NPC rank

2026-06-02T08:31:58Z

185.70.52.146: /* Elite */ Missed comma

[[NPC rank]] is a term describing the relative strength of [[Non-player character|NPC]]s of the same [[Non-player character#Level|level]], both allied and hostile. Stronger foes have names that are prefixed by "Veteran", "Champion", etc. to indicate they will be tougher to defeat than their normal counterparts. The [[Graphical user interface#Nameplates|nameplates]] of high-ranking NPCs also include a colored border around their portrait. The game also includes ambient creatures and "Epic" or [[World boss]] enemies, respectively the easiest and the most difficult foes in the game.

Some ranks are inconsistent with the actual mob or boss in a story or world events. (Ex: The Veteran Branded Siege Devourer in Untamed Wilds ranks within a Lieutenant)

== Ranks ==
=== Ambient creature ===
[[File:Ambient rank.jpg|right|thumb|200px]]
{{see|:Category:Ambient creatures}}
An [[ambient creature]] (alternatively, a "critter") is a harmless NPC, such as a [[rat]] or [[rabbit]]. Found in all [[zone]]s, ambient creatures are trivial to defeat, since they usually will not attack and have no level, making their [[health]] so low that any single instance of damage defeats them. Killing them does not grant [[experience]] nor do they drop any [[loot]]. They have no border around their portrait and their names appear in white.

There are rare exceptions to this:
* Some ambient creatures have been given a level, so they may take more than a single normal level hit to die, but they still give no experience when defeated. (e.g.: [[Salmon]] in the water in [[Grawlenfjord]])
* Very rarely, certain ambient creatures do drop loot. (e.g.: [[Sparkfly]] near [[Cuatl Morass|Cuatl Waypoint]])
* Some creatures with no level have not been set as ambient, and will appear as neutral with a yellow name. They will still take a single normal level hit to die, will not count as ambient creatures towards achievements, specifically the [[Indiscriminate Slayer]] achievement, and give experience and loot. (e.g.: [[Snow Owl]] near [[Scholar's Cleft]] waypoint)

=== Normal ===
[[File:Normal rank.jpg|right|thumb|200px]]
{{see|:Category: Normal NPCs}}
Standard NPCs have no specific rank. A single player character is expected to be equivalent in strength to several normal NPCs fighting together, i.e. a player of equal level can generally defeat a normal foe using solely their #1 slot weapon [[chain skill]], or a small group of Normal foes by bringing to bear additional skills. They have no border around their portrait. Their names appear in green (allied), yellow (neutral), or red (hostile). These colors are also used with the same meaning for all following NPC ranks.

=== Veteran ===
{{otheruses redirect|Veteran|the title|Title#Veteran}}
[[File:Veteran rank.jpg|right|thumb|200px]]
{{see|:Category: Veteran NPCs}}
A veteran is significantly stronger than its normal counterparts in the area, but uses the same combat mechanics. They will typically have more health, armor, and hit harder, but they rarely have any unique abilities. Most players of the same level should be able to fight a veteran or two on their own (known as ''soloing''). They have a bronze border around their portrait. There are multiple enemies that consistently bear the Veteran title, such as basic types of
[[Hydra]] and adult [[Karka]]. These enemies can also sometimes bear higher titles.

=== Elite ===
[[File:Elite rank.jpg|right|thumb|200px]]
{{see|:Category: Elite NPCs}}
Elites (alternatively called '''Silvers''' and previously named '''Lieutenants''' by Arenanet) have a silver border around their portrait. Elite-rank NPCs were limited to dungeons and certain areas within [[Fireheart Rise]] until the [[Clockwork Chaos]] [[release]], introducing [[Elite Twisted Nightmare]] as the first NPC of that rank in the open world. In terms of difficulty, they are placed between champions and veterans, and though a few can be soloed by players, they are intended to be fought by groups.

On top of this, they almost always possess [[abilities]] similar to their veteran counterparts. They are often found in groups, especially in dungeons, but can rarely be found alone. Many players will find elites difficult to tackle alone and even dungeon [[party|parties]] will often want to prioritize which foe to target first. Killing them also counts toward any veteran slayer achievements. Internally at ArenaNet, they were referred to as "dungeon veterans."

