Games Where Side Quests Reveal the Real Backstory

Video games often present a linear main narrative that guides players from the opening sequence to the credits. Developers frequently hide the most intriguing details of the world and its history within optional content that many players might miss. Exploring off the beaten path can uncover the true motivations of villains or the tragic history of a fallen kingdom. These optional missions transform a standard playthrough into a deep dive into the lore of the universe. The following titles reward curiosity with essential context that changes how the main story is understood.

‘Elden Ring’ (2022)

The main journey sees the Tarnished seeking to become the Elden Lord through combat and exploration. Players who pursue the questline of Ranni the Witch discover the true nature of the Golden Order and the cosmic entities controlling the Lands Between. Her storyline reveals the history of the Night of Black Knives and the shattering of the Elden Ring itself. Completing this optional path unlocks a distinct ending that fundamentally alters the fate of the world. The depth of the lore found here eclipses much of what is presented on the critical path.

‘The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’ (2015)

Geralt of Rivia spends much of his time searching for his adopted daughter Ciri while navigating political turmoil. The optional Bloody Baron questline delves deep into the horrific consequences of war and personal addiction on the local populace. Helping various sorceresses and political figures reveals the secret history of the Lodge of Sorceresses and the persecution of magic users. These side missions flesh out the complex geopolitical landscape of the Northern Realms. They turn simple monster contracts into tragic tales that explain the state of the world.

‘NieR: Automata’ (2017)

The initial playthrough presents a straightforward war between androids and machines for control of Earth. Subsequent playthroughs and side quests unlock data archives that reveal the grim truth about humanity and the aliens. Optional missions involving individual machines show their capacity for emotion and their desperate attempts to mimic human society. These interactions challenge the player to reconsider the morality of the conflict and the definition of consciousness. The real history of Project Gestalt is entirely hidden within these fragmented optional narratives.

‘Bloodborne’ (2015)

Hunters traverse the nightmare of Yharnam to eradicate beasts and uncover the source of the plague. Collecting optional items like the Umbilical Cords reveals the cosmic influence of the Great Ones and their desire for surrogates. Side quests involving NPCs like Arianna and Iosefka provide crucial clues about the Healing Church and its forbidden experiments. These narrative threads explain the cycle of the dream and the eldritch truth behind the scourge of beasts. Without these pieces the ending remains a confusing abstract sequence.

‘Fallout: New Vegas’ (2010)

The Courier wanders the Mojave Wasteland to decide the fate of New Vegas and the Hoover Dam. Companion quests for characters like Boone and Veronica expose the internal corruption of the NCR and the Brotherhood of Steel. Investigating the vaults scattered across the map uncovers twisted social experiments conducted by Vault-Tec before the war. These optional areas provide the historical context for why the wasteland factions operate the way they do. The real tragedy of the Great War is found in the terminal entries of these long-forgotten bunkers.

‘Cyberpunk 2077’ (2020)

V fights for survival in Night City while dealing with the digital ghost of Johnny Silverhand. The Peralez political questline uncovers a terrifying conspiracy involving rogue AI controlling human minds from the shadows. Pursuing storylines with River Ward or Judy Alvarez exposes the systemic rot within the police force and the exploitation of sex workers. These missions paint a darker picture of the corporate dystopia than the main corporate espionage plot does alone. They reveal that the city itself is the true antagonist of the game.

‘Hollow Knight’ (2017)

The Knight explores the fallen kingdom of Hallownest to contain a magical infection. Gathering Essence and completing the Seer’s requests illuminates the history of the Radiance and the Pale King. Hidden interactions with NPCs like the White Lady explain the cruel methods used to create the vessels intended to seal the plague. Exploring the optional Abyss reveals the tragic origin of the protagonist and their siblings. The true history of the kingdom is buried in these silent interactions and hidden areas.

‘Horizon Zero Dawn’ (2017)

Aloy hunts robotic dinosaurs while seeking answers about her mother and her own origins. Exploring optional cauldrons and finding Vantage Points reveals the personal stories of the people who lived during the apocalypse. Audio logs scattered in out-of-the-way bunkers detail the desperate final days of Project Zero Dawn and the betrayal by Ted Faro. These collectibles explain exactly how the world fell and why the machines became hostile. The backstory transforms the game from a tribal adventure into a cautionary sci-fi tale.

