Fellow gamers and pop culture fans, have you been looking to grow your Funko Pop collection? As we know, these highly-stylized vinyl figures make for fun collectibles that let us pay tribute to our favorite characters from video games, movies, comic books and more.
In recent years, Funko has done an amazing job of bringing iconic game franchises into the Pop fold – from retro classics like Pac-Man to newer smashes like Overwatch.
But with such a wide selection of gaming-themed Funko Pops now available, how do you decide which ones are must-have additions to your shelves?
Well, let me help you out. As an avid collector and gaming enthusiast, I‘ve compiled this list of 10 amazing game-based Funko Pops that we simply can‘t miss out on!
For each entry, you‘ll find detailed information on:
- Background on the character/game
- What makes the Pop design so great
- Interesting trivia/facts about the source material
- Expert insights on quality, faithfulness, value and more
And to top things off, I address vital questions that us fans tend to have about maintaining, finding and displaying gaming Funko Pops.
So let‘s dive in and find some cool new pieces to add to the collection!
1. Watcher from Horizon Zero Dawn
Guerrilla Games created a stunning post-apocalyptic world filled with majestic robotic creatures in their 2017 Playstation 4 exclusive Horizon Zero Dawn. As outcast hunter Aloy, players faced off against a cavalcade of metal beasts, with the Watchers being among the most ubiquitous.
These nimble, ostrich-like robots serve as scout units for bigger machines. Sporting a triangular sensor array for a head and glowing yellow eye, they have an iconic and rather adorable look.
- Faithfulness To Source Material – 5/5
Funko‘s Watcher vinyl figure replicates the in-game design perfectly. The vibrant orange finish on the body contrasts nicely with light gray. And little details like the intricate plating on the limbs and tail section shine through.
- Durability & Craftsmanship – 4.5/5
As with most standard Funko pops, this one feels sturdy in hand. The vinly body and lacquered finish should hold up well to gentle handling and display. Just watch out for the small "feeler" antennae if transporting.
- Visual Appeal – 5/5
Vibrant colors combined with faithful sculpting make this a visually striking collectible. Horizon fans will be delighted to see their in-game foe so vividly immortalized. And the stylized finish gives the Watcher a friendly look – those deadly claws seem downright cute!
So if you‘re looking to add a robotic prehistoric ostrich to your shelves, this Funko Pop delivers. veteral HZD players will be especially nostalgic seeing this iconic early foe in vinyl form!
2. Rathalos from Monster Hunter
Veteran hunters know full well the primal thrill of facing off against the Rathalos royal wyvern. This fiery dragon has terrified and exhilarated Monster Hunter players across generations of smash hit Nintendo and Playstation games.
Sporting lethal claws, poisonous talons and the ability to hurl flaming projectiles, Rathalos rules the skies of the Monster Hunter world. Funko did an amazing job translating this beloved beast into an incredible collectible vinyl figure.
- Sculpt & Design Accuracy – 5/5
It‘s clear the designers carefully studied Rathalos in-game sprite and renders during concept work. The final vinyl sculpture captures the dragon‘s ferocity through:
- Intricately sculpted scales/ridges on the wings
- Jagged sharp claws
- Spiked club tail
- Towering dorsal fins
Adding nice accent touches like green spikes down the back and a gleaming ruby for the eye seal the deal on fantastic attention to detail!
- Craftsmanship & Durability – 4/5
The figure feels solidly constructed out of vinyl plastic, with no flimsy extremities. Though as with many Funkos, collectors may want to handle the elevated wings/fins gently during transport to prevent long-term wear.
- Value For Money – 5/5
Given the outstanding design execution and medium production run, this Funko Pop‘s affordable sub $15 price point makes it a steal for Monster Hunter fans. Rathalos looks fantastic solo or paired with the complementary Hunters figurine.
Let this regal winged reptile lord over your desk or shelf! Armored hunters bow before the supreme Rathalos Funko Pop!
Displaying Your Gaming Funko Pop Collection
As collectors, proper display is crucial towards helping our beloved figurines stand out. Here are some tips to effectively showcase your gaming Funko Pops:
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Group Funko Pops belonging to the same game or franchise together in unified rows. This creates visually striking assemblies that let you appreciate a collection at a glance.
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Risers lift Funko Pops to new heights, adding dynamism and visibility to a shelf display. They come in a variety of heights perfect for multi-layered viewing.
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LED lighting strips (ideally color-changing RGB) shine a whole new light on display cases and shelving units. You can even sync vibrant hues to complement the figurines.
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For true protection and versatility, look into specialized acrylic Funko Pop album cases. These crystal clear shells allow easy viewing while keeping your rare exclusives dust-free!
FAQs About Gaming-Themed Funko Pops
Here I‘ll tackle some frequently asked questions that gamers and collectors have about building their Funko Pop stacks:
How can you tell if a Funko Pop is fake or counterfeit?
- Inspect paint application closely – authentic Funkos have clean precise lines vs sloppily-applied hues
- Weight feels far too light since knock-offs use cheap plastics
- No Funko stamp markings on feet
- Colors/sculpts not accurate to official licensed art
Where can you find rare/exclusive gaming Funko Pops?
- Subscription box services like GameStop often have special edition bundled offerings
- Attending geek/gaming conventions allows early access to upcoming exclusives
- Follow fan forum chatter and discussion around launch dates of high-demand figures
- Amazon and specialist vendors sometimes get limited allotments of older grails
How durable are Funko Pops? Can my kids play with them?
- While primarily display pieces, the vinyl construction allows them to withstand minor scuffs well during careful play. However falls onto hard surfaces will likely cause permanent damage. Generally better suited for adult collectors!
Ready To Start Your Gaming Funko Adventure?
And there you have it friends – a detailed run-down of some amazing game-based Funko Pop options to expand your collection!
Owning Funkos immortalizing our favorite characters is a wonderful way for us as gamers to showcase the worlds and franchises we love. Hopefully you now feel well-equipped to start adding to your shelves!
What beloved game figures occupy the halls of your Funko domain? Have any other Pop vinyls caught your geeky eye lately? I always love to chat toys, games and collecting, so hit me up!
