The Adoring Fan in Starfield is carbon-copy uncanny, and I’m absolutely here for it. Last we saw of the fanatical NPC, it was in the first Starfield preview video from last year, but now we finally have our first real look at the annoying Bosmer in action.
The infamous Adoring Fan will follow you around and worship the ground you walk on – which, even if it’s cute the first time, can get incredibly annoying. And given how much Bethesda loves pandering to that one aspect of The Elder Scrolls, it’s not exactly a stretch to guess that Starfield will have its own version.
We haven’t had a look at Starfield’s rendition since then, but a recent tweet hints that it’s right on track to being an almost perfect replica. The video shows the Adoring Fan, who apparently gets desperate enough to follow you into hell, being his usual bothersome self. Sure, it’s not much, but I can’t help but wonder if he’ll have the same interactions as his Oblivion counterpart, and even die completely useless (forgetting his immortality, he sits dejectedly on the ground after getting stabbed by some monsters). Still, as he’s immortal they’ll just come back to life a few days later.
They’ll never really hurt you, but sometimes it can be quite embarrassing to have one chase you around like a puppy. Naturally, as traits in Starfield are optional with both positive and negative effects, you can be sure that there’s one for Hero Worshipped that features this creature. Honestly, I’m not sure how practical this version will be – assuming Hero Worshipped is like perks in Fallout and can be earned multiple times, you may be able to embrace the company offered in a choice of ways. I’d take the damn backrub.
If anything, this little guy is more practical than his Oblivion counterpart in that, as traits are optional, they’re mostly ‘flavor’ aspects of character creation. So while that unique trait could have amazing damage reduction, perhaps reduce your max stamina and make you sweat profusely, or even convince your dog to attack you – in the same way as Boundaries Crossed’s Cannibalism trait that made NPCs attack you for even talking about eating meat – it can be something quite harmless. And really, if your trait is really that good, why not keep the fan around?
Starfield releases on September 6, so there’s no time to waste. Be sure to take a look at the full Starfield Direct showcase if you haven’t already – the space game looks set to be a truly brilliant voyage.