RPGs Where The World Reacts To Your Appearance

Character customization is a staple of the RPG genre – having a say in how one’s avatar presents themselves as they journey into a new world is essential. First impressions matter, and some games add the finer details by having NPCs actually comment on various aspects of the player character’s appearance.

So, whether they treat the protagonist poorly due to their shabby clothes or just make sly remarks about how shiny their armor is, small acknowledgment comments made by NPCs can help immerse the player in the world even further – especially for those looking for that extra layer of roleplay. Here are a few games where the world reacts to the player’s appearance.

Some Characteristics Stick Out

Bethesda’s iconic RPG sees various NPCs reacting to the player’s appearance. If the Dragonborn just so happens to be unfortunately afflicted with Vampirism, the guards will talk about their pale skin and hungry eyes. On the flip side, they’ll often talk about an awful wet-dog smell if the player is a werewolf.

Various characters will also comment on the Dragonborn’s race, whether they’re surprised that an Argonian knows how to cook, or just generally intrigued by the large talking cat that seems to be absorbing dragon souls and shouting Housecarls off of cliff-edges.

2 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Toss A Coin To The Tailor

Geralt of Rivia isn’t exactly a stranger to constant remarks of disgust from the strangers he meets. As a Witcher, Geralt has undergone numerous mutations that have left him physically unsettling – from his snow-white hair to his glowing yellow eyes.

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Though when it’s not always random NPCs pointing out everything wrong with Geralt’s appearance, there are a few occasions where Yennefer states that she doesn’t like how long Geralt’s beard is if the player has gone too long without a shave. It’s almost hard to get the world of CD Projekt Red’s magnum opus to stop talking about the protagonist’s appearance.

3 Disco Elysium

The Grooviest Detective In Town

The “gruff-and-tumble” Harry Du Bois has only two tools to get him out of most situations: his winning charm and his gun. Specific clothing options in-game can typically affect Harry’s stats, making certain dialogue choices viable and opening up new storylines.

Certain specific outfits throughout the game are the subject of NPC reactions to the player’s wearing, but most interactions come from stat buffs that can greatly affect the player’s conversational or investigative skills. Confidence is key for Harry Du Bois, and some nice clothes make all the difference.

4 Kingdom Come: Deliverance

A Good Suit Of Armor Makes All The Difference

As the drunkard son of a Blacksmith turned Knight, protagonist Henry’s appearance makes all the difference when exploring the immensely detailed open world of Kingdom: Come Deliverance.

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NPCs constantly comment on the state of Henry’s clothing, whether damaged, torn, or dirty; this can also make NPCs more likely to become aggressive toward Henry or attempt to rob him. This RPG’s main goal is fully immersing the player in its unfolding narrative as it builds in scale, and the way that those surrounding the protagonist constantly either belittle or compliment him based on his perceived social status is a great way to show Henry’s growth throughout the story.

5 Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines

Nosferatus Should Probably Stick To The Sewers

This cult-classic set in the World of Darkness isn’t short on immersive features. Vampire Fledglings looking to embark on their new journey into the vampire-ruled underbelly of LA must abide by the rules of The Masquerade to continue keeping their existence a secret. Depending on the clan the player has chosen, LA’s living residents can react differently to the player’s mortal visage.

Each playable clan has its strengths and weaknesses in dialogue, and those hailing from Clan Nosferatu aren’t strangers to being shunned by the mortal world. Their transformations have left them so hideously transformed that merely being seen by humans violates the Masquerade – meaning players wishing to wield Nosferatu’s powers of stealth need to stick to the shadows.

6 The Fable Series

Why The Long Horns?

The protagonist’s appearance is a core mechanic in every franchise entry. Player choice factors massively into how the protagonist looks, as their physicality resembles their morality. Those who embezzle themselves into every evil aspect of Albion will grow horns, whereas its more upstanding citizens will get their angelic halo and accompanying blonde hair.

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Physical beauty is also a feature in the series, and it is determined by various statistics, from haircuts to clothing. These factors contribute to socializing, finding romantic partners, and multiple sidequests.

7 Fallout: New Vegas

Disguises Are Very Useful

Obsidian’s legendary entry into the Fallout franchise isn’t short on ways for the player to approach quests. Though the player’s base appearance won’t affect dialogue, their perks and armor can massively shift the odds in their favor.

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Wearing uniforms belonging to certain factions can act as a disguise where members will treat the player as their own – making it easier to sneak into restricted areas unnoticed, provided the courier hasn’t gone on any murder sprees.

8 Baldur’s Gate 3

It Makes All The Difference

Baldur’s Gate 3 is filled with opportunities where character creation is useful, from breaking up fights between Tieflings and Druids to sneaking into Goblin camps as a Drow Elf. Different companions may also warm up to the player slightly faster if they both hail from the same race.

The more confident spellcasters can use the Disguise Self spell to get dialogue options that may typically be inaccessible. They can also be used to extract information when speaking with the dead, as corpses are typically less inclined to speak with their killer.