Open-World Games Where the Side Content Is Better Than the Main Quest

When players start a new open-world game, they often focus on the main story to learn the ropes. After a few hours, the initial tutorials are usually complete, and players are free to explore as they please. In a game like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, most players will likely continue with the central storyline. While the side quests are exceptionally well-made and engaging, the main plot remains the most captivating part of the experience.

I’ve been thinking about games lately, and sometimes the main story isn’t the strongest part. You know, maybe the plot feels a little thin or the big moments aren’t that impressive. But in a lot of open-world games, it’s the side quests and just exploring that really make the whole experience amazing. Those extra things can totally save a game, even if the main story isn’t perfect.

The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

You Had Me At Fus Ro Dah

The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is a perfect game for those who want to truly immerse themselves in a sprawling, unforgettable world. While the main story isn’t particularly complex or groundbreaking by today’s standards, it features exciting battles with dragons. What originally captivated players was the incredible freedom the game offered, allowing you to explore a huge world almost immediately after starting.

Players are free to roam the world, completing tasks for characters or simply exploring locations like caves, temples, and castles. These areas might contain common treasure, but they could also hold something special, like a powerful new ability. This exciting possibility of finding something unique often makes even the main story feel less important.

Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag

Believing In That Pirate Life

While Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag doesn’t have the most famous historical figures or compelling assassination plots compared to other Assassin’s Creed games, it truly excels at letting players experience the golden age of piracy.

Players, along with their crew, can explore the ocean, searching for treasure and enjoying life as pirates – they can even sing traditional sea shanties! They’ll visit islands where they can liberate villages from oppressors or hunt wildlife to improve their equipment. The more they do and the further they sail, the less it will feel like a typical Assassin’s Creed game.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom

Do A Wheelie In Hyrule

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom features a massive world to explore, split between the surface, a vast underground area, and floating sky islands. Similar to Breath of the Wild, the game’s smaller Shrines offer more engaging and difficult puzzles than the larger dungeons, letting players use creative, physics-based solutions to really push the boundaries of how the game works.

Players will have fun experimenting with the new building system. They can create anything from vehicles that can withstand lava to airplanes for soaring through the sky, or even a cozy home. While there are some quests given by characters you’ll meet, the shrines and building features offer much more long-term enjoyment than the main story.

Ghost Of Yotei

See That Mountain?

Ghost of Yotei tells a story of revenge, following Atsu as he seeks out the samurai who murdered his family. While the one-on-one fights are thrilling, the story itself feels familiar. What truly stands out is the game’s stunning depiction of ancient Japan, and players will likely appreciate exploring the beautiful Yotei region more than the plot.

The game’s best side quests offer more than just fighting. They include challenging climbs with platforming and a grappling hook, which can be just as rewarding as combat. Activities like saving wolves, playing simple coin games, and finding relaxing upgrade locations like hot springs create a calming experience. Longtime fans of Sucker Punch will also have fun searching for hidden references to their previous game, Ghost of Yotei.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

Mini-Games For Days

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth boasts a truly impressive story filled with unexpected turns and breathtaking moments that will stay with you long after you finish playing. It excels in almost every area, and surprisingly, the optional side quests and activities are just as engaging – and sometimes even better – than the main plot. Some of these side activities, like the strategy battles in Fort Condor or the Queen’s Blood card game, are so well-developed they could easily be standalone games, alongside other quirky diversions like transforming into frogs or playing shooting galleries.

Fans of the original Final Fantasy 7 on PlayStation 1 will enjoy rediscovering the game through side quests like Summon hunting and exploration – especially riding Chocobos! Those who love action will also have fun mastering the combat and character progression systems.

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach

Rebuilding The World One Literal Step At A Time

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach takes place in areas of Mexico and Australia, continuing Sam’s mission to connect underground bunkers to a larger network. As expected from a Hideo Kojima game, the story gets wonderfully strange, but even the simple act of delivering packages and rebuilding civilization is surprisingly engaging and rewarding.

Once you unlock those bunkers, you can start picking up extra delivery missions. The more packages I get delivered, the higher my rank climbs, and that unlocks even cooler gear. There are bandit camps scattered around too, and honestly, it’s super satisfying to sneak into them, take everyone down non-lethally, and then loot them for all their resources. I use those resources to rebuild stuff like highways and the rail system. It might not sound like the most action-packed gameplay, but the whole loop in Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is surprisingly comforting. It’s just… relaxing, in a weird way.

Borderlands 4

It’s All About The Guns

Players don’t come to a Borderlands game expecting a highbrow story – the series is known for something else entirely. While there are always interesting characters and moments, Borderlands 4 really focuses on what fans love most: getting loot. You can choose from four different character classes, each with unique skill trees, and then explore the world, complete missions, and find tons of new gear.

Finding new and powerful guns in this game can be incredibly engaging, as players constantly search for the perfect weapon. However, the real highlight is the cooperative gameplay. With up to four players, you can team up to raid enemy bases or battle massive world bosses, and you might even forget about the main story – freeing the planet Kairos from oppression – along the way.

Pokemon Legends: Z-A

Gotta Catch ‘Em All

The stories in Pokemon games aren’t usually very complex or unique, since they’re mainly designed for children. Pokemon Legends: Z-A is straightforward: you work your way up from rank Z to rank A and become the champion of Lumiose City. That’s the core goal, and while achieving that can be satisfying, most Pokemon players are really there to collect and train Pokemon.

Despite being set in a single city, Pokemon Legends: Z-A offers many different areas to explore and catch Pokemon, even on rooftops! Battles are still turn-based at their core, but you can now use attacks rapidly as they recharge, blending in some real-time action. The game revolves around catching, battling, and leveling up Pokemon – a loop that will likely keep Switch players engaged until the next big release.

2026-02-15 20:05