RPGs That Have You Grow Stronger By Building Relationships With NPCs

As a seasoned RPG enthusiast who has spent countless hours exploring fantastical worlds and forging alliances with unlikely companions, I can confidently say that the RPG genre is not just about slaying dragons or saving princesses; it’s about the bonds we form along the way. The games that truly shine are those that recognize the importance of NPCs and use them to enrich our gaming experience.

Role-playing games (RPGs) have been among the most captivating genres in gaming since their early beginnings. Since the initial launch of RPG video games many years ago, gamers have found themselves deeply engrossed in titles that adhere to this format, investing countless hours into finishing every mission, conversing with every character, and enhancing their abilities to vanquish adversaries. However, while RPGs are generally fantastic, it’s essential to note that not all of them offer the same level of depth, as some incorporate more gameplay mechanics, thereby making them more engaging.

In the realm of RPG gaming, some titles treat non-player characters (NPCs), like companions, as mere tools to chat with occasionally or use in combat – sometimes even as disposable pawns. But others, fortunately, seize the opportunity these NPCs present and elevate them into meaningful elements that help shape my character’s growth, teach new abilities, and even open up side quests for extra gaming joy.

5 Dragon Age: Inquisition

Companions’ Approval Carries Great Weight

Gathering allies and gaining their approval grants valuable abilities
Questlines expand every interaction

In Dragon Age: Inquisition, you’ll find yourself immersed in an engaging continuation of the storyline, complete with fresh weapons, skills, plotlines, and a rich cast of characters that enhance the gameplay experience. As you traverse the world of Thedas, you’ll encounter various perils and creatures to engage with – some friendly, others decidedly not.

Through conversing with various Non-Player Characters (NPCs) and winning their goodwill, gamers can enhance their allies’ appreciation levels, thereby unlocking fresh quests, battle tactics, and skills. These additional resources prove useful when adversaries attack the players.

4 Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic

Inspire Companions For Improved Skills And Side Quests

Items and Light/Dark points can be obtained by interacting with NPCs and intervening in conflicts
By talking to NPCs, new quests are unlocked and there are romance possibilities

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, undeniably, stands as one of the finest role-playing games from the early 2000s, and potentially among the greatest ever created. Its traditional turn-based combat system, captivating characters and settings, and abundant options for customizing armor, weapons, and Force abilities made it a game that was decades ahead of its time. Throughout your character’s narrative, you will encounter numerous non-player characters on your challenging quest to discover the Star Map and vanquish the malevolent Darth Malak.

Engaging in dialogues with non-player characters (NPCs) not only opens up more conversation options, side missions, and specific items, but it also provides an opportunity for your main character to develop a romantic relationship with Bastila if she admires your noble deeds. Although the game has numerous side quests that can be completed without interacting with NPCs, conversations with them enhance the richness of the gameplay experience and can even speed up level progression.

3 Fallout 4

Happy Companions Grant Useful Perks

Increasing Companion Affinity unlocks new perks
Companion approval or disapproval can impact gameplay

Adventuring through a post-nuclear disaster landscape that’s been radioactive for two centuries makes for an excellent setting for a survival role-playing game, and this was especially true for Bethesda Studios. Navigating the Boston Commonwealth isn’t easy due to its infestation of colossal bugs, mutated cannibals, crazy robots, and aggressive Deathclaws. Building strong alliances with the right companions is not just beneficial in this game—it’s crucial.

In Fallout games, players are well aware that their character’s actions will always trigger responses from companions. Favorable reactions can lead to enhanced skills, improved combat capabilities, and additional storyline opportunities, while unfavorable ones will have the opposite effect. Given the game’s emphasis on perks and resource management, it’s highly recommended to maintain good relationships with NPC companions to facilitate smoother navigation through the wasteland.

2 The Witcher 3

Conversations With Friends Unlock Hours Of Fun

Talking to NPCs and developing a relationship with them unlocks side quests with precious rewards
Various romance options can be unlocked through interaction

When The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt was released, it significantly reshaped the concept of “Next Gen” at the time. This wasn’t just due to its stunning graphics, but also because it offered players a vibrant, sprawling world to discover. As the story progressed with Geralt, players were able to rekindle relationships with characters from earlier games, while also encountering new, intriguing figures that enriched and deepened the main narrative.

In The Witcher 3, having companions enhances Geralt’s power by providing access to additional quests that ultimately lead to him obtaining legendary armor, swords, and other uncommon artifacts. For instance, the armors from each Witcher school, the mythical Aerondight sword, and scattered wealth are all examples of such items. These can be utilized for item upgrades and purchasing potion ingredients.

1 The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

Gaining Favors Across Tamriel

Gaining merchants’ favor can result in discounts and gifts
Saving some NPCs unlocks side quests

Without a doubt, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim stands as an unyielding masterwork, its allure remaining strong more than a decade and a half after its debut. Today, there are still countless gamers roaming the expanses of Tamriel. As they journey through this world, they encounter numerous perils and opportunities to aid others. Helping out NPCs and mediating conflicts can earn players generous discounts in shops, as well as unlock side quests that frequently offer substantial rewards, including invitations to join exclusive guilds.

Gathering precious artifacts and having the ability to buy superior equipment like armor, weapons, and battle enhancements at affordable prices is an enormous benefit when preparing to confront the formidable bosses wandering across Tamriel.

2024-08-16 08:33