7 Most Memorable NPCs in Soulsborne Games, Ranked

FromSoftware’s Soulsborne games are famous for punishing bosses and intricate worlds, but their non-playable characters often leave an equally lasting impression. These characters have their own motivations and tragic histories that can completely change how players view the world they explore, and from Solaire of Astora in Dark Souls to Ranni in Elden Ring, we ranked 7 of the most memorable Soulsborne NPCs.

7 Ostrava of Boletaria – Demon’s Souls

Ostrava of Boletaria is one of the first characters in Demon’s Souls to make Boletaria feel like a kingdom worth saving. Found wandering the kingdom’s dangerous streets, this noble knight searches for a way to help his homeland while repeatedly getting into trouble.

Players can rescue Ostrava from enemies across several encounters, gradually learning more about his journey and his relationship with his father, King Allant. His bravery is admirable, but his inability to protect himself makes his quest increasingly tragic. Following his storyline also rewards attentive players with useful items and additional context about Boletaria’s downfall.

6 Anri of Astora – Dark Souls 3

Anri of Astora gives Dark Souls 3 one of its personal questlines. Accompanied by Horace the Hushed, Anri travels to the Cathedral of the Deep and later searches for Aldrich, Devourer of Gods, hoping to confront the threat posed by the monstrous Lord of Cinder.

Anri’s story is particularly effective because players can influence its outcome. Depending on their choices, Anri’s journey can lead to tragedy, a confrontation with Aldrich, or a role in the game’s alternative ending. The character’s gender also changes depending on the player character’s gender, with Anri always being the opposite gender.

5 Solaire of Astora – Dark Souls

Few Soulsborne characters are as instantly recognizable as Solaire of Astora. Introduced early in Dark Souls, this sun-worshipping knight offers assistance to the Chosen Undead and becomes a potential summon for several difficult boss encounters.

His cheerful personality provides a welcome break from Lordran’s oppressive atmosphere. He genuinely believes in cooperation, encourages the player, and famously celebrates the sun with his signature gesture; his optimism feels almost absurd in a world where nearly everyone else is struggling against despair.

4 Eileen the Crow – Bloodborne

Eileen the Crow is one of Bloodborne’s most fascinating hunters, tasked with hunting other hunters who have succumbed to bloodlust. Her distinctive crow-feather attire and intimidating weapons make her immediately recognizable, but her questline gives her character real depth.

Players encounter Eileen while exploring Yharnam and can assist her as she confronts increasingly dangerous opponents. Her work reveals an important aspect of the city’s nightmare: hunters themselves can become monsters, and someone must be willing to stop them.

3 Lucatiel of Mirrah – Dark Souls 2

Lucatiel of Mirrah delivers one of the most heartbreaking character arcs in Dark Souls 2. A skilled swordswoman who travels to Drangleic in search of a cure for the curse, she gradually loses her memories as the undead condition takes its toll.

During several encounters, Lucatiel opens up about her past, her brother, and her growing fear of losing the identity that makes her who she is. Her dialogue becomes increasingly painful as she struggles to remember even the smallest details about herself.

2 Emma, the Gentle Blade – Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Emma initially appears to be a calm physician who helps Wolf recover throughout Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Working alongside the Sculptor, she provides guidance and investigates the supernatural mysteries surrounding Ashina’s repeated attempts to secure immortality.

As the story progresses, her importance becomes increasingly apparent. She has connections to the event that shaped Wolf’s past, and her conversations reveal that her peaceful demeanor conceals considerable resolve. Under certain circumstances, she even becomes a formidable opponent, demonstrating a level of swordsmanship that her usual role hardly suggests.

1 Ranni the Witch – Elden Ring

Ranni the Witch takes the top spot because her questline connects personal ambition, cosmic mysteries, and the fate of the Lands Between. First encountered in Limgrave, Ranni recruits the Tarnished into a journey with Blaidd, Seluvis, and other characters whose loyalties and motivations gradually become clearer.

Her involvement in the night of the Black Knives and the death of Godwyn is central to Elden Ring’s larger mythology. As players follow her quest, they uncover more about the Greater Will’s influence, the nature of the two fingers, and Ranni’s determination to escape the control imposed upon her.

Completing her storyline also unlocks the Age of Stars ending, offering an alternative vision for the Lands Between.

Which Soulsborne NPC left the biggest impression on you? Let us know your favorite character in the comments, and tell us who deserves a spot on this list!