‘Mass Effect 2’ (2010)

Shepard assembles a suicide squad to fight the Collectors and save humanity from abduction. Loyalty missions for each crew member dive into the culture and history of the various alien species in the galaxy. Tali’s trial reveals the political strife within the Quarian Flotilla and their history with the Geth. Mordin’s mission forces players to confront the ethics of the Genophage and its impact on the Krogan population. These personal stories provide the foundation for the geopolitical conflicts of the entire trilogy.

‘Red Dead Redemption 2’ (2018)

Arthur Morgan runs from the law with the Van der Linde gang as the era of the outlaw comes to an end. Stranger missions introduce characters like the inventor Marko Dragic or the veteran Hamish Sinclair who represent the changing world. These vignettes explore themes of industrialization and the displacement of nature that the main story only hints at. Hunting down legendary animals and dreamcatchers offers insight into the local folklore and the history of the land. The heart of the narrative often lies in these quiet moments away from the gang.

‘Control’ (2019)

Jesse Faden explores the Oldest House to find her brother and understand the Federal Bureau of Control. Reading optional documents and watching multimedia presentations explains the history of Altered World Events and Objects of Power. Side missions involving Awe leads reveal the connection between this game and the events of Alan Wake. These investigations flesh out a universe where collective unconsciousness manifests as dangerous reality. The lore hidden in the sector files creates a much larger and more terrifying world.

‘The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask’ (2000)

Link tries to stop the moon from falling on Termina within a repeating three-day cycle. Collecting masks involves helping the citizens of Clock Town resolve their personal regrets and fears before the end of the world. The Anju and Kafei questline specifically details a tragic romance that spans the entire duration of the time loop. These interactions reveal the emotional state of a society facing inevitable doom. The side content provides the emotional weight that the main quest to defeat Skull Kid lacks.

‘Disco Elysium’ (2019)

An amnesiac detective tries to solve a murder while battling his own fractured psyche. Engaging in optional political visionary quests explains the complex history of the revolution and the ideologies vying for control of Revachol. Talking to minor characters about the Pale reveals the metaphysical threat slowly consuming the reality of the world. Understanding the cryptozoology side quest is essential to uncovering the true themes of hope and existence. The murder mystery is merely a framing device for a deep dive into history and philosophy.

‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ (2023)

The party seeks a cure for the illithid tadpoles in their brains while navigating a conflict between gods. Companion quests like Shadowheart’s or Astarion’s reveal the machinations of deities like Shar and the history of vampiric lords. Reading books and exploring optional tombs uncovers the truth about the Dead Three and their previous attempts to control the realms. Speaking with animals and the dead often provides historical context that living NPCs will not share. The true scope of the Absolute plot is found in these peripheral interactions.

‘Dark Souls’ (2011)

The Chosen Undead travels Lordran to ring the Bells of Awakening and decide the fate of the First Flame. Following the questline of Siegmeyer of Catarina tells a personal story of adventure and failure amidst the decaying world. The optional Painted World of Ariamis hides cross-breed Priscilla and reveals the gods’ fear of the Lifehunt ability. Item descriptions found in optional areas explain the fall of Anor Londo and the corruption of the Witch of Izalith. The narrative is almost entirely constructed through these optional discoveries.

‘Dragon Age: Inquisition’ (2014)

The Inquisitor builds an army to close the Breach and restore order to Thedas. Collecting shards and exploring elven ruins uncovers the lost history of the elves and their true relationship with the gods. Companion quests for Solas and Cole provide critical hints about the nature of the Fade and spirits. These optional conversations foreshadow the true identity of the dread wolf Fen’Harel well before the final reveal. The real history of the world directly contradicts the religious texts found in the main game.

‘Deus Ex: Mankind Divided’ (2016)

Adam Jensen investigates a terrorist bombing while navigating a society segregated by mechanical augmentation. Exploring the apartments of Prague and hacking into personal computers reveals the daily struggles of the oppressed augmented citizens. The side mission involving the Harvester killer connects the plot to previous games and explores the psychology of augmentation. Reading ebooks and newspapers provides context on the global corporate conspiracies shaping the narrative. The environmental storytelling does more world-building than the abrupt main campaign.

‘Prey’ (2017)

Morgan Yu fights to survive a Typhon outbreak on the Talos I space station. Reading emails and listening to transcribes from the crew reveals the timeline of the station and the gradual failure of containment protocols. Side quests involving the tracking of crew members expose the unethical experiments performed on prisoners to create Neuromods. These stories humanize the faceless corpses found throughout the station and explain the moral cost of scientific advancement. The backstory of the TranStar corporation is defined by these optional logs.

