20 NPCs That Are Secretly More Powerful Than The Protagonist

Video games often empower players by placing them in the shoes of a chosen one or a legendary warrior capable of defeating evil. Developers sometimes include non-playable characters who possess abilities that far exceed the limitations of the hero. These figures act as shopkeepers or quest givers while hiding their status as gods or interdimensional beings. The presence of such entities adds depth to the lore and reminds players that they are small parts of a much larger universe.

‘The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’ (2015)

Geralt of Rivia encounters many powerful sorceresses but none compare to the menace of Gaunter O’Dimm. This entity appears as a humble merchant yet possesses the power to manipulate time and souls at will. He casually freezes time to speak with Geralt and grants wishes with twisted consequences that ruin lives. O’Dimm represents an ancient evil that the Witcher cannot defeat through swordplay but must outsmart in a riddle.

‘Planescape: Torment’ (1999)

The Nameless One explores the city of Sigil under the watchful eye of the mysterious Lady of Pain. She functions as the absolute ruler of the city and can flay powerful beings alive with a mere shadow. Even gods are forbidden from entering her domain because she instantly destroys them upon entry. Players learn quickly that she is not a boss to be fought but a force of nature to be avoided.

‘Half-Life 2’ (2004)

Gordon Freeman battles alien combines and headcrabs while the G-Man watches from a distance. This interdimensional bureaucrat navigates space and time with ease to place Gordon in stasis between games. He alters reality and plucks key individuals from existence to suit his employers’ mysterious agenda. The protagonist is merely a pawn in a much larger cosmic game controlled by this briefcase-carrying enigma.

‘Dragon Age: Inquisition’ (2014)

The Inquisitor recruits Solas as a knowledgeable elven mage who assists in closing the Breach. He eventually reveals himself as Fen’Harel the Dread Wolf who originally created the Veil separating the physical and spiritual worlds. This revelation proves he possesses the power to reshape reality and destroy the current world order. Solas serves as a companion for the entire game while hiding godlike abilities that dwarf the protagonist’s power.

‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ (2023)

Players awaken Withers in an ancient crypt and he joins their camp to provide resurrection services. Hints throughout the dialogue suggest he is actually an avatar of Jergal the Scribe of the Dead. He mocks the current gods of death and rewrites fate to bring fallen party members back to life for a trivial fee. His nonchalant attitude toward mortality underscores his position as a divine entity far above the mortal struggles of the party.

‘Undertale’ (2015)

A lazy skeleton named Sans follows the human child throughout the underground with bad jokes and pranks. He appears harmless until players choose a violent path that forces him to unleash his full potential. Sans manipulates game mechanics and attacks the interface itself to stop the player from progressing. His awareness of timelines and save files makes him the most dangerous entity in this subterranean world.

‘BioShock Infinite’ (2013)

Booker DeWitt travels to Columbia to rescue a girl named Elizabeth who has been locked in a tower. She discovers her ability to open tears in reality that allow access to different dimensions and timelines. Her power grows until she can see all possible outcomes and manipulate the fabric of the universe. Booker relies on guns and vigors while Elizabeth transcends the boundaries of space and time.

‘Dishonored’ (2012)

Corvo Attano seeks revenge with supernatural gifts bestowed upon him by the Outsider. This ancient being resides in the Void and watches the chaos of the mortal world with detached amusement. He grants magic to chosen individuals but retains the power to strip it away or manipulate history. The protagonist fights for political restoration while the Outsider exists as the source of all magic in the known world.

‘The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind’ (2002)

The Nerevarine travels to Vvardenfell to fulfill a prophecy involving the living god Vivec. This warrior-poet holds the Ministry of Truth suspended above the city by his sheer will to prevent a catastrophe. He achieved divine status through the Heart of Lorkhan and possesses knowledge of his existence within a video game dream. The player can kill him only because he allows it to sever his connection to the heart.

