RPGs (role-playing games) are a vast category of video games with seemingly unending options. With such a popular genre, side quests can make or break an RPG experience. These optional storylines serve to enhance the overall plot and immerse you even deeper into the fictional world of the game.
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Without side quests to embellish the world-building and characterization of various NPCs, these games wouldn’t be nearly as much fun. Main quests are fun, but they lack the depth that playing the complete game allows for. Here are the RPGs with the best side quests to help you truly lose yourself in a game.
1
Dragon Age: Inquisition
Dragon Age: Inquisition has plenty of side quests to unlock. While progressing through the main story, the Inquisitor can find unique challenges and loot. These are essential to gaining the best weapons and agents to aid you in your journey.
While you don’t need to complete all the side quests, you should find the ones that are interesting to you and your particular playthrough. It allows for further roleplay as you develop your character, and you get the added bonus of learning more about your companions.
2
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Released
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March 3, 2017
- Developer(s)
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Nintendo EPD
- Publisher(s)
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Nintendo
- Engine
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Havok
- ESRB
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E for Everyone: Fantasy Violence, Use of Alcohol, Mild Suggestive Themes
- How Long To Beat
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50 Hours
- X|S Optimized
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no
- Metascore
-
97
- Steam Deck Compatibility
-
yes
- OpenCritic Rating
-
Mighty
- Cross Save
-
no
- Cross-Platform Play
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no
Breath of the Wild is unique because you don’t have to complete any side quests in order to progress in the story. You can head straight for the Boss Battle if you wish, though it isn’t recommended if you want to make your journey easier.
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How Many Side Quests Are In Breath Of The Wild?
If you want to know how many errands Link can complete in Breath of the Wild, you have come to the right place.
The dozens of side quests offered in the game provide further insight into the story and the lore of the world you’re in. As you explore these quests, you’ll pick up helpful items and meet all kinds of characters around Hyrule.
3
Mass Effect 2
Mass Effect 2 is a popular RPG with a variety of side missions to complete. These “assignments” can be played in whatever order you wish as you help Shepard advance the story, meet new characters, or uncover various secrets in space.
If you skip the side quests, you may miss valuable background information or opportunities to advance companion relationships. These side quests impact your relationships and the overall narrative, so they are an important part of the gameplay.
4
Red Dead Redemption 2
Fans hold Red Dead Redemption in high regard. The game is praised for its storytelling, and this is showcased in both the main and side questlines.
While exploring the vast, open expanse of the Old West, Arthur will come across various individuals who need his help. Many of these offer rewards and add to the narrative. If you need a break from the considerable length of the main story, make sure to check out some side missions.
5
Fallout 4
While all the Fallout games offer decent side quests, Fallout 4 is the standout of the series. The main quest is extensive in itself, but the side quests associated with the various factions are worth the play.
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Fallout 4: 10 Most Memorable Quests
These memorable quests are must do tasks on your Fallout 4 journey.
With hundreds of hours worth of content, you’ll constantly uncover more side missions to accompany the main plot while you explore the Commonwealth. You can immerse yourself in the well-written dialogue options and earn all the XP and loot you need as you travel the gigantic RPG.
6
Elden Ring
Elden Ring has over 30 side quests you can complete throughout The Lands Between. As you travel, you’ll encounter various NPCs who need your assistance. These side quests provide you with valuable weapons, armor, and other loot to help you level up.
If you want the strongest equipment available, make sure you engage with the monsters and NPCs scattered throughout your travels.
Cyberpunk 2077
With different origin stories and storylines, Cyberpunk feels like a new game each time you play it. The massive map has tons of side quests to aid you on your journey through the main story.
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How Many Side Quests Are In Cyberpunk 2077?
There’s a lot of content to complete in Cyberpunk 2077, from small gigs to long main quests. Here, you can learn how many side quests are in the game.
There are hundreds of smaller quests to complete in addition to the main storyline. As V completes jobs in the city, more and more NPCs will ask for assistance. These side quests help build relationships and can even impact the ending you get. Tread carefully as you choose your path in Night City, even on the side missions.
7
Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Even nearly a decade after its release, Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is still regarded as one of the best RPGs available. Side quests are available in every area of the game, giving Geralt plenty to explore as he travels the map.
Unlike other games where some of the side quests don’t serve much of a purpose, each questline in Witcher 3 is crafted to serve the overall story, no matter how small. Whether you’re in Velen or Novigrad, you will encounter detailed NPC encounters around every corner.
The main story of Skyrim is actually fairly short when you compare it to the over 270 secondary quests available. The game is known for its massive content, with many players never finishing the entirety of the game.
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The 5 Most Rewarding Side Quests In Skyrim
If you want to equip the Dragonborn with the best possible gear, check out these side quests.
From dungeon diving, to herb gathering, to assassinations, the game has a side quest for everyone. With an immense replay value, it’s one of the best RPGs for side quests.
9
Baldur’s Gate 3
Baldur’s Gate 3 is based on Dungeons and Dragons, so the outcomes of each scenario change depending on your chosen course of action. Each time you play, you could have a vastly different ending to each quest, big and small.
The party-based game is praised for its rich storytelling and attention to detail. Each companion has their own questline, on top of the various side quests available in all three acts of the game. Completing every single side quest with every single outcome would take multiple playthroughs, making it the best RPG for side quests.