‘Batman: Arkham City’ (2011)

Batman is trapped inside a prison city and must uncover the secret behind Protocol 10. Completing the Riddler challenges unlocks interview tapes that dive into the psychological profiles of the rogue’s gallery. Side missions involving Hush and Azrael hint at future storylines and the deeper history of Gotham’s secret societies. Investigating the crime scenes left by Deadshot or Zsasz reveals the chaotic state of the criminal underworld. These optional tasks flesh out the ecosystem of villains inhabiting the prison.

‘God of War Ragnarök’ (2022)

Kratos and Atreus prepare for the prophesied battle that will end the world. Exploring the crater in Vanaheim uncovers the history of the valley and the destructive relationship between dragons and the land. Favors for Brok and Sindri reveal the dwarven history of servitude and their rebellion against Odin. Completing the trials of Muspelheim provides insight into the primordial forces of the realms. These side adventures add necessary emotional context to the final confrontation with the Aesir.

‘Final Fantasy XV’ (2016)

Noctis and his friends take a road trip to reclaim their kingdom from the Niflheim Empire. Exploring the optional dungeons reveals the history of the ancient kings and the threats they faced in the past. Listening to radios and finding scraps of paper details the spreading Starscourge plague that threatens to plunge the world into eternal night. Side quests involving the astrals explain the cosmology of Eos and the divine tragedy driving the antagonist Ardyn. The deeper lore explains why the prophecy demands such a high price from the protagonist.

‘Yakuza 0’ (2015)

Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima navigate the criminal underbelly of Japan during the economic bubble of the 1980s. The substories scattered around Kamurocho and Sotenbori explore the bizarre and heartwarming lives of ordinary citizens. Completing the Real Estate Royale and Cabaret Club Czar storylines reveals the economic shifts that defined the era. These optional interactions ground the melodramatic main plot in the reality of the time period. They show exactly what the yakuza are fighting to control or protect.

‘Fallout 4’ (2015)

The Sole Survivor searches for their kidnapped son across the irradiated ruins of Boston. Reading the logs in the Institute reveals the truth about the replacement of humans with synths and the organization’s long-term goals. Side quests like the secret of Cabot House introduce ancient artifacts and pre-war mysteries that defy scientific explanation. Investigating the Dunwich Borers quarry uncovers a Lovecraftian history buried beneath the earth. These discoveries provide a supernatural layer to the technological conflict.

‘Divinity: Original Sin II’ (2017)

Source Hunters escape imprisonment to ascend to godhood and save the world from the Void. Origin character quests for Fane or Lohse reveal the history of the Eternals and the true nature of the Seven Gods. Exploring the optional island of Bloodmoon reveals the dark history of the demon advocacy and the corruption of the ancestral tree. Talking to spirits with the Spirit Vision ability exposes the lies told by the Magisters to justify their purge. The history of Rivellon is rewritten by the truths found in these optional paths.

‘Outer Wilds’ (2019)

The protagonist explores a miniature solar system trapped in a 22-minute time loop. Translating the Nomai text spirals found on optional planets explains why the precursor civilization came to the system and how they died. Entering the Interloper comet reveals the source of the ghost matter that wiped out all life in the past. Every piece of optional reading is a puzzle piece that explains the function of the Ash Twin Project. The entire story is essentially one large side quest of discovery.

‘BioShock 2’ (2010)

Subject Delta searches for his Little Sister Eleanor in the decaying underwater city of Rapture. Audio diaries hidden in optional rooms detail the rise of the collectivist cult known as the Rapture Family. Investigating the Persephone penal colony reveals the political imprisonment of dissidents by the city’s founder Andrew Ryan. These recordings explain how the city shifted from objectivist ideals to religious fanaticism. The background stories of the chaotic splicers make the fallen utopia feel tragic rather than just violent.

‘Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II’ (2004)

The Jedi Exile gathers a crew to fight the Sith Triumvirate while regaining their connection to the Force. Influence conversations with Kreia deconstruct the philosophy of the Force and the endless cycle of light and dark wars. Completing the restoration of HK-47 uncovers the history of the Mandalorian Wars and the Revanite movement. Visiting the optional tomb on Korriban forces the player to confront the failures of the Jedi Order’s past. The narrative focuses on the grey areas of morality that the films rarely touch.

