15 Best Side Quests That Outshine The Main Story

Great games are full of surprises, and the best ones hide unforgettable stories off the beaten path. These side quests pull you away from the main objective with clever writing, meaningful choices, or memorable characters. They reward curiosity with new areas, unique items, and outcomes that stick with you long after the credits. Here are standout detours that became the reason many players kept exploring.

Family Matters from ‘The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’

This multi part investigation sends Geralt across Velen to track down the Bloody Baron’s missing family and uncover what drove them apart. The quest branches through fights, detective work, and difficult choices that shape who lives where and how the story resolves. It weaves in cursed spirits, regional politics, and small village rituals in a way that changes later encounters. CD Projekt Red built optional follow ups that react to your decisions, so your version of events can look very different.

A Night to Remember from ‘The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim’

A drinking contest with a stranger spirals into a wild scavenger hunt that jumps across multiple holds and quest hubs. You retrace blackout mischief, settle debts, and fix magical mishaps before discovering who your drinking partner really was. The quest ties together temples, Daedric artifacts, and unique dialogue that only appears if you visited certain places earlier. Bethesda Game Studios uses it to showcase Skyrim’s open structure, letting you solve steps in different orders.

Beyond the Beef from ‘Fallout: New Vegas’

This investigation at the Ultra Luxe digs into a missing persons case amid the casino’s high society. You infiltrate back rooms, gather evidence, and choose whether to expose a gruesome plan or quietly steer it to a safer outcome. The quest features disguises, speech checks, and multiple endings that can change the fate of a faction on the Strip. Obsidian Entertainment designed it to reward careful observation and role specific builds.

The Silver Shroud from ‘Fallout 4’

You become a pulp radio hero by donning the Silver Shroud costume and delivering justice to raiders and gang leaders. The quest tracks your performance with special lines if you stay in character and use the Shroud’s calling card. It offers unique gear upgrades and different resolutions depending on how you handle a final hostage scene. Bethesda Game Studios anchors the whole chain with an in world radio show that updates as you progress.

Ranni’s Questline from ‘Elden Ring’

Meeting Ranni in Liurnia opens a sprawling journey that reaches underground cities, secret towers, and far off peaks. The quest gates key items, unlocks the Dark Moon Greatsword, and can determine which ending you qualify for. It intertwines with other characters like Blaidd and Seluvis, each with their own steps and consequences. FromSoftware links late game areas and boss triggers to your progress, so timing matters.

The Spirit of Yarikawa’s Vengeance from ‘Ghost of Tsushima’

This Mythic Tale retells a local legend and sends Jin to recover a powerful stance by following a musician’s clues. You track the story through survivor accounts and battlefield relics before facing a dramatic duel. Completing it unlocks the Dance of Wrath, which changes how you approach armored foes and crowds. Sucker Punch Productions uses scenic routes and music cues to tie combat rewards to folklore.

From the Ground Up from ‘The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’

You help Hudson build Tarrey Town by recruiting specialists from villages all over Hyrule. Each step expands the settlement with new vendors and services that persist for the rest of your adventure. The quest ends with a wedding scene and permanent town music that reflects your effort. Nintendo EPD turns a simple delivery loop into a long term hub that grows alongside your exploration.

Pyramid Song from ‘Cyberpunk 2077’

Judy invites you to a dive outside the city where you explore a flooded neighborhood using a rebreather. The sequence includes quiet exploration, a guided memory walk, and choices that affect Judy’s future in later quests. Your relationship status can change the final scene and influences later calls or epilogues. CD Projekt Red uses environmental detail and music to turn a small map into a character defining moment.

The Veteran from ‘Red Dead Redemption 2’

Arthur meets Hamish Sinclair while fishing and returns for several outings that span hunting and lake trips. The chain features rare animal encounters, a few unique items, and time jumps that reflect the story’s passage. Its final step depends on how you handle a frantic chase in the wilderness. Rockstar Games anchors the quest with repeatable visits that unlock only after camp chapters advance.

The Miracle in Kamurocho from ‘Yakuza 0’

Kiryu helps film a street music video by clearing obstacles and managing a chaotic set. The substory introduces The Miracle Johnson and rewards you with new Heat actions and a friendship path. Completing it opens more wacky requests and special phone calls later in the game. Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio folds real world parody into city life systems that track your growing network.

The Burning Pigs from ‘Divinity: Original Sin 2’

You discover cursed pigs near Fort Joy and must free them using Bless while fending off ambushes. The quest branches into a haunted maze, a divine trial, and a choice about an ancient soul you might save or destroy. Outcomes change loot, future dialogue, and whether a certain vendor appears later. Larian Studios uses its surface and status system to make each approach feel distinct.

Eye for an Eye from ‘Mass Effect 2’

Garrus asks you to track a traitor on Omega, leading to ambushes, sniper setups, and a final confrontation with a hostage twist. Your interrupts and squad composition can change who survives and how Garrus evolves. Completing the loyalty mission unlocks his unique power and improves his chances in the endgame. BioWare ties conversation flags and combat arenas to character growth that carries into a later title.

Masquerade from ‘Kingdom Come: Deliverance’

Henry helps friends craft bandit disguises by gathering masks, hunting ingredients, and forging counterfeit items. The quest opens alternate solutions for a nearby camp and can lead to a robbery plan or a quiet infiltration. Success changes town reputation and guards’ reactions during later activities. Warhorse Studios leans on historically grounded crafting and timing to make each step feel practical.

Emil’s Memories from ‘NieR: Automata’

This optional chain begins with a chance encounter and escalates into a series of deliveries and hunts tied to a hidden lab. The quest unlocks special music, a secret boss fight, and lore about a character who spans multiple games. Completing it can grant powerful gear and changes what certain vendors say afterward. PlatinumGames nests it behind world state shifts, so you only see steps after finishing key routes.

The Valkyrie Queen from ‘God of War’

Defeating the eight imprisoned Valkyries unlocks a final arena where you can challenge Sigrun. The fight tests every rune, talisman, and skill you collected during exploration rather than anything from the main path. Winning yields unique resources and armor pieces that change late game builds. Santa Monica Studio structures the quest across the map so each victory prepares you for the finale.

Share your favorite side quest in the comments and tell us which one pulled you away from the main story the longest.