Why Side Quests Shine in Well-Designed Open World Games

6 September 2025

When it comes to open-world games, there's something undeniably exciting about the freedom they offer. You know the feeling—you’ve got this massive world sprawling out in front of you, filled with potential adventures at every turn. But let’s talk about the unsung heroes of these expansive worlds: side quests. Sure, the main storyline is often what gets you into the game in the first place, but it's those side quests that make you stick around, soaking up every little detail. A well-designed side quest can turn a good game into an unforgettable experience.

So, why do these seemingly "optional" adventures shine so brightly in open-world games? Let’s dig in and uncover what makes side quests the secret sauce of well-crafted gaming.

1. The Freedom to Choose Your Own Adventure

One of the most beautiful things about side quests in open-world games is the element of choice. They’re not shoved in your face like the main storyline missions. Instead, they’re like gentle whispers—"Hey, over here, there’s something worth checking out." And isn't that kind of like life? Sometimes, the best adventures are the ones you stumble upon when you're not looking for them.

Take games like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Sure, your priority is to find Ciri and deal with some Wild Hunt shenanigans, but let’s be honest—how many hours did you spend helping random villagers or tracking down mythical beasts? Those side quests weren't just filler; they were full-fledged stories that enriched the world and made Geralt's journey feel authentic. They gave you the freedom to pause, step off the rollercoaster of the main plot, and immerse yourself in the world on your terms.

2. Depth and World-Building

Ever notice how side quests make the game world feel alive? Developers often use them as tools to flesh out the lore, introduce quirky characters, or give you a glimpse of what everyday life is like for NPCs (non-playable characters, for the uninitiated). Without side quests, open-world games could feel like giant theme parks with nothing but the main attractions—pretty, sure, but kind of hollow.

Take a game like Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. The side quests bring the world of Tamriel to life. Whether you're joining the legendary Thieves Guild, tracking down Daedric artifacts, or just delivering a love letter for some starry-eyed NPC, these activities give the world a richness that the main quest alone could never achieve. It’s like adding seasoning to a dish—it’s technically edible without it, but it’s the spice that makes you come back for more.

3. The Element of Surprise

There’s something magical about embarking on what seems like a minor side quest, only to have it spiral into something much larger than you anticipated. One moment you’re agreeing to help a farmer find his missing goat; the next, you’re battling demons in a dimension you didn’t even know existed.

Take Red Dead Redemption 2, for example. Side quests in this game often start small—helping a stranger mend a fence or picking herbs for someone. Yet they manage to twist into fascinating, emotional, or downright bizarre experiences. Sometimes, these moments are the ones you remember long after finishing the main story. It’s that element of unpredictability that makes side quests so rewarding—and it keeps you coming back for more.

4. Character Development Through Side Quests

Let’s face it, in many games, the main quest is laser-focused on the protagonist. But side quests? They’re where NPCs truly shine. They let you see the world through their eyes and understand their struggles, motivations, and personalities. And sometimes, they reveal deeper layers of your protagonist that the main story doesn’t have time to explore.

In Mass Effect, side missions aren’t just extra content—they’re integral to character development. You get to know your crewmates, unravel their backstories, and make choices that strengthen your bond with them. These aren't just "fetch quests"—they’re emotional journeys that make you care more about the characters and the stakes.

5. The Sweet, Sweet Rewards

Let’s be real—rewards play a huge role in why side quests are so satisfying. Whether it’s a shiny new sword, a rare piece of armor, or a boatload of XP, completing a side quest makes you feel accomplished. And in well-designed games, the rewards don’t just feel like an afterthought—they’re tied into the story in meaningful ways.

Think about games like Horizon Zero Dawn. Completing side quests doesn’t just give you loot—it makes you feel like you’ve genuinely helped someone or unraveled a piece of the world’s mysteries. The rewards feel like a natural extension of the effort you’ve put in, making the experience all the more gratifying.

6. A Break from the Pressure

Sometimes, the main storyline can feel a bit… heavy. Maybe the fate of the world is hanging in the balance, or your character is racing against the clock to stop some catastrophic event. Side quests are like a breath of fresh air, giving you a chance to step back and enjoy the game at your pace.

In Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, for example, the main plot is full of family drama and high-stakes battles. But then you stumble upon a side quest where you’re helping a woman find her lost chickens. It’s a small, often humorous distraction that lets you step away from the urgency for a moment and just enjoy the world.

7. Encouraging Creativity and Exploration

Side quests encourage you to roam the world and uncover its secrets. They spark curiosity and often push you to places you wouldn’t have gone otherwise. Maybe you’re scaling a mountain to retrieve a rare flower, or diving into the depths of a creepy dungeon for a lost artifact. Either way, they fuel your sense of adventure and reward you for going off the beaten path.

Games like Breath of the Wild are masters at this. While the main quest is always there, side quests nudge you toward hidden shrines, mysterious ruins, and breathtaking views. They make you feel like a true explorer, charting your own course through an unforgiving yet beautiful world.

8. Replayability and Longevity

Great side quests significantly boost the lifespan of a game. Once you’ve seen the credits roll on the main story, there’s still so much left to do. Side quests give you reasons to revisit the game world, uncovering hidden gems and stories you might’ve missed the first time around.

In Ghost of Tsushima, completing side quests often feels just as rewarding as the main story. From helping peasants fight back against bandits to unraveling the personal tales of your allies, these missions add layers to the game that keep you coming back long after the main conflict has resolved.

9. Side Quests as a Reflection of Real Life

Here’s a philosophical take: side quests in open-world games mirror the small but meaningful moments in our own lives. While the "main quest" in life might be career, family, or personal growth, the side quests are the unexpected detours—the friendships made, the hobbies picked up, the random acts of kindness. They’re the things that make life vibrant and fulfilling.

Why Well-Designed Is the Key

Of course, not all side quests are created equal. We’ve all played games where side quests felt like box-checking exercises—mindless fetch quests or repetitive tasks that added little to the experience. The magic happens when developers craft side quests with as much care as they do the main story. They become more than just "extra content"; they’re vital threads in the rich tapestry of the game.

A well-designed side quest offers engaging narratives, meaningful choices, and tangible rewards. It respects your time and creativity, ensuring that every moment feels worth it.

Final Thoughts

Side quests may start as optional diversions, but in many ways, they’re the heart and soul of open-world games. They give you freedom, develop the world, and enrich your experience with countless smaller stories. When done right, they’re not just side activities—they’re the backbone of what makes open-world games so immersive and beloved.

So next time you’re tempted to skip that "Save the NPC's cat" mission, think twice. Who knows? That cat might lead you to the best part of the game.