‘Dishonored 2’ (2016)

Empress Emily Kaldwin or Corvo Attano fights to reclaim the throne from the usurper Delilah. Listening to the heart reveals the secrets and sins of every NPC in the game including key targets. Reading notes in the Dust District explains the labor exploitation and silver mining that powers the empire’s economy. Side missions involving the Outsider’s shrines provide glimpses into the void and the history of the deity. The world-building relies heavily on the player’s willingness to look and listen.

‘Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines’ (2004)

A newly sired vampire navigates the political landscape of Los Angeles undead society. Side quests for the chaotic Malkavian primogen or the Nosferatu hackers reveal the ancient conspiracies controlling the modern world. Investigating the backstory of the Ankaran Sarcophagus hints at the impending Gehenna and the rise of the Antediluvians. Optional emails on public computers expose the corporate fronts used by vampires to maintain the Masquerade. The game rewards deep digging with terrifying truths about the origin of vampirism.

‘Kingdom Come: Deliverance’ (2018)

Henry the blacksmith’s son seeks revenge and purpose in medieval Bohemia. Side quests involving the local monastery reveal the corruption within the church and the daily lives of the monks. Helping the executioner or the local millers exposes the social stratification and the criminal undercurrents of the time. These missions are historically grounded and explain the societal pressures leading to the Hussite Wars. The optional content serves as an interactive history lesson on feudal life.

‘Ghost of Tsushima’ (2020)

Jin Sakai defends his home from a Mongol invasion while wrestling with his samurai code. The Mythic Tales side quests explore the supernatural folklore and legendary warriors of the island’s past. Helping the peasantry in optional tales reveals the cost of the war on the farmers and the breakdown of social order. These stories provide the cultural context for why Jin must become the Ghost to save his people. The beauty of the setting is deepened by the tragedies uncovered in these missions.

‘Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain’ (2015)

Venom Snake builds a private army to take revenge on the organization Cipher. Listening to the cassette tapes unlocks hours of exposition regarding the political climate of the Cold War and the motives of Major Zero. Side ops involving the extraction of highly skilled soldiers reveal the global reach of the private military complex. The truth about the vocal cord parasites and the plan to control language is found almost exclusively in audio logs. The plot twists rely on the player engaging with this optional media.

‘Returnal’ (2021)

Selene Vassos is trapped in a time loop on the alien planet Atropos while haunted by her past. Scanning xenoglyphs and scout logs translates the history of the Hivemind and the Severed alien races. Visiting the optional house sequences explores the protagonist’s psychological trauma and her troubled relationship with her mother. These narrative layers recontextualize the sci-fi action as a metaphor for grief and guilt. The true nature of the planet is left ambiguous without these clues.

‘Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire’ (2018)

The Watcher pursues the rogue god Eothas across the tropical Deadfire Archipelago. Faction quests for the Royal Deadfire Company or the Huana explore the themes of colonialism and indigenous sovereignty. Mapping the uncharted islands reveals the history of the ancient Engwithan civilization and their creation of the gods. Side missions involving the crew members flesh out the theological doubts plaguing the world. The political landscape is defined by the optional interactions with these competing powers.

‘Xenoblade Chronicles’ (2010)

Shulk wields the Monado blade to fight the Mechon on the bodies of two frozen titans. Completing the massive reconstruction of Colony 6 reveals the resilience of the Homs people and their history of survival. Side quests involving the High Entia race explain the genetic tampering that eventually leads to their tragic transformation. Heart-to-heart conversations between party members build the emotional bonds necessary to understand the final act. The history of the titans is slowly pieced together through these community efforts.

‘Assassin’s Creed Valhalla’ (2020)

Eivor leads a Viking clan to settle in England while hunting the Order of the Ancients. The Animus Anomalies are optional platforming puzzles that reveal the sci-fi truth about the Isu precursors and the Great Catastrophe. Collecting the codex pages exposes the history of the Hidden Ones and their transition into the Assassin Brotherhood. Dream sequences in Asgard and Jotunheim provide a mythological lens to view the ancient history of the Isu. These side activities connect the historical setting to the overarching modern-day plot.

‘Dead Space’ (2023)

Isaac Clarke repairs the USG Ishimura while fighting necromorphs formed from the crew. Side quests newly added in the remake allow Isaac to track the whereabouts of his girlfriend Nicole and the origins of the Hunter necromorph. Listening to audio logs reveals the gradual descent into madness caused by the Marker before the physical infection began. These investigations clarify the role of the Church of Unitology in the disaster. The horror is amplified by understanding the human error that allowed it to happen.

