NPCs That Became Fan Favorites Against All Odds

20 February 2025

Have you ever found yourself unexpectedly attached to a character you thought you’d never care about? You know, one of those random Non-Playable Characters (NPCs) that’s just supposed to fill a room or push the main plot forward? Yet somehow, despite their seemingly minor role or outright oddness, they manage to weasel their way into our hearts. It's like they rolled a natural 20 on their charisma check without anyone realizing it. Yep, this one’s for them—those NPCs that became fan favorites against all odds.

Some NPCs are designed to be beloved. They’re given rich backstories, witty dialogue, and a sprinkle of charm. But what about the ones who weren’t meant to steal the show? These unsung heroes weren’t supposed to be the stars, but they inadvertently reminded us why we adore games in the first place: they’re unpredictable, full of surprises, and sometimes, hilariously human.

Let’s take a look at some NPCs that fans couldn’t help but rally around—even when the developers had something entirely different in mind.

1. Cabbage Merchant (Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Burning Earth)

This poor guy’s cabbages have been through the wringer more times than we can count. We’re talking about the Cabbage Merchant from Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Burning Earth. He’s a minor, almost throwaway character in both the TV series and the game. His sole function seems to be providing comic relief, usually by having his prized cabbages destroyed in the most absurd ways imaginable.

Yet, fans absolutely love him. Why? Because he’s relatable. Who among us hasn’t felt like life is a series of disasters, and we’re just trying to protect our metaphorical cabbages? The Cabbage Merchant became an unexpected symbol of resilience, and we all rooted for him—even if he was doomed to fail.

2. Dogmeat (Fallout Series)

Alright, maybe this one isn’t entirely “against all odds,” but hear me out. In a game series as bleak and brutal as Fallout, you wouldn’t expect a stray dog to become your emotional anchor. Enter Dogmeat. This furry companion isn’t flashy or overpowered; he’s just… there. But that’s the magic of it.

Dogmeat is loyal to a fault, always by your side, even in the wasteland’s darkest corners. He doesn’t care about your karma level, your faction alliances, or how many raiders you’ve “accidentally” nuked. He’s just happy to be there, and his companionship adds a deeply human element to a game that often feels anything but. Against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic world, Dogmeat stands out as a reminder of unconditional friendship.

3. Tingle (The Legend of Zelda Series)

Oh, Tingle. Where do we even start? This 35-year-old man-child dressed like a wannabe fairy is, to put it mildly, an acquired taste. When Tingle first appeared in The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask, many players thought, “Who is this weirdo, and why is he selling me maps at an outrageous price?”

Yet somehow, the green-spandex-clad oddball grew on us. Maybe it’s his sheer audacity. Maybe it’s his unshakable confidence in the face of widespread ridicule. Or maybe it’s because he’s so unapologetically himself. Love him or hate him, Tingle has become a fan favorite, spawning spin-off games and a legacy no one could’ve predicted. Tingle’s eccentricity is proof that sometimes, being utterly bizarre is the best way to be memorable.

4. Claptrap (Borderlands Series)

Let’s be real: Claptrap shouldn’t work. He’s obnoxious, overly chatty, and has a knack for getting himself (and sometimes you) into trouble. In most games, a sidekick like Claptrap would make players groan and wish for a mute button.

But Borderlands did something clever—they leaned into Claptrap’s flaws and made him endearing. His over-the-top enthusiasm, combined with his frequent failures, makes him oddly lovable. He’s like that one friend who’s always a little too extra but is impossible to stay mad at. Claptrap embodies the chaotic humor of Borderlands, and fans couldn’t imagine the series without him.

5. Cyrus (Animal Crossing Series)

In a game packed with adorable NPCs, you might not think a blue alpaca with a grumpy attitude would stand out. But Cyrus, the furniture-crafting half of the alpaca duo in Animal Crossing, has won hearts for being more than just a cranky artisan.

Cyrus might start off as a bit brusque, but his love for Reese (his wife and business partner) is downright heartwarming. Their dynamic offers a peek into a loving, long-term relationship—something you don’t see much of in games. Cyrus reminds us that even the grouchiest of characters can have a soft side, and fans appreciate the layers he brings to the Animal Crossing world.

6. HK-47 (Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic)

A murderous assassin droid shouldn’t be your most memorable companion. And yet, HK-47 managed to steal the spotlight in Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. With his biting wit, disdain for humans (or “meatbags,” as he calls them), and a penchant for sarcasm, HK-47 was unlike any other NPC at the time.

The beauty of HK-47 is that he’s unapologetically himself. He doesn’t try to be likable; he just is. Fans adored his dark humor and sharp commentary, and he became one of the most quoted characters in the Star Wars gaming universe. Against all odds, a droid designed for destruction became the comic relief we didn’t know we needed.

7. Hestu (The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild)

Do you remember the first time you met Hestu, the maraca-shaking, oversized Korok in Breath of the Wild? Admittedly, it’s hard to take him seriously at first. He’s a giant forest spirit who’s more concerned with losing his maracas than the upheaval of Hyrule.

But as you progress through the game, Hestu proves to be invaluable. He expands your inventory space, which, let’s be honest, is basically a lifesaver. Beyond that, his quirky dance moves and cheerful demeanor make him an absolute delight to encounter. Hestu’s sheer joy is infectious, and he’s a reminder to take a break from saving the world to appreciate the little things—like maracas and silly dances.

8. Pelagius the Mad (The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim)

Let’s end with one of the most bizarre NPCs of all time: Pelagius the Mad. Found in the daedric quest “The Mind of Madness,” Pelagius is… well, mad. The quest itself is a surreal trip through his troubled psyche, complete with talking furniture and nonsensical landscapes.

What makes Pelagius memorable isn’t just his eccentricity but the tragic undertones of his story. Beneath the absurdity is a sobering look at mental illness and isolation. Fans found themselves torn between laughing at the quest’s absurdity and feeling genuine sympathy for Pelagius. It’s a testament to how even the weirdest NPCs can leave a lasting impact.

Why Do We Love These NPCs So Much?

The thing about NPCs is that they’re often reflections of our own humanity—or, in some cases, our lack thereof. Sometimes, they resonate with us because they’re relatable, like the Cabbage Merchant’s dogged determination or Dogmeat’s loyalty. Other times, they’re just downright weird, like Tingle and Hestu, and we love them for it.

At the end of the day, these characters remind us that games are more than just quests and combat mechanics. They’re filled with moments of surprise, hilarity, and heart—often thanks to the NPCs we didn’t expect to care about.

So, next time you encounter a background character or a seemingly inconsequential NPC, take a moment to pay attention. You never know—you might just find your new favorite.