The Ultimate Ranking: Unveiling the Greatest NPCs in Fallout

Highlights

Frank Horrigan is a terrifying and powerful character in Fallout 2, with tremendous strength and a likeness to Darth Vader.

In Fallout 3, Sarah Lyons, the courageous leader of the Brotherhood of Steel, meets a tragic demise shortly after assuming control. Meanwhile, in Fallout New Vegas, a determined individual named Sunny Smiles assists the player and firmly upholds the principle of doing what is morally just.

Fallout is filled with characters who can become loyal companions, helping the player carry their burdens and protect them. However, some of the most beloved characters in the franchise are not companions, but rather, they create unforgettable encounters. Not every character the player meets in the post-apocalyptic world would be willing or able to join them on their journey.

These non-playable characters (NPCs) can offer captivating quests, offer unique items for sale or trade, or simply provide moments of laughter or lasting memories. Regardless of their role, the world of Fallout would not be the same without the impact of these exceptional characters and their incredible stories.

10 Frank Horrigan (Fallout 2)

Frank Horrigan is a horrifying character who roams the post-nuclear wastes, making him one of the most menacing products of the Forced Evolutionary Virus. To sustain his existence and enhance his abilities, he relies on drugs, stabilizing agents, and powerful armor fused to his skin.

Renowned for his immense strength, Frank Horrigan is whispered to have torn a Deathclaw in half using only his bare hands. Without a doubt, anyone in the wasteland would avoid crossing paths with him at all costs. Bearing a resemblance to Darth Vader, Frank Horrigan becomes an extraordinary adversary for players when they finally confront him.

9 Sarah Lyons (Fallout 3)

Upon emerging from the metro and making their way towards Galaxy News Radio, players find themselves surrounded by Super Mutants. As the intense fighting persists, the player receives unexpected aid from the Brotherhood of Steel.

In the midst of the chaos, Sarah Lyons demonstrates her unwavering courage by fearlessly guiding the Brotherhood into the very heart of the menacing Super Mutant horde. Her exceptional leadership skills and fearless nature establish her as a truly memorable character within the franchise. However, players are left disheartened to learn that she tragically met her demise shortly after assuming leadership of the Brotherhood of Steel.

8 Sunny Smiles (Fallout New Vegas)

In the game's initial mission, players will come across Sunny in the town of Goodsprings. It is highly probable that Sunny will be the first character they interact with before embarking on a journey to determine who attacked and left them for dead. Alongside her loyal companion, Cheyenne, Sunny imparts shooting skills to the player and extends an optional mission to eliminate troublesome Geckos who are causing unrest in the vicinity.

Sunny, a resolute individual, strongly upholds her morals and remains steadfast in doing what is righteous. Without hesitation, she willingly takes on the responsibility to safeguard Goodsprings from the despicable Powder Gangers led by Joe Cobb, demonstrating her unwavering commitment.

7 Moira Brown (Fallout 3)

A lively and unforgettable character, Moira is the shopkeeper at Craterside Supply in Megaton, whom players meet at the start of their Fallout 3 journey. Known for her outgoing nature and boundless energy, players are inevitably drawn to purchase something from her whenever they visit.

6 Stockholm (Fallout 3)

She also has an intriguing quest line in the Wasteland Survival Guide. Assisting her in creating the book gives the player a sense of empowerment in the unforgiving Capital Wasteland. Additionally, Moira can be encountered in the Megaton crater as the sole survivor of the destructive Megaton nuke explosion. She later relocates to the Underworld settlement.

Reaching Stockholm can be an arduous task without any shortcuts, but it is attainable. If players manage to approach him closely enough, they will realize he is a man of few words. Furthermore, he may even show astonishment towards the players' achievement of reaching him, which seems to be a deliberate tactic employed by the developers to surprise inquisitive players.

While Stockholm as a character doesn't have an active role, the mere glimpse of him and the subsequent contemplation about how to approach him injects a sense of intrigue into his persona. Consequently, players are captivated by these enigmas and eagerly anticipate their resolution through finally encountering him.

