Many video games require the player to visit a shopkeeper if they wish to upgrade their character. Though most games use a leveling system to allow their playable characters to evolve, there is no denying the luxury of being able to purchase an array of helpful items and upgrades without the need to acquire them in more arduous ways.
A struggling player may consider a shopkeeper to be a heavenly sight, but only if they have acquired the appropriate funds. They typically offer armor, weapons, and items, rendering a game far less difficult depending on what the player chooses to buy. Though many video game shopkeepers exist, some are far more iconic than others.
10 The Guardian Of Metal - Brutal Legend
Trapped in an unfamiliar and dangerous land, the world's best roadie, Eddie Riggs, is forced to find a way to survive. Armed with a misshapen Flying V and an axe known as the Separator, Eddie may seem content with what he has, but to defeat the horrifying entities that roam the land he must upgrade these tools.
To strengthen his arsenal, Eddie can acquire the help of the Guardian of Metal, an immortal shopkeeper played by Ozzy Osbourne. Ozzy's small cameo in Brütal Legend sees him being comically demoted from Prince of Darkness to humble cashier.
9 Moogle - Kingdom Hearts 3
To synthesize the rarer items in Kingdom Hearts, Sora was forced to visit the second floor of the Accessory Shop to acquire the assistance of the Moogles. Since then, these adorable creatures have started their own chain of item stores across the galaxy.
No matter what world Sora journeys to, he will always happen upon a Moogle willing to let him browse their wares. Offering a vast selection of weapons, items, and customizations, a Moogle's presence will usually signify an incoming upgrade for Sora's abilities.
8 Tonilia - Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
For players who opt to explore the secrets that lurk beneath the quaint town of Riften, they will be excited to discover that its depths are home to the members of the elusive Thieves Guild. Upon completing a series of tasks for this underground organization, the player will be granted permission to make use of the guild's merchants.
Many of the game's more valuable items are hidden behind locks that can only be broken with a lock pick. Unfortunately, lock picks aren't as easily obtainable as one might think, making Tonilia the game's best source of acquiring them.
7 Tom Nook - Animal Crossing
Once seen as nothing more than a sunken-eyed tanuki, fans of the Animal Crossing series have become fixated with pointing out Tom Nook's obsession with money. Known primarily as the owner of Nook's Cranny, this mischievous creature spends most of his on-screen time preying on the player's bells.
Tom Nook's wares alter with each passing day, encouraging the player to take daily trips to his store to browse his updated stock. Though his prices aren't too shocking, the money he requires for house renovations is more than enough to financially ruin his customers.
6 Rin - Final Fantasy 10
Initially encountered in his store on the Mi'ihen Highroad, Rin reveals to the player that he is the sole owner of all the Al Bhed stores scattered across Spira. Throughout Tidus' journey, the player will make use of these stores for both the items they sell and the shelter they provide.
Unlike the other shopkeepers in the game, Rin's background is arguably the most compelling. As an Al Bhed, Rin is constantly berated by those who detest his culture, so starting his own business in Spira was a big risk. After collecting all the Al Bhed Primers, Rin will commend Tidus for his dedication to researching his culture and reward him with 99 Underdog's Secrets.
5 Melvin - Grand Theft Auto 5
Though Melvin is only a minor character in Grand Theft Auto 5, he is arguably one of the most memorable shopkeepers seen throughout the series. Tasked with managing Sandy Shores' Ammu-Nation, Melvin stocks a frightening amount of deadly weaponry.
Having previously had his store burned down by Trevor Philips, Melvin becomes extremely nervous when faced with his arson-obsessed friend, often begging him not to cause any trouble. If the player opts to withdraw their gun on his premises, however, Melvin will retaliate by blasting them with his shotgun, a feature most other video game shopkeepers lack.
4 Emil - NieR: Automata
After his supposed demise during the climax of NieR, fans were delighted to witness Emil returning to the series in the form of a talking head. First encountered in an abandoned shopping mall, Emil flees from the party upon learning of 9S's murderous intentions.
Having collected an abundance of scraps and machinery to form a moving body, Emil returns to offer his services to the party in the form of an item shop. Commonly seen speeding around the map while singing aloud, the player will often find themselves repeatedly browsing his wares even if they don't want to.
3 Cid - Kingdom Hearts
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Known primarily for his love of all things airship-related in Final Fantasy 7, Cid adopts a slightly new persona for his role in Kingdom Hearts. As the owner of the Accessory Shop in Traverse Town, Cid acts as the game's primary means of upgrading Sora's equipment.
The Accessory Shop will likely be the first store Sora visits on his journey. Upon entering, Cid offers to help Sora in any way he can by granting him access to his wares. Though he has since retired from his position as a shopkeeper, it remains his most notable role in the series to date.
2 Beedle - The Legend Of Zelda: Wind Waker
Introduced in Wind Waker, Beedle is one of the most driven shopkeepers in gaming history. Often seen traveling across vast oceans to sell his goods, Link can encounter this efficient businessman just about anywhere he ventures.
Though his wares can greatly assist Link on his voyage, his mask-wearing alter ego known as the Assistant Manager offers the player an array of far superior items. The reason he disguises himself while selling these items is unclear, but the ridiculous nature of this decision renders him one of the more memorable shopkeepers in the series.
1 The Duke - Resident Evil Village
Resident Evil Village follows the story of Ethan Winters as he scavenges a mysterious village in search of his missing daughter. Pursued by monsters and mutants alike, Ethan's chances of survival are frighteningly slim.
Thankfully, Ethan stumbles upon the Duke, an obese merchant who offers his services to Ethan whenever the two cross paths. Navigating the haunting landscape in his carriage, the Duke stocks an intimidating amount of weapons that Ethan can purchase. Also acting as a chef, he is one of the most helpful shopkeepers in the series.