“It’s dangerous to go alone! Take this.” This iconic phrase reminds us that whether it’s saving the world, equipping your virtual farm, or simply maximizing your in-game currency, merchants serve as crucial allies in numerous video games.
These shopkeepers are the unsung heroes who provide players with essential items… for the right price, of course.
Many games feature convenience stores, like the Poke Marts in the Pokémon series, where you can stock up on essentials in a single visit. Yet, these generic outlets can sometimes lack excitement, no matter how practical they may be.
On the other hand, some games introduce merchants with such distinct personalities that their interactions linger in your memory long after gameplay has ended. These memorable experiences often include where you first encountered them, their attire, or their engaging responses when making purchases.
To celebrate the invaluable services these merchants provide, here’s a curated list of the top 10 most unforgettable merchants in video gaming.
10 Patches (Dark Souls 3)
“Hello, again. Welcome to Patches’ Emporium.”
If I had a nickel for every time Patches pushed me off a cliff, I’d have six nickels. While it may not seem like a fortune, it’s surprising how often it happens throughout the series. Patches is a recurring character in FromSoftware’s franchises, appearing not only in Dark Souls and Demon’s Souls but also in titles like Armored Core: For Answer and Bloodborne.
Known by various names such as Unbreakable Patches or Patches the Hyena, his role as a merchant is filled with questionable items. Instead of simply disposing of him, consider completing his quest lines; they can lead you to valuable rewards. For instance, in Elden Ring, completing Patches’ quests is essential if you aim to acquire the coveted Bull Goat Armor set, known for its superior poise stat.
9 Rodin (Bayonetta)
“You here for business or pleasure?”
In Bayonetta, if you seek weapons, accessories, or even advanced techniques, Rodin has it covered. Residing in The Gates of Hell, he presents you with Bayonetta’s signature guns, the Scarborough Fair, among other items.
Rodin appears in all three Bayonetta games, allowing players to spend Halos or Seeds for various goods. Notably, he serves as a challenging secret boss who requires a platinum ticket to engage with—available for 999, 999 Halos in the first installment, escalating to 9, 999, 999 Halos and 999, 999 Seeds in subsequent entries.
A fun tidbit: Rodin references popular culture and even features an Easter egg reminiscent of the Resident Evil 4 Merchant with his iconic line, “Whad’ya buyin’?”
8 The Duke (Resident Evil Village)
“You wish to make a purchase?”
While Resident Evil Village might not deliver the same level of terror as its predecessor, it features intense moments that leave Ethan Winters dashing for safety. In these moments, The Duke acts as a crucial ally.
With his cheerful demeanor and notable appearance, The Duke supplies not only weapons, ammo, and crafting blueprints but also culinary services. By bringing him various meats, Ethan can unlock upgrades that enhance health or mitigate damage.
Beyond his merchant role, The Duke aids Ethan with vital information on saving his daughter and even acts heroically during significant events, ensuring Ethan’s path through danger is less daunting.
7 Ginter & Tuli (Pokémon: Legends Arceus)
Finding yourself transported from your world by a divine creature to locate every Pokémon is certainly an unprecedented experience for character Akari or Rei. However, once they settle into Jubilife Village, their fortunes begin to change.
The Ginkgo Guild, composed of merchants including Ginter, Tuli, and Volo, becomes a familiar sight for players. Notably, Ginter and Tuli are always on hand for your shopping needs, with Tuli dealing in berries and crafting materials, while Ginter offers evolution stones and essential mechanical items.
If you’re eager to reunite with Arceus, these merchants will be valuable allies on your journey.
6 Tom Nook (Animal Crossing)
“Feel free to browse, but try not to carouse! Ho ho!”
No list of video game merchants would be complete without including Tom Nook.This beloved raccoon has evolved from a simple shop owner at Nook’s Cranny to the founder of Nook Inc. in New Horizons.
Initially, he provides you with a home but places you in debt, requiring you to work off your loan. However, as you clear your obligations, Tom offers remodeling options that loop you back into his cycle of payments, encapsulating the endless charm of Animal Crossing games.
If you perceive Tom as a nefarious character trying to extort your hard-earned bells, you might reconsider upon learning that in the spinoff title Happy Home Design, he donates 90% of his earnings to an orphanage, showing he has a heart beneath that raccoon guise.
5 Porkrind (Cuphead)
“Welcome”
The consequence of entering a deal with the devil can be severe, and for Cuphead and Mugman, their mission involves collecting runaway souls. Thankfully, Porkrind offers the necessary weapons and charms to aid in their quest.
If you find yourself overwhelmed by enemies, you can acquire the Heart charm for an additional Hit Point, or the Chaser weapon for automatic targeting of foes—these are just a glimpse of the many items available in his shop.
During your first purchase, Porkrind emphasizes the importance of equipping your new gear, and progressing through additional Inkwell Isles unlocks even more options, ensuring you’re ready for every challenge ahead.
4 Brok & Sindri (God of War)
“If it ain’t the bearded beefer and his sac-seed!”
The Huldra Brothers, Brok and Sindri, receive noteworthy attention in the God of War Norse duology, showcasing the game’s dedication to side characters. More than mere merchants, they are instrumental in the story.
These skilled craftsmen created Kratos’ formidable Leviathan axe. Their dynamic evolves throughout the narrative, mirroring Atreus’s growth into godhood, as they fortify their bond.
You can routinely visit these brothers to enhance your weapons and armor or purchase vital items like resurrection stones. For fans, Sindri even experiences a pivotal emotional moment worth witnessing when playing God of War Ragnarök.
3 Beedle (The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild)
“Come one, come all!”
In the realm of The Legend of Zelda, key characters include Ganon, Zelda, and Link, but another frequent helper for Link is Beedle. After his debut in The Wind Waker, Beedle has emerged as a recurring merchant in seven iterations of the franchise, featuring prominently in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
Often found at stables, Beedle is characterized by his beetle-shaped bag and a passion for collecting beetles.You can purchase arrows and resources or trade with him for rupees. His sage advice encourages players to collect gemstones as they fetch a high price, making him a wise source of guidance as well.
2 Kale (Elden Ring)
“Well, you’re back… Care to buy something?”
In many players’ initial encounters with Elden Ring—regardless of their approach to the Tree Sentinel—visiting Kalé is a shared experience. Residing at the Church of Elleh, he is often dubbed “Santa” by the community.
While other merchants throughout the Lands Between may offer superior items, Kalé distinguishes himself by selling the indispensable Crafting Kit—a must-have for any player keen on crafting.
Mastering crafting can significantly enhance your gameplay, allowing you to create invaluable items to tackle even the toughest of bosses, such as Sleep Pots and Freezing Pots, which can give you a tactical advantage at critical moments.
Just remember, should you mistakenly strike him, Kalé won’t hesitate to defend himself!
1 The Merchant (Resident Evil 4)
“What’re ya buyin’?”
With his sinister laughter and unbeatable weapon deals, The Merchant stands out as the most memorable figure not only in the Resident Evil series but also in the entire gaming world. He features prominently in both the original Resident Evil 4 and its recent remake.
Players first encounter him in Chapter 2, and he continuously updates his inventory with fresh items as the story progresses. His ever-changing promotions can lead to amazing deals, from weapon discounts to complimentary recipes—exclusive for a limited time during the chapter.
The Merchant allows players to offload old weapons and treasures, making him more than just a storefront.He also repairs broken knives and armor, upgrades weapons, and recompenses players for completing spinel challenges, making him a key ally throughout your journey. Despite his somewhat unlikable appearance, you’ll find yourself looking forward to each encounter!
Leave a Reply ▼