Video games have long been loved for their unforgettable characters, but not every character manages to earn our affection. Some turn into true heroes, while others really get on our nerves with their actions, bad choices, or simply their irritating behavior. Let’s take a closer look at the video game characters we love to hate the most. Get ready for a trip down memory lane that might just make you cringe!
The Most Hated Video Game Characters: Love to Loathe Them
1. Navi (The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time)
“Hey! Listen!” If you’ve ever played “Ocarina of Time”, those words probably give you the chills. Navi, the blue-winged fairy designed to help Link, is infamous for her constant—and often unneeded—interruptions. Although she was supposed to be a helpful guide, she frequently disrupted crucial parts of the game. I clearly remember working through challenging puzzles, only to have Navi’s voice cut through my focus with unsolicited tips.
2. Slippy Toad (Star Fox Series)
Right from when he lets out that panicked chirp, Slippy Toad from the Star Fox series turns out to be more of a burden than a benefit. He often finds himself in need of rescue and doesn’t really offer much in the way of strategic help. With his high-pitched voice and knack for getting into constant trouble, he’s a character that many players wish they could just leave behind in the vastness of space. I remember so many missions getting thrown off track because I had to come to Slippy’s rescue, wishing he’d just stick to the mothership.
3. Ashley Graham (Resident Evil 4)
When you’re playing as Leon Kennedy in “Resident Evil 4,” trying to save the President’s daughter, Ashley Graham, can sometimes feel like a mission you’d rather avoid. Ashley has a knack for getting herself kidnapped, and her constant need for protection can transform exciting moments into downright frustrating escort missions. She often emits helpless cries and relies entirely on Leon for defense, which makes each rescue feel less like an adventure and more like an exhausting babysitting job. Throughout my gameplay, hearing her shout for help always made me let out a heavy sigh. She is definitely one of the most hated video game characters ever.
4. Tingle (The Legend of Zelda Series)
Read More: most hated video games ever
Tingle, the quirky map maker dressed in green and obsessed with fairies, is definitely one of the more peculiar and off-putting characters in The Legend of Zelda Series. Beyond his strange behaviors and tendency to moonwalk, he also charges a small fortune for his maps and services, which can be quite irritating and a strain on your wallet. I always found myself dreading the moments I’d run into Tingle, fully aware that I’d end up shelling out a decent amount of money for his not-so-necessary help.
5. The Dog (Duck Hunt)
There’s something so satisfying about aiming at ducks in “Duck Hunt,” but that sense of joy gets crushed when that cocky dog starts laughing at you for missing. He doesn’t do anything but remind you of your failures, and I know I’m not the only one who’s wished I could just take a shot at him instead. Every time he chuckled at my missed shots, it just made him one of the most despised characters in gaming history.
6. Baby Mario (Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island)
In “Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island,” Baby Mario’s cry is something that haunts many gamers, ranking him among the most hated video game characters ever. Each time Yoshi takes a hit, Baby Mario drifts away in a bubble, and his shrill cries echo through the speakers. Trying to rescue him quickly can transform a fun platforming adventure into a frantic, stress-filled race. His constant wailing often had me feeling overwhelmed and rushed during my gameplay.
7. Preston Garvey (Fallout 4)
Another settlement needs your help! Preston Garvey from “Fallout 4” is well-known for his endless quests, always pushing players to clear yet another raider camp or rescue another settlement. His constant barrage of tasks can feel like a slog, transforming what might have been a compelling leader into a bit of a nuisance. I often found myself feeling drained by his tireless demands, just longing for a little quiet in the wasteland.
8. Roman Bellic (Grand Theft Auto IV)
Niko, cousin! Let’s go bowling! Roman Bellic’s constant calls and texts inviting you to join him for simple activities like bowling or darts really become a distraction in “Grand Theft Auto IV.” Though his attempts are supposed to enrich his character, they often break the game’s flow and take away from the immersive experience. Honestly, I’ve lost track of how many times I just ignored his calls, turning off that annoying insistence.
9. The Adoring Fan (The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion)
Once players achieve fame in the Arena, they find themselves followed by the Adoring Fan. His over-the-top flattery can become really annoying, placing him among the most hated video game characters. With that squeaky voice and his unwavering admiration, he quickly becomes a frustrating companion. A lot of players have come up with some clever tricks to shake him off—some even lure him to cliffs or leave him behind in perilous dungeons. Honestly, his constant praise drained my patience in just a few minutes.
10. Waluigi (Mario Tennis Series)
Waluigi, who first showed up in “Mario Tennis,” just doesn’t have the same charm as other characters from the Mario universe. His whiny voice, awkward look, and unclear role in the series make him a character that a lot of people love to dislike. Unlike Wario, who’s got some redeeming traits, Waluigi seems like he was just thrown into the mix, which makes fans wonder why he’s even there. Personally, I’ve always found his presence puzzling and annoying—I’d much rather play in matches without him.
11. Otis (Dead Rising)
In “Dead Rising,” Otis constantly interrupts the main character, Frank West, with walkie-talkie calls, usually just when things are about to get intense. These interruptions pause the gameplay, forcing players to stop and listen to information that often feels unnecessary. While he does share some helpful tips from time to time, his timing during high-stakes moments with zombie hordes really makes him more of a nuisance. I’ve often found myself wishing I could just mute his annoying calls for good.
