Lovably Dumb NPCs in Video Games

In many video games, there are always some NPCs who, despite being enemies or antagonists, end up being more goofy than threatening. Let’s take a look at some of the most hilariously “lovably dumb” NPCs who never fail to bring a smile to players' faces.

Yiga Clan – The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

As devoted followers of Ganon, the Yiga Clan has sworn to eliminate Link and prevent him from saving Hyrule. However, this supposedly fearsome ninja organization is anything but intimidating. Their assassination attempts are full of glaring flaws—often disguising themselves as travelers or villagers in an attempt to fool Link. Yet, their poor acting makes them easy to spot. Once exposed, they react with exaggerated facial expressions before charging at Link in battle. Unfortunately for them, their combat skills don’t match their confidence, and they are often defeated with ease. Adding to the comedy, their dramatic movements and over-the-top reactions make them feel more like slapstick comedians than actual threats.

Fool’s Warriors – Hollow Knight

The Fool’s Warriors are the self-proclaimed strongest fighters of the Colosseum of Fools in Hollow Knight. They enter the arena brimming with confidence, taunting the player with bravado as if they are unbeatable. However, once the fight begins, it becomes clear that they are far from competent. Their attack patterns are clumsy, and they leave wide openings that make them easy to defeat. The stark contrast between their arrogance and actual performance makes them more amusing than menacing, turning what should be a serious challenge into an entertaining spectacle.

Koopa Troop Minions – Super Mario Series

Bowser’s minions are arguably some of the least threatening antagonists in gaming history. From Goombas to Koopa Troopas, these enemies are often more of a nuisance than a real danger. Their intelligence (or lack thereof) is questionable at best—they blindly walk forward without noticing hazards, often stepping off cliffs or falling prey to the simplest of attacks. Some don’t even attack at all and just follow fixed movement patterns, making players wonder if they even realize they’re in a battle. Their round, cartoonish appearances and predictable behaviors make them one of the most endearing and easily defeated enemy factions in gaming.

Nopon Tribe – Xenoblade Chronicles 2

The Nopon are a recurring species in the Xenoblade Chronicles series, known for their adorable, fluffy appearance and their quirky way of speaking, often ending their sentences with “meh.” In Xenoblade Chronicles 2, one standout character is Tora, a self-proclaimed genius inventor whose creations frequently backfire, sometimes even turning against him. Many Nopon characters are charming yet unreliable—whether they’re greedy merchants or overenthusiastic adventurers, they always manage to bring humor to the game. Despite their questionable competence, they still play essential roles in the story, proving that even the most comedic characters can be valuable allies.

Patches – Elden Ring

If there’s one NPC who has mastered the art of deception while remaining utterly predictable, it’s Patches. A recurring character in Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Elden Ring, Patches is infamous for luring players into traps and attempting to rob them. His schemes are laughably transparent, and veteran players can spot them a mile away. When confronted, he immediately drops his act, begs for forgiveness, and swears he’ll never do it again—only to try the same trick later. His persistent yet unsuccessful trickery makes him a fan-favorite, as players both expect and look forward to his next pathetic attempt at betrayal.

While these NPCs are technically obstacles in the player's journey, their clumsy antics, exaggerated personalities, and consistent failures make them far more memorable than actual formidable enemies. Whether they’re overly confident, hilariously incompetent, or just naturally comedic, they add an extra layer of fun to gaming adventures. So, what are some of your favorite “lovably dumb” NPCs that made your gaming experience all the more entertaining?