5 The Master (Fallout)

The Master, also known as Richard Moreau, was the brilliant mind behind the Super Mutants. With unwavering determination, he embarked on a grand mission to use the Forced Evolutionary Virus (FEV) to convert all humans into Super Mutants, forever changing the fate of the world.

Exposed to the FEV, The Master underwent a horrifying transformation, resulting in the emergence of various consciousnesses and identities within his mind. This led to the unsettling experience of hearing multiple eerie voices when interacting with him. The Master holds the distinction of being the most iconic adversary in the entire Fallout series, with his belief in superiority and his drive to pioneer the FEV adding a layer of tragedy to his character.

4 Stanislaus Braun (Fallout 3)

Upon tracking down Dad and tracing his supposed location to Vault 112, players are transported into the artificial realm known as Tranquility Lane. Within this simulated environment, Stanislaus assumes the role of Betty, a child persona he adopts in this alternate reality. In a disconcertingly unsettling manner, Stanislaus seamlessly shifts between the voice of a young child and his own deeper, mature voice with a distinctive German accent. This unexpected transition catches players off guard, while simultaneously exposing the intricate nature of the individual they are confronting.

3 Conrad Kellogg (Fallout 4)

was once a brilliant scientist, but now he is a mere shadow of his former self. He has transformed into a sadistic psychopath whose sole purpose is to inflict torment upon the inhabitants of Vault 112 within the simulated Tranquility Lane. Completely devoid of empathy,

3 Conrad Kellogg (Fallout 4)

takes pleasure in watching the other residents of the simulation lead their lives under his twisted set of rules and values.

After years of successful mercenary work across multiple states, Kellogg is finally confronted by the Sole Survivor, bringing to light his tragic past and adding to the poignancy of his demise. As the player character finally confronts the man responsible for their child's abduction and the murder of their spouse (depending on the chosen character backstory), players come to realize that they are confronting an ordinary individual who faced constant adversity throughout his life.

2 Orris (Fallout New Vegas)

Kellogg's character resonates with players due to his multidimensional nature. Rather than being a one-dimensional villain, he possesses a rich and intricate backstory that explores themes of sorrow and isolation resulting from abuse and the premature loss of his sister. Many fans expressed disappointment that there was no option to spare Kellogg during the confrontation, as it would have provided an opportunity for further character development.

Orris, the mercenary for hire and conman, possesses an intriguingly distinctive nature, being ready to undertake any task in exchange for some valuable caps. Encountered during the "GI Blues" questline in Freeside, Orris' purportedly exceptional abilities as a mercenary appear to defy reason.

As players pay for his guidance through a treacherous journey in Freeside, Orris meticulously plans his route and follows it to the letter. Along the way, they encounter a group of robbers who appear to have deadly intentions towards both Orris and the player. In a swift response, Orris skillfully shoots at the robbers, causing them all to collapse. However, players can uncover the truth by investigating the seemingly lifeless bodies, as is common in this loot-filled world, and discover that the robbers were actually feigning death. Orris' clever scheme and his connection to these robbers are truly commendable, making him a character that players can only admire for his resourcefulness and determination.

1 Marcus (Fallout 2 & Fallout New Vegas)

Formerly aligned with The Master's Unity, Marcus held a staunch opposition to the organization's merciless doctrine of superiority, prompting his departure in pursuit of a more honorable community. Consequently, he established Broken Hills, a protective enclave fostering harmony amongst marginalized mutants.

After his involvement in the events of Fallout 2, Marcus has found tranquility in Jacobstown where he serves as the town's sheriff, guiding both Super Mutants and Nightkin towards a path of peace. Just as he demonstrated exceptional leadership in Broken Hills, Marcus continues to embody those same principles even years later, relentlessly working towards the goal of transforming the Super Mutants and Nightkin into a non-violent breed.