12. Fi (The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword)
In “Dead Rising,” Otis constantly interrupts the main character, Frank West, with walkie-talkie calls, usually just when things are about to get intense. These interruptions pause the gameplay, forcing players to stop and listen to information that often feels unnecessary. While he does share some helpful tips from time to time, his timing during high-stakes moments with zombie hordes really makes him more of a nuisance. I’ve often found myself wishing I could just mute his annoying calls for good.
13. Captain Qwark (Ratchet & Clank Series)
When we first meet Captain Qwark in the “Ratchet & Clank” series, he comes off as a clumsy hero. However, his selfish nature, knack for deceit, and clear cowardice soon make him unlikable to players. His silly antics often put Ratchet and Clank in risky situations, transforming him from a lighthearted sidekick into an infuriating burden. I couldn’t help but wonder why Ratchet didn’t just ditch Qwark, especially with all the trouble he brought along.
Captain Qwark on ratchetandclank.fandom
14. Princess Peach (Various Mario Titles)
In many Mario games, Princess Peach frequently finds herself in trouble, and that can get old pretty quickly. Even though her character has grown over the years to be more involved, the way she was originally depicted as someone who always needed saving has rubbed a lot of players the wrong way. I recall having discussions with friends back in the day, wondering why Mario kept coming back for her after so many kidnappings.
15. Sephiroth (Final Fantasy VII)
Many fans think of Sephiroth as one of the best villains out there, but his actions in “Final Fantasy VII” also make him one of the most hated video game characters in video game history. From the burning of Nibelheim to the ruthless killing of Aerith, his cruelty hits hard with players. His overwhelming evil motivated me, along with countless others, to take him down, driving our determination through various battles.
16. Eric Sparrow (Tony Hawk’s Underground)
In “Tony Hawk’s Underground,” Eric Sparrow initially comes off as a friend, but it doesn’t take long for him to show his true colors as a detestable rival. His endless betrayals and sneaky moves shift him from being a buddy to a true nemesis. With every chance he seizes to grab the spotlight and sabotage the main character, he solidifies his role as someone players can’t help but despise.
17. Parker (Mass Effect Series)
Parker is that annoying foe in the “Mass Effect” series who just won’t let you get ahead. His endless quest for power and readiness to backstab his allies really make you see him as someone you can’t wait to take down. His sly tricks and sneaky tactics drove me up the wall, and I was always itching for the chance to finally come out on top against him.
18. Zubat (Pokémon Series)
A wild Zubat appears! Zubat pops up in caves so often in the Pokémon series that they’ve managed to go from just being a minor annoyance to becoming one of the most disliked Pokémon around, if not one of the most hated video game characters altogether. Their tendency to use moves like Supersonic to throw trainers off and drag out battles makes running into them pretty frustrating. Caving turned into something to be dreaded, all because of the Zubat swarm lurking inside.
19. Trevor Phillips (Grand Theft Auto V)
Trevor Phillips from “Grand Theft Auto V” is a character that definitely stands out, but not always in a good way. While some gamers enjoy his wild, chaotic personality, a lot of folks find his sociopathic traits and erratic actions pretty unsettling. His explosive violence and disturbing way of living really set him apart from the other characters, which makes him tough to warm up to. Every time I played as Trevor, I couldn’t shake off the feeling of unease, wondering what kind of craziness he would pull off next.
20. Kai Leng (Mass Effect 3)
Kai Leng, the Cerberus agent in “Mass Effect 3,” really knows how to rub players the wrong way with his cockiness and constant meddling. His involvement in crucial missions, paired with his arrogant demeanor, makes every interaction feel intensely personal. Each time I faced off against Leng, my anger grew, and I was more determined than ever to put a stop to his snobby antics.
21. Trudy (Fallout: New Vegas)
In “Fallout: New Vegas,” Trudy may not be a major character, but her irritating demands and ungrateful demeanor certainly make her stand out. Her endless complaining and arguments contribute very little to the plot, turning her interactions into a bit of a hassle. Every chat with her felt like a drag, leaving me wanting to escape her exhausting drama.
Conclusion
When we think about the most hated video game characters, it’s pretty clear that some have left a lasting impression—not because they’re heroic or charming, but because they embody traits that players just can’t stand. These characters, while often annoying and frustrating, actually serve important purposes in their games, challenging players and adding richness to the storylines. Whether it’s Baby Mario’s infuriating cries or the never-ending requests from Preston Garvey, each of these characters has made a memorable impact on the gaming community, making sure we won’t forget them anytime soon. Here’s a shout-out to the characters we love to hate—may our gaming adventures be free from their irritating presence!
Why do game developers create intentionally annoying characters?
Game developers often include annoying characters for a variety of reasons in their storytelling. These characters can provoke stronger emotional reactions from players, inject some comedic relief, or pose essential challenges to the plot. By tapping into feelings of frustration or annoyance, developers enhance the game’s overall immersion, making the experience more memorable and impactful.
How do players typically handle hated characters in games?
Players tend to manage hated characters in different ways, such as trying to avoid them altogether or coming up with clever strategies in-game to lessen their influence. Often, players vent their frustrations online, turning shared grievances into entertaining discussions within the community. In certain games, players might even find ways to manipulate game mechanics to actively limit or “remove” these characters from their gameplay.
Can hated characters ever evolve into fan favorites?
Absolutely! Disliked characters can transform into fan favorites if their storyline includes redemption, deeper development, or significant growth. As players delve into these characters’ complexities, they may start to appreciate the emotional reactions they bring about, which can lead to newfound respect or even fondness for those once seen as annoying.