=== Champion ===
{{otheruses redirect|Champion|[[the Icebrood Saga]] episode|Champions}}
[[File:Champion rank.jpg|right|thumb|200px]]
{{see|List of champions,:Category: Champion NPCs}}
Champions are typically the strongest foes players will find in the open world. They are identified by a golden border around their portrait and a "Champion" prefix for generic names. The champion portrait includes two crossed swords. Although some champions wander freely, a majority of champions are found as the event boss for [[dynamic event]]s and event scaling for large groups.

Nearly all champions have a [[defiance bar]], making them resistant to [[control effect]]s. Many players will have trouble tackling champions without help from others. Champion drop special [[container]]s called [[champion loot bag]]s, which are based on the family and level of the NPC. The bags contain coin, crafting materials, weapons, armor, and rare chance at unique weapon skins.

=== Legendary ===
[[File:Legendary rank.jpg|right|thumb|200px]]
{{see|:Category: Legendary NPCs}}
Legendary is the rank applied to some of the toughest foes in the game, but it is also used to highlight the importance of certain NPCs within the [[personal story]] such as [[Logan Thackery]] and [[Caithe]]. They have a purple starburst border around their portrait. The legendary portrait includes two crossed swords. Legendary foes include the end [[boss]]es from group events in the [[Ruins of Orr]], in dungeons, and a tiny number elsewhere, notably [[Admiral Taidha Covington]] in the [[Bloodtide Coast]]. Their abilities vary widely: like champions, they are almost always unshakeable or completely immune to control effects, but they usually include some other special ability. In addition, they are significantly more powerful than comparable champions.

Very few legendary foes outside the personal story can be defeated without a concerted effort by a band of players. In contrast, although legendary foes inside the personal story are tougher than average, they can be defeated by a single player, i.e. they are legendary because of their importance to the story. In contrast, legendary allies such as [[NPC]]s which are important to the lore of the game, e.g. the heroes of [[Destiny's Edge]], [[Trahearne]] or [[General Almorra Soulkeeper]], are rarely capable of defeating a veteran or multiple normal enemies on their own and will often need the assistance of the player providing the muscle. Legendary foes will always drop [[Champion loot bag|container]]s based on their family.

=== Epic ===
[[File:Epic rank.jpg|right|thumb|200px]]
{{see|:Category: Epic NPCs}}
Epic foes (many of which are also known as '''World Bosses''') are massive creatures located throughout [[Tyria]] that tend to be focal points of zones they're found in. They're considered [[world boss]]es and as such award players with a [[chest#Bonus chest|bonus chest]] upon defeat. Epic foes are identified by a unique target monitor style, with centered yellow name, a lengthened health bar, effects displayed above the health bar, and their target portrait expanded over the top portion of the health bar.

Attack patterns and damage of epic foes are both impressive and require a large force to take down. They are mostly found as final bosses at the end of [[meta event]] chains, with a handful seen in the personal story and in dungeons. The most notable epic monsters are the [[dragon champion]]s (e.g.: [[Tequatl the Sunless]] near [[Splintered Coast|Splintered Coast Waypoint]] ) the players face, as well as the tutorial end bosses. Being in the area of an epic monster always causes the camera to zoom out, giving a wider view of the area; while in this area, the soundtrack will also change to the [[Customized soundtrack|"BossBattle"]] playlist.

These foes have different skills and abilities compared to all other targets in the game; most notably, they are immune to [[control]] effects and unique skill effects such as [[Binding Blade]], [[Impale (warrior sword skill)|Impale]], and [[Tainted Shackles]]; the only exception to this is encounter-specific mechanics. They are also unable to trigger [[trap]]s, [[mark]]s, and similar skills. They are usually immobile and their attacks target the same area regardless of how many players are there which makes it possible to find safe spots from where to attack them.

== Gallery ==
<gallery>
Generic portrait border.png|Normal and ambient creature portrait border.
Veteran portrait border.png|Veteran portrait border.
Elite portrait border.png|Elite portrait border.
Champion portrait border.png|Champion portrait border.
Legendary portrait border.png|Legendary portrait border.
</gallery>

== Trivia ==
* Epic ranked bosses are internally called "prop bosses" at ArenaNet due to technically being props.

== See also ==
* [[Boss]]
* [[World boss]]
* [[List of champions]]
* [[Dragon champion]]

[[Category:Game mechanics]]
[[Category:Unofficial terms]]
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NPC rank