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A side quest is an integral part of an RPG. It expands on games by providing alternate storylines. A fascinating side quest contains a gripping short story and impactful decisions that custom tailor gameplay. Side quests can be a sealer or deal breaker for RPG fans.
Updated March 28th, 2022 by Russ Boswell: There have been a lot of spectacular open world titles released in recent years, with a bevvy of great RPGs sprinkled in-between. These experiences are already pretty beefy to get from the beginning of the main story to the end, and many feature a wide array of side quests that can really put completionists through their paces. Those that want a more robust adventure, or an RPG with a lot of content to explore, will definitely want to check out the titles on this list. These RPGs feature some of the most stellar and rewarding side quests in the genre, and many of them feature hours upon hours of additional content that are tied up into elaborate side missions. To better reflect some of the best releases that offer great side quests, the following list has been updated.
13 Final Fantasy IX
There are a ton of players out there that likely have fond memories of Final Fantasy 7 thanks to its abundance of mini-games and intricate side quests, but Final Fantasy 9 featured some of the most elaborate side quests in the entire franchise. In fact, some of them were so lengthy and detailed that it took players decades just to uncover and complete them. Players that take their time with the ninth release in the mainline series will find tons of side content to uncover, stretching an already lengthy game into one that could take upwards of 100 hours to complete depending on how quickly a player moves through it.
Many of the Final Fantasy titles feature some pretty elaborate side missions but there is something special about exploring Final Fantasy 9’s expansive world and collecting all of the treasures that are hidden within it.
12 Elden Ring
From Software has crafted some of the most difficult and entertaining games ever released, each with their own subset of sidequests that had some players scratching their heads, but Elden Ring is perhaps their most ambitious title in terms of scale and side quests. Developers took a big risk attempting to transform the Dark Souls formula into something open world but the end result has been spectacular for fans of the studio and RPG enthusiasts in general.
Elden Ring is massive in scale, featuring a huge world, tons of bosses, and a slew of weapons, spells, and items to collect. To make things even better, the vibrant world has an array of NPCs and secrets hidden within it, giving side quest-seeking adventures even more content to explore aside from the main story. Some of these side quests are a little obtuse in their design, but the rewards and storylines associated with them are well-worth the general ambiguity.
11 Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
The Assassin’s Creed series has always had its own fair share of side quests but many of them provided money, upgrades, or small story snippets. Once Assassin’s Creed Origins released, that all changed, thanks to a new introduction into the RPG space via a “gear system.” Players were able to collect armor pieces and various weapons, making it more important for players to seek out waiting side quests in the hopes they would be rewarded with large amounts of EXP or powerful items.
Although Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is the newest iteration of this formula and features its own fair share of side quests and explorable areas, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey arguably had the better shake when it came to side content. There were a lot of interesting story-driven side quests that were deep-rooted in mythology, giving players more than just a run-of-the-mill fetch quest in most instances.
10 Cyberpunk 2077
The long-anticipated Cyberpunk 2077 is turning heads with its detailed open-world, stunning gameplay, and engaging side missions. Side missions in Cyberpunk 2077 are called side jobs and may reward you with experience points and money. These side quests are noticeably longer than many other leading RPGs. Some contain boss fights as part of the side mission. To unlock many side missions, players have to reach a point in the game. Note that side mission choices can affect the main story.
9 Middle-earth: Shadow Of War
It’s easy to get lost in the game’s side quests and forget about the main story. Middle-earth: Shadow of War’s side quests reward players with collectibles, and the opportunities to hunt captains. Completing side quests isn’t part of a fruitless effort since any experience points or items help you with the main story. Hunting captains is one worthwhile side quest, although captains continuously replace their fellow orcs.
8 Final Fantasy VII Remake
Thankfully, Square Enix added an abundance of side quests like the “Colosseum and Battle Simulator.” If you stick to Final Fantasy VII Remake’s main story, you’re bound to have an enjoyable experience. Factor in the side quests and you are offered enough content to keep you engaged for over 40 hours. Side quests like finding an owner’s missing cats are not particularly exciting compared to other RPGs, yet many appreciate them as a bonus. To reap all the game’s rewards, the side quests are a must-play!
7 Fallout 3
The side quests that appear in Fallout 3 expand on the game’s journey. These side quests do not influence the main story, but they might affect the game’s difficulty.
Early in Fallout 3, players are introduced to the town of Megaton. The town’s name is inspired by an undetonated atomic bomb at its center. It’s an odd place for people to build a settlement, yet begin to understand why as you delve into the town’s side quest. You meet interesting characters and have to decide the fate of the settlement. Megaton might get blown up in a mushroom cloud or saved by the player for good karma.
6 The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
The province of Cyrodiil is home to many different factions and people with different needs. Most NPCs in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion are friendly faces willing to help you on your journey.
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In the game’s side quests, there are some missions involving the Dark Brotherhood. You can find quests within this guild but be warned that members can be vampires. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion contains an abundance of side quests as any good RPG should.
5 Mass Effect 2
In Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2, players complete side missions called “Assignments.” Some are more basic than others, but others add quite a bit to the overarching story. For example, there are side missions that let the player decide Commander Shepard’s background pre-service. There are also missions related to companions (romantic or not) and build on your relationships. Mass Effect 2 stands out for its gripping side quests.
4 Fable II
It doesn’t contain the widest variety of side quests, yet Fable II proves relevant with engaging content. The game is heralded for its masterful RPG elements, but it’s the side missions that glue the game together. Fable II contains many light-hearted quests like “The Blind Date,” one that involves being a matchmaker for a friend’s son. The treasure island side quest places you in inhospitable circumstances once you are thwarted by pirate ghosts! Years later, Fable II stands out for its unique side quests.
3 Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic
Side quests in Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic do not affect the main story, but they can enhance an already excellent game. On Taris, one of the first planets you visit, side quests involve fighting in a duel ring and playing a card game named Pazaak.
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Every side mission you complete in Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic helps you reach the epic conclusion. They also influence your Dark Side and Light Side points. This acclaimed game’s intriguing storylines are why it’s placed among the greatest games of all time.
2 The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is one of the most acclaimed RPGs in history. Taking a closer look, we notice it contains an abundance of side quests and a short main story. This is a game that has seemingly no end due to the overspilling of side quests. Both atmospheric and filled with compelling storylines, the side missions make The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim stand out.
1 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Since The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt won big at 2015’s The Game Awards, CD Projekt has broadened its player base. The company has aroused excitement for current and upcoming games like Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 4.
Side missions in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt can make or break relationships, as well as reward you for the fruits of your labor. Some side missions are influenced by The Witcher 2 (if you imported your save). Although not necessary to complete the game, side quests can add substance to an RPG.
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