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WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD This article contains spoilers. Proceed at your own risk. |
The Guardian, also known as the Pink Drifter, is a major recurring NPC in Hyper Light Drifter. They are the first friendly NPC that the Drifter meets during the game.
Role[]
The Guardian seen caring for the unconscious Drifter
The Guardian is first seen in a short cutscene after the tutorial stage, where they are caring for the unconscious Drifter near a campfire. They will proceed to bring Drifter back to their home in central town.
Later in the game, The Guardian can be found at each of the four main stages. When talked to, they will provide the Drifter with helpful information on the locations of the 
Modules, as well as additional information on the 1st and 4th conversations.
During the first conversation, The Guardian will mention an object reminiscent of the glowing white diamond The Drifter was shown to reach for intro cutscene. This object is hinted to be, or related to, the Immortal Cell.
The Guardian is afflicted with the same disease as The Drifter, which becomes apparent during the second conversation, and worsens throughout the course of the story, leading to their eventual demise.
When the Guardian dies, the Drifter has the option of picking up their cloak and gear.
Equipment[]
The Guardian wears a set of pink and teal armor, along with a pink cloak. They have a pink companion bot as well. The Guardian wields a dark red phase shifted light sword with great efficiency, able to easily slice a ninja toad in half and more than hold their own against the raccoon soldiers despite his advanced illness visibly taking a toll on their health.
Background[]
The Guardian's past is revealed in their 4th and final conversation with Drifter. (Assuming that the player has triggered all of the Guardian interactions, this cutscene happens in the South.)
The Guardian's family (spouse and a young child) both succumbed to the disease some time ago. The Guardian then sets out to follow The Jackal from their visions. Eventually their travels led them to the Central Town, where they have stayed while searching for the
Modules that will eventually lead them to the Immortal Cell.
During their time in central, they saved many people and travelers from the creatures in the surrounding wilderness. The Merchant in the city tells the story of how they were saved by The Guardian, along with their companion.
Relationships[]
The Drifter[]
The Drifter is rescued by The Guardian in the beginning of the game, and is free to return to their apartment at any point in the game.
According to developer Teddy Dief, they are roommates.
Alternate Drifter[]
It is unknown how they met because playing as the Alternate Drifter skips the opening cutscene, but she lives in their apartment much like The Drifter does.
Townsfolk[]
It is implied that the residents of the Central Town respect The Guardian, and some consider them to be the town hero.
Images[]
The Merchant's dialogue[]
The Guardian's dialogue[]
Trivia[]
- Occasionally, when returning to the Guardian's home, they can be found there interacting with a console or fiddling with something on the floor.
The Guardian, inside their home
- It is possible to "save" The Guardian. If you do not interact with them in the North, East, or West Zones, they will survive in the South Zone.
- However, eventually interacting with them in all four areas will result in them dying as usual in whichever area you speak to them last.
Sources[]
- Developer Teddy Dief's response on character names - on Ask.fm
- Developer Teddy Dief's tweet confirming the Guardian's pronouns - on Twitter
Fan Theories[]
- The Hyper Light Drifter Story Analysis Experience - on /r/HyperLightDrifter (Reddit)