The Top 17 Infamous Video Game Fan Bases You Love to Hate

In the vibrant world of video gaming, fan bases range from the outrageously passionate to the infamously intolerable. We’ve all been there, diving into a beloved game only to be greeted by a community that makes you question your life choices. Here, we count down the top 18 video game franchises with fan bases that are often considered the absolute worst. Buckle up, because this ride is going to be wild and full of hilariously relatable grievances.

1. **Sonic the Hedgehog**: Whether you’re talking about ’06’s unforgettable glitches or the never-ending debate over who’s the best character, Sonic fans are famously divided. They’re so passionate that any new release becomes a battlefield of opinions, often overshadowing 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**: Kids and adults alike flock to Fortnite, but the fan base can be as chaotic as Tilted Towers. From dance battles to intense build-offs, the heated discussions about updates and skins make for a fan community that’s as frenetic as the game.

5. **Super Smash Bros.**: The ultimate party game with a fan base that takes its tier lists very seriously. The debates over character balance and who truly belongs in Smash can turn any casual get-together into a full-blown debate championship.

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**: Praised for its difficulty, Dark Souls is also known for a fan base that prides itself on surviving punishing gameplay. But mention an easy mode, and you might as well be summoning a boss fight in any forum or social media post.

8. **Overwatch**: Blizzard’s hero shooter boasts a diverse fan base that’s as passionate as it is critical. From meta discussions to ‘ship wars,’ Overwatch communities are alive with vibrant, if sometimes contentious, conversations.

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 history as rich as its worlds, Final Fantasy fans often clash over which installment reigns supreme. From the classic turn-based RPGs to the modern action-packed entries, the arguments are just as epic as the games themselves.

11. **Animal Crossing**: Who would’ve thought such a peaceful game could have a fan base that isn’t always as serene? When Nintendo announced the changes to “Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp,” the fan base erupted like a volcano, with debates over “premium” content versus free-to-play elements. The community is as divided as an island with a single bridge, with lines drawn between those who embrace the new model and those who resist it with the fervor of a raccoon protecting its 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**: A franchise that might seem like a relic of the past still manages to heat discussions today. With over two dozen games under its belt, Army Men has its share of followers who defend or critique its legacy like toy soldiers in a digital battlefield. Despite its age, the franchise’s fan base remains as active and opinionated as ever.

17. **Saints Row**: Known for its over-the-top action and humor, the Saints Row series has a fan base that matches its eccentric nature. With each iteration attempting to outdo the last, the community debates over which game truly embodies the spirit of the Saints. It’s a franchise where the fan base is as wild and unpredictable as the games themselves.