Video games are meticulously crafted, but even the most polished titles can have their moments of absurdity. Enter the glorious glitch – a malfunction in the game’s code that can lead to hilarious, head-scratching, and sometimes downright game-breaking situations.
From characters defying physics to entire worlds turning into technicolor messes, glitches offer a unique brand of entertainment alongside the intended gameplay.
So, grab your controllers (or keyboard and mouse) and get ready for a trip down the rabbit hole of video game weirdness! Here’s a countdown of the top 15 video game glitches.
T-posing Terror in Fallout 76
This glitch, affectionately nicknamed the “T-Pose apocalypse,” saw characters in the online multiplayer game Fallout 76 contorting themselves into a permanent T-pose stance – arms outstretched, stiff as a board.
This comical bug not only hindered communication but also created an unsettling atmosphere in the post-apocalyptic wasteland.
The Unkillable Afro Samurai
Afro Samurai’s Judgement Cut in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice was supposed to be a powerful attack, but a glitch made it nigh-unbeatable.
Players discovered they could chain the move infinitely, rendering enemies helpless and turning Afro Samurai into an unstoppable force (with a very stylish Afro, we might add).
The Car-Eating Dragon in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011 – Glitch Still Relevant in 2024)
This classic glitch from Skyrim transcends time. Players discovered that a specific dragon could be lured into devouring a nearby carriage, leading to a hilarious (and slightly disturbing) scene of a dragon with a car lodged in its throat.
The Spider-Man Swinging Symphony in Marvel’s Spider-Man
Imagine swinging through New York City in Spider-Man, but instead of graceful web-slinging, you’re experiencing a chaotic ballet of limbs and webs. This glitch caused Spider-Man to flail wildly through the air, making for a side-splitting spectacle that was more Cirque du Soleil than superhero action.
The Headless Horseman of Red Dead Redemption 2
The Wild West is full of dangers, but a headless horseman in Red Dead Redemption 2? Talk about unexpected! This glitch saw riders separated from their heads, creating a truly chilling (and slightly comical) sight on the dusty plains.
The Infinite Ammo Cheat Code (Not a Real Cheat Code) in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
Imagine being in the heat of battle, unleashing a relentless stream of bullets without ever reloading. This glitch in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare turned some players into walking arsenals, much to the frustration (and amusement) of their opponents.
The A Glitch in the Matrix in Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077 had its fair share of launch issues, and some glitches were more artistic than problematic. This particular one made the world around the player character glitch and flicker, creating a disorienting yet oddly mesmerizing effect, like stepping into a digital reality gone wrong.
The Flying Cars of Grand Theft Auto Online (2013 – Glitch Still Relevant in 2024)
Grand Theft Auto Online is known for its over-the-top action, but even by its standards, flying cars take the cake. This longstanding glitch allows players to launch their vehicles into the sky, defying gravity and police chases in the most spectacular way possible
The Wall-Hacking Enemies in Resident Evil Village
Imagine the horror of being stalked by a terrifying monster… who can also see you through walls. This glitch in Resident Evil Village turned the tables on players, making it a whole new level of creepy (and frustrating) to navigate the haunted castle.
The Luigi Leap of Faith in Super Mario Odyssey
Everyone knows Mario can jump high, but Luigi in Super Mario Odyssey took things a bit too far. A glitch allowed him to launch himself into the stratosphere, disappearing from the level entirely. Talk about a one-way ticket to the Mushroom Kingdom sky!
Let’s move on to some glitches that were more helpful to the players
The Easy Money Exploit in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Exploring Hyrule is fun, but collecting enough Rupees (the game’s currency) can be tedious. A glitch in Breath of the Wild allowed players to duplicate certain items, essentially letting them print Rupees on demand.
While this may have broken the game’s economy for some, it was undoubtedly a boon for others who just wanted to focus on exploring and battling enemies.
The Unkillable Horse in Red Dead Redemption 2
Your trusty steed in Red Dead Redemption 2 can be your best friend, but facing down outlaws can be dangerous for both of you. A glitch, however, made horses invincible, allowing players to ride fearlessly into battle without worrying about their beloved companion getting injured.
The Super Speed Glitch in Sonic Forces
Sonic the Hedgehog is known for his speed, but a glitch in Sonic Forces took it to a whole new level. Players discovered they could achieve near-instantaneous movement, making the game feel more like a blur than a platformer.
While it might not have been the intended experience, it certainly offered a unique (and potentially motion sickness-inducing) way to play.
The Out-of-Bounds Exploration Glitch in Elden Ring
Elden Ring’s vast open world encourages exploration, but some areas are meant to be off-limits. A glitch, however, allowed players to bypass these restrictions and venture into hidden corners of the Lands Between.
This offered a glimpse into unseen content and fueled speculation about potential lore secrets hidden within the game’s code.
The Pacifist Run Glitch in various games (Multiple Game)
Who says you need violence to beat a game? A variety of glitches across different titles, from fighting games to RPGs, have allowed players to complete them without harming a single enemy. This unintended pacifist option offers a unique challenge and a new perspective on how to approach these games.
These are just a few examples of the many hilarious, frustrating, and sometimes game-changing glitches that have become an unexpected part of the video game experience.
They remind us that even in the most meticulously crafted worlds, a touch of the unexpected can add a layer of entertainment and even become part of the game’s folklore.
So, the next time you encounter a glitch, don’t be too quick to rage quit. Embrace the absurdity, take a screenshot for posterity, and share a laugh with fellow gamers. After all, sometimes the most memorable moments in gaming come from the unexpected.