Non-player characters (NPCs) are an integral part of video games, often adding depth and realism to the virtual worlds we explore. However, despite advancements in game design and AI, some NPC behaviors continue to baffle players. These odd behaviors can be amusing, frustrating, or downright perplexing. Let’s dive into some of the strangest NPC actions that make no sense, but have become memorable because of their absurdity.
1. NPCs That Ignore Obvious Threats
One of the most baffling behaviors in NPCs is when they completely ignore clear and present threats. In many open-world games, NPCs are often seen walking around in hostile environments, unaffected by the chaos happening around them. For example, in games like Grand Theft Auto V, you can trigger a massive car crash or gunfight, and yet pedestrians will continue their routines as if nothing is happening. This behavior contradicts the common sense response that anyone would have in a life-threatening situation—fleeing or seeking cover. Instead, these NPCs remain oblivious, leading to a disconnection between the player’s actions and the game world’s reactions.
2. The “Walking into Walls” Phenomenon
Another strange behavior is when NPCs get caught in simple obstacles, like walls or doors, and repeatedly attempt to walk through them. In some games, such as Skyrim, NPCs will often get stuck in doorways, repeating the same motion over and over again without making any progress. These glitches can range from minor annoyances to full-on comedic moments where characters appear to have no spatial awareness. It’s as if the AI’s pathfinding system is entirely incapable of dealing with basic environmental barriers, rendering the NPC utterly useless until the player steps in to help—or until the game resets the behavior.
3. Aggressive NPCs Who Suddenly Turn Passive
In certain games, NPCs will act aggressively toward the player for no discernible reason. In the Elder Scrolls series, for example, you might be walking peacefully through a town when an NPC suddenly decides to attack you, only to be immediately calmed down once you fight back or retreat. The switch from hostile to passive with no clear trigger is perplexing. It could be a flaw in the game’s AI logic or an intentional mechanic meant to add unpredictability, but regardless of the cause, it disrupts the immersion and creates an awkward gameplay experience. It makes players wonder why these NPCs would even engage in a fight if they’re so easily deterred.
4. NPCs Who Suddenly Forget You’re Their Enemy
One of the more frustrating and confusing behaviors is when an NPC, who is clearly your enemy, will suddenly act as if they’ve forgotten your existence. This often occurs in stealth-based games or after a combat encounter, where the NPC loses track of the player and resumes normal activities as though nothing has happened. For example, in Metal Gear Solid, after sneaking around and taking down a few guards, an NPC might revert to their patrol patterns without acknowledging the altercation. This lack of continuity breaks immersion, as players are left wondering why an NPC would forget about the threat posed by the player within such a short amount of time.
5. NPCs Who Never Stop Talking, Even During Combat
Some NPCs in games are notorious for their incessant talking, regardless of the situation. In The Witcher 3, for instance, certain characters will continue engaging in lengthy dialogues while combat is ongoing around them. This dissonance between the expected behavior (that NPCs would either help or keep quiet) and what actually occurs can be jarring. It’s as if the NPCs are entirely unaware of the high-stakes environment surrounding them. Whether they’re delivering critical plot points or banter, their complete disregard for the urgency of the situation is strange and often comedic.
6. NPCs That Stand in the Middle of Chaos
Another absurd NPC behavior is when characters stand in the middle of chaotic battles, seemingly oblivious to the danger they’re in. Whether it’s an intense firefight or an all-out war, there are moments where NPCs will calmly continue their daily routines, totally unaffected by the gunfire or explosions surrounding them. This can be found in many games, from shooters like Call of Duty to RPGs like Fallout, where NPCs act as if they are in a bubble, insulated from any consequences. It’s as though their programmed behavior takes precedence over the reality of their environment, which can break the player’s immersion in the world.
7. NPCs Who Won’t Move From Their Spot
In some games, NPCs refuse to move from a designated spot, even if the player has to complete a quest that requires their assistance. This behavior is most often seen in RPGs where quest-giving NPCs stand still waiting for the player to approach them. However, when it’s time for them to move, such as following the player to another area, they become oddly static. It could be a failure in pathfinding AI or a design choice to keep NPCs in certain locations, but it is a common issue that causes frustration for players who need to move forward in the game.
8. NPCs Who Perform Strange Ritualistic Actions
In some games, NPCs will engage in strange, almost ritualistic behaviors that seem utterly out of place. A perfect example can be seen in Red Dead Redemption 2, where certain NPCs can be found sitting in odd places or performing strange acts like staring at a wall or rocking back and forth. These rituals often have no explanation, and sometimes they’re even completely unrelated to the game’s story. They may seem like quirky Easter eggs or random behavioral loops within the game’s AI system, but they are still strange and can sometimes disrupt the realism of the game world.
9. The “Invisible Wall” NPC
In some video games, NPCs will react to invisible barriers that players can’t see. In Assassin’s Creed games, for instance, NPCs will sometimes inexplicably stop walking as if an invisible force is blocking their path. The player might be left confused, trying to figure out if there’s something obstructing the way that isn’t visible. These invisible walls, or barriers, can leave both players and NPCs stuck in loops, trying to navigate around an issue that is entirely invisible and often unexplained by the game.
10. NPCs Who Are Obsessed With Small, Inconsequential Objects
In certain games, NPCs will engage in the most bizarre actions, such as repeatedly interacting with insignificant objects. A great example can be seen in The Sims, where NPCs will interact with everyday objects, such as reading a book or staring at a piece of furniture for no apparent reason. This behavior isn’t always part of a quest or meaningful in any way but often serves to fill the game world with life. While this is done to create a sense of activity, it can sometimes come off as a weird quirk that leaves players scratching their heads. Why, for example, would an NPC become so obsessed with an old chair, only to walk away as if nothing happened?
11. NPCs Who Follow You for No Reason
In many open-world games, NPCs might follow the player around, despite not having any quest-related purpose. In Skyrim, for example, a random NPC might trail you for miles, often appearing out of nowhere and lingering behind you as you navigate the world. Sometimes these NPCs seem to be friendly, but they add nothing to the story or gameplay. Their only function appears to be aimless wandering, leading players to question why they are even in the game at all. It’s almost as though these NPCs are trapped in their own endless loop of following the player with no explanation as to why.
Conclusion
NPCs have come a long way in terms of artificial intelligence and behavior, yet these strange actions and glitches still persist in many games. Some of these behaviors are a result of limitations in AI programming, while others might be deliberate choices to add quirkiness or charm. Regardless of their origin, these strange NPC actions remain a memorable part of gaming culture. While they might break immersion or leave players scratching their heads, they often become a source of humor and are part of the unique charm that makes gaming so unpredictable and fun.
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