Best Open-World Games With Crucial Side Quests, Ranked

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Summary

  • Xenoblade Chronicles 3 features the best side quests in the series, enhancing lore and storytelling.
  • Cyberpunk 2077 highlights the importance of side quests for unlocking good endings in the game.
  • Elden Ring’s obtuse side quests help players understand the lore better and unlock various endings.

Open-world games are known for having lots of extra things to do beyond the main story. Traditionally, these side quests didn’t really affect the overall plot. However, some of the best open-world games are now changing that, offering side content that truly makes a difference.

If you love a good story in your games, be sure to explore the side quests in these amazing open-world titles. They feature fantastic writing that will really draw you into the game’s world and characters.

8. Xenoblade Chronicles 3

Features the Best Side Quests in the Series That Flesh Out the Lore and Story

Okay, so the *Xenoblade* games always had pretty good side quests, but *Xenoblade Chronicles 3*? Seriously, they’re on another level. The main story sets up so many interesting things, and the side quests actually dive into those details, really making the world feel alive and fleshed out. It’s awesome!

It’s incredibly satisfying to help the people you meet in the game, and the experience is made even better by the fantastic dialogue and gameplay. Even small quests can be surprisingly touching, leading many players to believe that *Xenoblade Chronicles 3* has the best side quests in the JRPG genre.

7. Cyberpunk 2077

The Good Endings Require Players to Complete Certain Quests

Like other games from CD Projekt Red, *Cyberpunk 2077* has incredibly well-made side quests. Some are small, self-contained stories that offer satisfying conclusions for the characters involved, while others are essential if you want to see all of the game’s possible endings.

If you don’t help Rogue and the Aldecaldos, you won’t be able to see all of the game’s endings. This means these side quests are crucial – they’re just as important as the main story if you want to fully experience everything *Cyberpunk 2077* has to offer.

6. NieR: Automata

The Side Quests Are as Emotional as They Come

NieR: Automata is a stunning open-world game that players will love. Its intriguing world is made even richer by side quests that, while appearing straightforward, cleverly expand on the game’s overall story and background.

To see everything NieR: Automata has to offer, players will need to complete some side quests, which unlock the game’s humorous endings. While these quests aren’t the most exciting part of the game, they effectively introduce players to the world and its atmosphere.

5. Elden Ring

Like Most FromSoftware Games, the Obtuse Side Quests Give Players a Greater Understanding of the Story

Elden Ring is considered one of the best open-world games of all time, but its story isn’t immediately obvious. Like other games from its creators, FromSoftware, the narrative unfolds gradually through details found in item descriptions and challenging side quests. Players can easily miss the rich story if they don’t actively look for it.

Don’t hesitate to use a guide when tackling these quests – it’s a smart way to move forward. Guides not only help you discover more of the story and background in *Elden Ring*, but they also allow you to unlock different endings if you’re interested in seeing everything the game has to offer.

4. Disco Elysium

Players Make Progress in Side Quests and Uncover More of What This World Has to Offer

Despite focusing on a murder mystery in a small corner of Revachol, *Disco Elysium* truly shines with its detailed and immersive world. Players experience this world through the eyes of a detective-a flawed, amnesiac, and often drunk character-who uncovers the city’s history and complex political landscape as they investigate the case.

The game’s engaging side quests delve deeper into the story, offering players more choices during critical moments. These quests also enrich the world’s lore and character development, showcasing the superb writing that makes *Disco Elysium* a standout story-driven RPG.

3. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Some Side Quests Shape the World and Dictate Its Future After the Wild Hunt Is Defeated

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt proved how much quality side quests can enhance a game. While searching for Ciri, it might seem strange to take on various smaller tasks, but the well-written stories and meaningful consequences make The Witcher 3’s side quests some of the most memorable parts of the game.

In *The Witcher 3*, players aren’t just following a main story – they can truly shape the world around them. You might help the Bloody Baron search for his wife, determine who will rule Skellige, or even solve a string of murders in Novigrad. These are just a few examples of how engaging with the game’s side quests can lead to meaningful consequences and a richer experience.

2. Fallout: New Vegas

The Amazing Writing Is Present in Both the Main and Side Quests

With its immersive role-playing, it’s no surprise players will enjoy the side quests in *Fallout: New Vegas*. By taking the time to help others, players can learn more about the different groups in the game and even help their companions resolve personal issues.

If you help Arcade Gannon, you’ll discover what’s left of the Enclave, and they can become allies during the final battle at Hoover Dam. Every side quest you finish has a resolution in the game’s ending, with the narrator explaining how your choices as the Courier impacted people, settlements, and New Vegas as a whole.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Players Can Seek Out Hidden Locations and Complete Optional Side Quests to Uncover the Story

After you leave the Great Plateau, you’re free to head straight for Hyrule Castle if you want – everything else is optional. But it’s a good idea to explore the world to get stronger and learn more about what happened before Link fell asleep for 100 years through story cutscenes.

The game’s main quests – from discovering hidden places to overcoming challenges and obtaining the Master Sword – deepen the story and provide a richer experience. They make exploring the world fun and seamless, and allow players who are interested in the narrative to progress at their own speed.

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2025-09-23 07:35