‘The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim’ (2011)

The Dragonborn enters the mind of a mad king to encounter Sheogorath the Daedric Prince of Madness. Sheogorath treats reality as a playground and turns profound threats into absurdity with a wave of his hand. He teleports the player and alters the environment to suit his whimsical and chaotic mood. This interaction proves that the most powerful warrior in Skyrim is nothing compared to a Daedric Prince.

‘Bayonetta’ (2009)

Bayonetta purchases weapons and supplies from the demonic weaponsmith Rodin at the Gates of Hell. He is a fallen angel who crafts tools capable of killing gods and massive celestial entities. Rodin casually fights the strongest demons in Inferno and implies he holds back his true strength to maintain his shop. Unlocking his boss fight reveals a level of power that nearly surpasses the titular witch.

‘Persona’ (1996)

The protagonists of the franchise often owe their awakening to the mysterious figure known as Philemon. He observes humanity from the collective unconscious and grants the power of Persona to those with strong wills. Philemon exists as the personification of positivity and rivals the embodiment of negativity and death. His subtle guidance shapes the fate of the world while he remains an observer in a butterfly mask.

‘Katamari Damacy’ (2004)

The Prince rolls up objects on Earth to replace the stars that his father accidentally destroyed. The King of All Cosmos is a colossal being who can wipe out celestial bodies during a drunken stupor. He commands the Prince to fix the universe while offering bizarre commentary on the progress. The protagonist is microscopic compared to a father who treats galaxies like toys.

‘Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines’ (2004)

A fledgeling vampire navigates Los Angeles politics while encountering a humble cab driver. Lore experts recognize this driver as Caine the first vampire and the most powerful undead being in existence. He observes the end times with a detached perspective and intervenes only in subtle ways. The player struggles to survive against local princes while Caine could obliterate them all with a thought.

‘Super Mario Galaxy’ (2007)

Mario travels through space to rescue Princess Peach with the help of the celestial guardian Rosalina. She watches over the cosmos from her Comet Observatory and protects the Lumas that transform into galaxies. Her powers include resetting the entire universe to save creation from a black hole disaster. Mario jumps on enemies while Rosalina acts as the godlike mother of the stars.

‘Pokémon Legends: Arceus’ (2022)

Trainers explore the ancient Hisui region to complete the first Pokédex under the guidance of mysterious messages. Arceus is the creator of the universe and resides in a dimension beyond normal space. This entity possesses the ability to change its type at will and commands creation itself. The player catches regular monsters while Arceus watches as the literal god of this world.

‘Kid Icarus: Uprising’ (2012)

Pit fights against the Underworld Army while Hades manipulates events with sarcastic commentary. The Lord of the Underworld creates infinite armies and shatters the fourth wall to mock the player directly. He orchestrates conflicts between gods for his own amusement and sustains himself on the souls of the dead. Pit requires the Great Sacred Treasure and divine intervention just to stand a chance against him.

‘Red Dead Redemption’ (2010)

John Marston encounters a well-dressed man in the desert who knows intimate details about his past sins. This figure tests John’s morality and stands unharmed when John fires bullets directly at his chest. He implies he is a supernatural judge or perhaps death itself wandering the American frontier. The Strange Man operates outside the laws of physics that bind the gunslinging protagonist.

‘Dragon Age: Origins’ (2009)

The Grey Wardens are rescued by the Witch of the Wilds who appears as an eccentric old woman. Flemeth is actually the host of the elven goddess Mythal and can transform into a massive high dragon. She manipulates history across centuries to ensure her survival and the preservation of old magic. Her power allows her to shatter fate and move key players like chess pieces across the ages.

‘Pokémon Gold’ (1999)

A new champion travels to the peak of Mt. Silver to face the silent trainer waiting at the summit. Red stands as the protagonist of the previous generation with a team of the highest-level Pokémon in the series. He says nothing before unleashing a devastating battle that tests the absolute limits of the player. This encounter establishes him as the legendary master that the new protagonist strives to surpass.

Let us know in the comments which powerful NPC you think would win in a fight against the others on this list.