What’s not to love?

7

Fantastic

The Best Scientist This Side Of The Mojave

Fallout as a series has so many minor characters to choose from, like your lovable canine companion, Dogmeat, or perhaps the Mysterious Stranger that lends a hand when the chips are down in battle. However, our pick of the bunch has to be the theoretical physicist located at Helios One in Fallout New Vegas, Fantastic.

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He’s a throwaway character that you’ll meet if you complete the quest ‘That Lucky Old Sun,’ but if you take the time to speak to them, you’ll find that they have some of the most hilarious, iconic lines of dialogue in this game not lacking in quirky exchanges.

He’s the textbook definition of a man failing upwards and a great representation of the incompetence that constantly plagues the NCR. The fact that he has the position he does is a tragedy, really, but you’ll probably be too busy laughing at the whole situation to care.

6

The Merchant

What’re Ya Buyin?

A second mention of an in-game merchant, and if you’re someone who has endured the horrors of rural Spain alongside Leon Kennedy, you’ll completely understand why this iconic wheeler-dealer ends up on this list.

His popularity among Resident Evil fans is partly down to the feeling that his presence evokes in players, because just as you get an overwhelming sense of relief when you find a Bonfire in Dark Souls, you get that same wave of calm when you see this shady-looking dude.

But he’s also a standout character due to his memorable lines like ‘What’re Ya Buyin’, his mysterious backstory, and his ability to avoid the Ganados without issue. I guess we will never know the man behind the bandana, but in the end, that’s probably better, as it allows our imaginations to run wild.

5

Horrific Neck Tie

Truly A Crime Against Fashion

As far as minor characters go, this one is probably the weirdest of them all by some distance, and perhaps one that many Disco Elysium players won’t even know exists.

You see, if you pass an Inland Empire skill check when removing your tie from the fan in the game’s opening area, Harry will imagine the tie is a sentient being, which effectively brings the tie to life, albeit in Harry’s drug-addled mind.

This essentially opens up a new skill check when wearing this tie, and allows the player to make new decisions in certain situations. These decisions tend to be ones that no sane man would make but to be fair; no sane man would be taking advice from their necktie, so you get what you ask for in this case.

It’s just another fun and twisted layer to peel back and explore in this deep, nuanced, phenomenal CRPG masterpiece. So, in a bid to bring disco back, pop that tie on and bring your new best friend along for the ride.

4

Zote The Mighty

Fear Him, Or Face Life Ender’s Wrath!

There are loads of incredible NPCs to meet within Hollow Knight, and some that can really hold their own in battle. Cloth will help you out against the Traitor Lord, and Quirrel will lend a hand against Uumuu.

However, in our heart of hearts, we all know that the strongest NPC of all is the Invincible, Fearless, Sensual, Mysterious, Enchanting, Vigorous, Diligent, Overwhelming, Gorgeous, Passionate, Terrifying, Beautiful, Powerful Zote.

If that slew of adjectives wasn’t a tip-off, this is a gag, as Zote is a pathetic little bug you’ll encounter throughout your adventure through Hallownest, and will have to save time and time again. Which, by the way, he will not be one bit thankful for.

It’s a wonderful recurring gag, and despite Zote being a delusional, headstrong, and rude guy, you just can’t help but love them anyway. Plus, you get to teach him a lesson in the Colosseum of Fools, so don’t sweat his attitude, because he’ll get what’s coming to him.

3

Scratch

Who’s A Good Boy? You Are!

We couldn’t get through this whole list without mentioning at least one animal companion, now, could we?

There are a bucketload of memorable NPC’s in Baldur’s Gate 3 to choose from because the game offers unprecedented levels of content packed into one DND campaign. However, our pick of the bunch has to be the good boy himself, Scratch.

There’s so much to love about this little guy, from his cute little face, to his resounding loyalty and ability to find loot for you after every long rest at camp. Plus, if you also recruit the Owlbear Cub, you’ll witness an unlikely friendship between your two animal companions that will melt your heart.

He’s the best boy, and we would give our life to protect him at all costs, so Mindflayers, beware!

2

The Adoring Fan

By Azura, By Azura, By Azura!

“By Azura, by Azura, by Azura, it’s the grand champion!”

I can practically hear him saying it now as his golden spiked quiff comes running toward me. The Adoring Fan is an NPC that first appeared in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, and serves as a companion for the player after they complete The Arena questline in the Imperial City.

However, he’s a rather unwanted companion, as he’s obsessed with you, deeply annoying, and absolutely no help in a fight.

Despite this, players loved the Adoring Fan, but perhaps for all the wrong reasons. Players would find all manner of cruel and outlandish ways to kill The Adoring Fan, such as throwing them off Dive Rock or grabbing them at the bottom of the flooded well in Cheydinhall.

In all gamer’s defense, it’s a very cathartic thing to do, so I can’t begrudge them. Plus, if you want even more Adoring Fan fun, you’ll also be able to recruit them for your crew in Starfield, provided you pick the right trait. It’s a character we love to hate and one that made a huge impact on Bethesda’s player base.

1

Patches

“I Swear, I’ll Have His hide!”

Speaking of a minor character that we love to hate, there was only ever going to be one character occupying the top spot, and that’s the little scamp, Patches.

Patches is a recurring NPC that pops up within the Dark Souls trilogy, Demon’s Souls, and Elden Ring, and while he can be rather useful as he tends to serve as a merchant to players, he also has a twisted side and will regularly try to trick players, usually leading to them falling down a hole to an area below filled with a bounty of monsters.

He’s a prankster at best, and a murderer at worst, but it leaves players with a dilemma. While it is so satisfying to kill him for daring to cross you, he is more beneficial to the player if left alive.

However, that does mean that he just might try his luck at killing you again, laughing like a hyena as he does.

He may not have a lot of screentime, or any real role in any of the amazing stories told within the various Soulsborne titles he features in, but even still, Patches is a standout minor character. But, if he asks you to peer over a ledge, just watch your back.

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