Navigating the FNAF Figure Universe: A Collector's Conundrum

12 Jul 2024

Okay, so you've fallen down the FNAF rabbit hole. Welcome! It's a weird, wonderful, and sometimes overwhelmingly animatronic-filled place. And if you're anything like me, the obsession doesn't stop at the games. You need the merch. Specifically, the figures. Which brings us to the burning question: just how many FNAF figures *are* there? It's a question as elusive as Golden Freddy himself.

Pinpointing an exact number feels like trying to catch a greased pig wearing roller skates. Between Funko Pops, action figures, plushies, and those weird little mystery minis, the sheer volume is enough to make your head spin faster than a malfunctioning animatronic. There are the officially licensed ones, the bootlegs (shudder), the limited editions, the convention exclusives… the list spirals into a dizzying vortex of plastic and paint.

The obsession with collecting FNAF figures arguably stems from the game's lore-heavy nature. Each figure represents a piece of that intricate puzzle, a tangible connection to the terrifyingly charming world Scott Cawthon created. From the original Freddy Fazbear crew to the newer, equally unsettling characters, each figure encapsulates a specific moment, a specific fear, a specific piece of the narrative. They’re more than just toys; they're artifacts of a digital nightmare we willingly embrace.

But this desire to own a tangible piece of the FNAF universe comes with its own set of anxieties. The fear of missing out (FOMO) is real. Limited edition releases and convention exclusives create a sense of urgency, a pressure to collect them all before they disappear into the collector's market abyss. And once they're gone, the prices can skyrocket, leaving you with a gaping hole in your collection and a slightly lighter wallet.

Then there's the issue of authenticity. With the popularity of FNAF, the market is flooded with counterfeit figures. Telling a real Funko from a fake can be tricky, requiring a keen eye for detail and a healthy dose of skepticism. Falling prey to a bootlegger is a collector's worst nightmare, a betrayal of trust that leaves you feeling cheated and a little bit foolish.

One benefit of collecting is the community. Connecting with fellow collectors online or at conventions offers a sense of belonging, a shared passion for these plastic embodiments of childhood fears. Trading tips, showing off your latest acquisitions, and commiserating over missed opportunities – it’s a strangely comforting experience.

Starting a collection can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Begin with a character or a specific line you love. Do your research. Learn how to spot fakes. Don’t feel pressured to buy everything at once. Collecting should be fun, not a stressful race against time and dwindling bank accounts.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Collecting FNAF Figures

Advantages	Disadvantages
Connecting with a community	Cost of collecting
Tangible connection to the FNAF universe	Risk of counterfeit figures
The thrill of the hunt	Storage space required

Five real examples of FNAF figure lines include Funko Pops, Sanshee plushies, McFarlane Toys action figures, Youtooz figures, and Good Smile Company Nendoroids.

A frequently asked question is: How can I tell if a FNAF figure is real? Look for consistent paint jobs, proper licensing information, and compare it to images of authentic figures online.

So, how many FNAF figures are there? The truth is, there's no definitive answer. The number is constantly evolving, fluctuating with new releases, limited editions, and discontinued lines. But that's part of the fun, isn't it? The chase, the mystery, the never-ending quest for the next plastic piece of the FNAF puzzle. Embrace the chaos, connect with the community, and most importantly, have fun with it. Because at the end of the day, that's what collecting is all about.