The 17 Most Notorious Video Game Fan Bases That Drive Us Wild

In the colorful universe of video gaming, fan bases range from outrageously passionate to infamously intolerable, and we’ve all experienced that moment of diving into a beloved title only to face a community that makes us question our sanity. Here, we rank the top 18 video game franchises with fan bases notorious for being the absolute worst, so get ready for a wild ride filled with hilariously relatable grievances that you might recognize all too well.

1. **Sonic the Hedgehog**: Whether it’s the unforgettable glitches of ’06 or the endless debate about the best character, Sonic fans are famously split down the middle. Their unwavering passion transforms every new release into a battleground of opinions, often overshadowing the actual experience of playing the game itself.

2. **Call of Duty**: Known for its intense multiplayer sessions, Call of Duty’s fan base can be as brutal as the combat. From relentless trash-talking to the infamous ‘squeaker’ phenomenon, it’s a community that can be as challenging as the game’s hardest levels.

3. **League of Legends**: If you’ve played LoL, you know the fan base has a reputation for being less-than-forgiving. With a steep learning curve and highly competitive nature, this community doesn’t pull punches, sometimes making it more daunting than the game’s toughest champion.

4. **Fortnite**: Spanning kids to adults, Fortnite’s fan base can be as chaotic as Tilted Towers itself. With everything from dance-offs to heated build battles, the frenzied discussions around updates and skins create a community that matches the game’s frenetic pace and wild energy.

5. **Super Smash Bros.**: Known as the ultimate party game, it also harbors a fan base obsessed with tier lists and character balance. This dedication can turn any friendly gathering into an all-out debate championship, as fans argue passionately over who truly deserves a spot in the illustrious roster.

6. **Pokémon**: Gotta catch ’em all, and apparently gotta argue about ’em all too. Pokémon fans are known for their nostalgic ties to the franchise, often leading to fierce debates over new generations and what constitutes the ‘real’ Pokémon experience.

7. **Dark Souls**: Celebrated for its punishing difficulty, Dark Souls also has a fan base that takes pride in overcoming its relentless challenges. However, bring up the idea of an easy mode, and you might as well be summoning a fierce boss fight in any online forum or social media thread, igniting passionate discussions.

8. **Overwatch**: This hero shooter from Blizzard flaunts a diverse and passionate fan base that’s as critical as it is vibrant. With lively discussions on meta strategies and ‘ship wars’, the Overwatch community is a hub of intense, sometimes contentious, conversations that keep players engaged.

9. **Minecraft**: A game of infinite possibilities and a fan base of infinite opinions. Whether it’s debating the best mods or arguing over server rules, Minecraft fans are as complex and customizable as the blocks they build.

10. **Final Fantasy**: With a legacy as rich as its expansive worlds, Final Fantasy fans are notorious for debating which entry deserves the crown. From the classic turn-based RPGs to the modern action-packed titles, the arguments within this community are as epic as the games they cherish and discuss.

11. **Animal Crossing**: Who would think that such a tranquil game could host a fan base that’s not always peaceful? When Nintendo rolled out changes to ‘Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp’, the uproar was volcanic, with passionate debates erupting over ‘premium’ content versus the free-to-play model. The community is as divided as an island with a lone bridge, creating lines between those who welcome new features and others who resist with the fervor of a raccoon guarding its precious bells.

12. **Roblox**: If you think a game with endless creativity would have a calm fan base, think again. Roblox’s community is as expansive as its game worlds, and just as unpredictable. With recent changes introducing parent-managed accounts, discussions are heated. Is this damage control, or a step towards better management? Either way, the Roblox fan base takes it on with the intensity of a player seeking the elusive rare skin.

13. **Star Wars**: You’d think the force would bring balance, but the Star Wars gaming community is often more of a battleground. With every new release, be it “Battlefront” or “Jedi: Fallen Order,” fans engage in debates worthy of a lightsaber duel. Is it true to the lore? Does it capture the essence of the saga? These questions keep the forums as lively as a cantina on Tatooine.

14. **Mega Man**: Even the Blue Bomber isn’t immune to fan scrutiny. Mega Man’s community often grapples with the nostalgia of classic games versus modern interpretations. When a new game doesn’t meet expectations, it’s like a robot master battle where everyone’s armed with opinions. The passion is palpable, making it clear that even after decades, Mega Man’s legacy still sparks fierce devotion.

15. **Dragon Age**: With the return of “Dragon Age: The Veilguard,” fans are eager to dive back into the world of Thedas, but not without some fiery discourse. The series is known for its intricate storytelling and character development, and any deviation from what fans deem worthy can ignite debates hotter than a dragon’s breath.

16. **Army Men**: This franchise may seem like a nostalgic relic, yet it still sparks heated discussions today. With a legacy of over two dozen games, Army Men fans are fiercely defensive or critical of its history, as they engage in spirited debates akin to toy soldiers battling on a digital front line. Despite its age, the franchise’s community remains active and opinionated, proving its enduring relevance.

17. **Saints Row**: Known for its outrageous action and humor, the Saints Row series boasts a fan base that reflects its eccentric nature. With every installment trying to outshine the last, the community passionately debates which game truly captures the wild spirit of the Saints, creating an atmosphere as unpredictable as the games themselves.