Open-World Games With The Most Rewarding Side Quests

Summary

Side quests in open-world games like The Witcher 3 are as compelling as main storylines.
Games like Ghost of Tsushima offer deep character studies and emotional side quests.
Side content in Kingdom Come: Deliverance immerses players in a realistic medieval world.

In some video games, side missions can seem like tedious tasks. On the other hand, they may appear as captivating narratives that unravel coincidentally during your journey. However, in certain open-world games, additional content plays a crucial role.

In these games, you’ll find captivating stories, memorable characters, and significant moments not only along the main journey but also hidden in secluded locations such as caves, villages, or old saloons. These side quests offer more than just treasure for players; they provide a sense of purpose and depth through intriguing lore, thoughtful mechanics, or emotionally impactful narratives.

Horizon Forbidden West

Sometimes the Side Quest Is the Main Attraction

In Horizon Forbidden West, Aloy’s adventure delves deeper into a world dominated by machines and mythology. However, it’s the people she encounters during her journey that significantly enhance the experience. Ranging from desert tribes to those living in swamps, each side character seems like a unique individual with their own story and ambitions, rather than mere objectives for Aloy to complete.

These quests stand out not only because of their exceptional writing, but also due to their intricate connection with the larger world-building. A single quest could involve Aloy pursuing a Tenakth warrior who abandoned his post in pursuit of a vision. This seemingly simple quest can evolve into an emotionally charged journey delving into tribal beliefs, feelings of guilt, and the weight of legacy. The rewards aren’t limited to gear upgrades; instead, they lie in the depth and richness that the Forbidden West acquires as players delve into its peripheries and uncover its hidden stories.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3

Even The Fetch Quests Hurt A Little

In Xenoblade Chronicles 3, what initially appears as a typical JRPG with politically charged anime themes takes an unexpected turn into something deeply emotional. The game world is constantly at war, and the side quests, seemingly intentionally, serve to make every character trapped in it feel real and relatable. These aren’t simple tasks or chores. They’re tributes, a way of honoring the lives affected by the conflict.

In Xenoblade 3, recruitment missions serve as the core of the additional content. Various characters join Noah’s team following significant and frequently heartbreaking mini-stories. A girl makes a choice to switch sides after witnessing her entire squad being wiped out. A commander grapples with the loss of control over her Flame Clock. Throughout these tales, the game encourages players to ponder the true value of fighting, even in seemingly insignificant battlefield locations. It’s unusual for side quests to evoke such a strong emotional response, but in Xenoblade 3, they create some of the most indelible moments within the entire gaming experience.

Fallout: New Vegas

The Side Quests Are Where the Apocalypse Gets Personal

In Fallout: New Vegas, the primary narrative revolves around a delivery that took an unexpectedly catastrophic turn. However, it’s the surrounding elements that truly breathe life into the Mojave Wasteland. This includes vaults housing heartbreaking research projects, towns clinging onto their last shreds of sanity, and solitary travelers seeking companionship before the radiation claims them.

In a secluded, less-traveled town, there’s an unusual mission where a ghoul preacher is attempting to transform a band of wild ghouls into a harmonious society. Despite its absurdity, the tale carries an emotional resonance and offers thought-provoking insights. Such stories can be found in various places, with repercussions that ripple far beyond the town limits. The reputation system ensures that assisting one individual may make another group wary, and many of these outcomes unfold long after the mission is completed. Unlike other games, New Vegas doesn’t offer a straightforward resolution; instead, it challenges players to work for it.

Kingdom Come: Deliverance

No Magic, Just Mud, Blood, And Meaning

In my gaming experience, not many titles dive headfirst into realism like “Kingdom Come: Deliverance”. This game transports you to a breathtaking 15th-century Bohemia where the greatest peril isn’t a fire-breathing dragon, but a ravenous bandit wielding a weathered blade. Interestingly enough, it’s during those side quests that the world comes alive the most for me.

In one mission, you’ll be exploring a monastery, which may seem straightforward at first. However, it unfolds into a detailed, lengthy chain of deceit, acting, and repercussions. Meanwhile, assisting an injured soldier could uncover a hidden truth about the local noble. These missions don’t provide enchanted treasures or experience point boosts. Instead, they deliver immersion. Though they can be cumbersome at times and may cause frustration, they accurately reflect the raw, multifaceted nature of the medieval era. Those who appreciate this authenticity will discover some of the most realistic, multi-layered side stories in any open-world role-playing game.

Red Dead Redemption 2

No One’s Really a Stranger

In Red Dead Redemption 2, side missions often blur the line between adventure and everyday life. It’s not uncommon to find myself halting on a dusty roadside to aid a stranger in distress, or helping a woman fix her broken wagon. Or, I might stumble upon an unexpected encounter that leads to an acquaintance six hours later, seeking revenge in a smoky saloon.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but marvel at Rockstar’s Stranger Missions in Red Dead Redemption 2. Unlike any other game, they not only enrich the world but also build the story as Arthur traverses the vast landscape. These aren’t just set pieces; they’re intricate threads that weave together to form a captivating tapestry.

One such side quest revolving around a mourning circus performer feels like it was plucked straight from a high-end TV series. Even the more whimsical missions, such as aiding a man in launching a flying contraption, end up offering profound insights into the world and its resilient inhabitants. Every decision leads to a fascinating destination, even if the journey begins in the mud.

Ghost of Tsushima

Samurai Movies Never Had Side Content Like This

In the world of Ghost of Tsushima, I found a quiet dignity in the side quests, no matter how drenched they were in blood. As Jin, the last samurai, I journeyed through Tsushima to push back the Mongol invasion, encountering villagers, warriors, and monks with stories that resonated deeply and packed a bigger punch than anticipated.

In The Tales of Tsushima, especially those with characters like Lady Masako or Sensei Ishikawa, are more than just sub-stories. They’re deep explorations of the characters. Instead of being mere diversions, they serve as character studies. One storyline follows a man grappling with guilt over a death he could have prevented, while another places Jin in a situation where even victory seems empty. These scenes don’t just enhance the game’s atmosphere. They sculpt how players perceive Jin and how Jin perceives himself. When a game makes players contemplate the price of compassion amidst a revenge storyline, that’s not a side mission. That’s some of the most potent storytelling around.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Side Quests That Could Carry Their Own Game

It’s often noted that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt stands out when it comes to discussing side quests, as some of its side missions are so impactful they feel like they could be part of the main storyline. These aren’t just enjoyable diversions, but rather, they leave you wondering why they weren’t central plots in their own right.

In these tales, Geralt might be assisting a troubled baron in finding his loved ones or unraveling a murder mystery that escalates into complex politics. One mission takes players to a tree shrouded in ghostly mysteries and an orphanage, where they’re faced with a morally challenging decision that has sparked debate among fans for years. These aren’t trivial tasks; they carry significant impact, emotional depth, and decisions that frequently echo back unexpectedly. CD Projekt Red didn’t view side missions as mere filler. Instead, they saw them as the essence of the entire universe. And this is evident in the gameplay.

2025-08-04 13:37