The 10 Best Side Quests in Open World Games
While the main storyline may be the primary focus of any open world game, it’s often the side quests that truly make these games memorable. These optional adventures can provide hours of additional gameplay, unique challenges, and interesting storylines. Here, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best side quests in open world games that are worth your time and attention.
The Dark Brotherhood – The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The Dark Brotherhood questline in Skyrim is not just about being an assassin; it’s a descent into darkness and moral ambiguity. Players are approached by an enigmatic child and are thrust into a world of murder, intrigue, and betrayal. The choices you make in this questline have far-reaching consequences, making it a morally challenging experience.
The Baron Questline – The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Baron Questline is a standout in The Witcher 3, known for its mature storytelling. Players help the Baron, a complex character filled with guilt and regret, search for his missing family. Along the way, you’ll encounter supernatural forces and make choices that dramatically affect the narrative. It’s an emotionally charged journey that reveals the moral shades of gray that Geralt often navigates.
Treasure Hunts – Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2‘s Treasure Hunts are more than just map-following exercises. Each hunt unfolds as a unique adventure, leading players to remote locations and uncovering hidden stories about the game’s world. These quests provide valuable rewards and showcase the game’s attention to detail.
The Museum of Witchcraft – Fallout 4
The Museum of Witchcraft quest is a spine-tingling experience in Fallout 4. Players explore a dark, abandoned museum filled with eerie artifacts and clues about a local legend. What awaits inside is genuinely terrifying, and the payoff is a chilling revelation that ties into the game’s post-apocalyptic lore.
The Last Wish – The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
In The Last Wish, players delve into the emotional backstory of Mipha and Link, two characters from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This quest provides a rare glimpse into the personal lives of these heroes, enriching the game’s narrative and making players feel a deeper connection to the world.
The Big Score – Grand Theft Auto V
The Big Score is the ultimate heist mission in Grand Theft Auto V. It requires meticulous planning and execution, involving multiple characters and a wide range of choices. The level of detail and the high-stakes nature of the mission make it a standout experience in the game.
The Cabaret – Yakuza 0
Yakuza 0’s Cabaret questline offers players a delightful diversion from the main storyline. Managing a cabaret club in 1980s Japan involves charming hostesses, engaging in quirky mini-games, and making strategic decisions. It’s a unique blend of business management and character-driven storytelling.
The Delamain AI Questline – Cyberpunk 2077
The Delamain AI questline in Cyberpunk 2077 is a fascinating exploration of artificial intelligence and ethics in a futuristic world. Players are tasked with helping Delamain, a sentient AI responsible for a fleet of self-driving cars, recover rogue vehicles that have developed their own personalities. Each car has a unique story and quirks, making this questline a blend of detective work, humor, and thought-provoking themes about the nature of consciousness. It’s a standout example of the game’s narrative depth and world-building.
The House of Blossoms – Dishonored
The House of Blossoms quest in Dishonored is a stealthy, espionage-style mission. Players infiltrate a high-class brothel to gather information and make critical choices that impact the game’s narrative. It showcases Dishonored’s emphasis on player agency and choice-driven gameplay.
The Wild Wasteland – Fallout: New Vegas
The Wild Wasteland questline is a departure from the seriousness of the main game. It introduces absurd and bizarre encounters, adding a layer of humor and quirkiness to the post-apocalyptic world of Fallout: New Vegas. Expect to meet Elvis impersonators, aliens, and other outlandish characters.
These 10 side quests exemplify the potential of open world games to offer unique and engaging experiences outside of the main storyline. They showcase the creativity and dedication of game developers who strive to make the virtual worlds as immersive and captivating as possible. Whether you’re looking for thrilling adventures, emotional journeys, or comedic diversions, these side quests are sure to leave a lasting impression on any gamer’s experience.