‘Tales of Arise’ (2021)

Alphen and Shionne fight to liberate the planet Dahna from Renan enslavement. Optional skits and campfire conversations explore the cultural differences and prejudices between the two races. Side quests involving the restoration of towns reveal the history of the specific lords and the methods they used to oppress the populace. Finding owls and artifacts provides glimpses into the ancient history before the invasion. The social commentary is largely found in these optional character moments.

‘GreedFall’ (2019)

De Sardet acts as a diplomat on the magical island of Teer Fradee while seeking a cure for the Malichor plague. Companion quests expose the dark secrets of the various colonial factions including religious inquisitions and scientific unethicality. Learning the language of the natives through optional interactions reveals their deep connection to the island’s living god. These missions determine the political stability of the region and the ultimate fate of the colonies. The backstory of the island is the key to solving the plague.

‘Wasteland 3’ (2020)

The Desert Rangers travel to Colorado to secure supplies for their base in Arizona. Exploring optional bunkers and listening to radio broadcasts reveals the insanity of the Patriarch’s children and the history of the region. Side quests involving the Gippers cult explain the twisted worship of an artificial intelligence based on a relentless desire for oil. The history of the world before the nuclear fire is preserved in the strangest corners of the map. The political satire is sharpest in these optional encounters.

‘The Outer Worlds’ (2019)

The Stranger wakes from cryosleep to save the Halcyon colony from corporate mismanagement. Reading terminal entries in abandoned outposts reveals the slow collapse of the colony due to lack of resources and bureaucratic incompetence. Companion quests for Parvati or Vicar Max explore the loss of humanity in a hyper-capitalist society. These stories explain why the colony is dying and the absurdity of the leadership’s denial. The lore creates a bleak picture hidden behind colorful visuals.

‘Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen’ (2013)

The Arisen seeks to reclaim their heart from the dragon while navigating the cycle of eternal return. Exploring the Bitterblack Isle expansion reveals the tragic story of a former Arisen named Ashe and his pawn Olra. Reading the stone tablets scattered in the dungeon explains the corruption that befalls those who challenge the cycle. Side quests involving the Duke reveal the bargain he made with the dragon to maintain his power. The true nature of the world’s god is hinted at through these dark tales.

‘Persona 4 Golden’ (2012)

A group of high school students investigates a series of murders involving a mysterious TV world. Social Links with party members and townspeople reveal the personal struggles and hidden desires of the Inaba residents. Completing the optional dungeon associated with Marie explains the origin of the fog and the deities involved in the plot. These relationships provide the thematic depth regarding truth and acceptance that anchors the supernatural mystery. The true ending is only accessible by understanding these bonds.

‘Nioh 2’ (2020)

A half-yokai mercenary plays a pivotal role in the Sengoku period of Japan. Side missions often involve helping the restless spirits of famous historical figures find peace. Reading the illustrations in the Yokai Illustrations directory provides the folklore and tragic origins of the demons fought in the game. These entries explain that many monsters were once humans corrupted by war or strong emotions. The fantasy elements are deeply rooted in the tragedy of the historical era.

‘Pathologic 2’ (2019)

The Haruspex tries to save a town from a deadly sand pestilence within twelve days. Interacting with the children of the town reveals the metaphysical rules of the world and the existence of the Polyhedron. Optional theater performances at night provide abstract commentary on the events of the day and the nature of the game itself. Helping the various town leaders survive reveals the conflicting ideologies that tear the settlement apart. The story is a complex web of philosophy found in the margins of survival.

‘Grim Dawn’ (2016)

The player fights to survive in a world caught between two warring interdimensional forces. Finding lore notes scattered on corpses and in houses details the invasion of the Aetherials and the cult of the Chthonians. These diaries explain how the Aetherials possessed the leadership of the empire to facilitate the Grim Dawn. Side quests involving the Rovers reveal the ancient history of the land and the curses that plague it. The narrative is almost entirely delivered through this optional text.

‘Blasphemous’ (2019)

The Penitent One traverses the nightmare world of Cvstodia to break the cycle of guilt. Reading the descriptions of quest items and bones reveals the gruesome history of the Miracle and its twisted blessings. Speaking to optional NPCs like Tirso or Deogracias explains the religious dogmas that govern the suffering of the populace. These fragmented stories paint a picture of a world obsessed with penance and divine punishment. The lore is hidden in the inventory screens as much as the dialogue.

‘SOMA’ (2015)

Simon Jarrett wakes up in an underwater research facility after a brain scan. Interacting with data buffers and computer terminals reveals the timeline of the comet impact that destroyed the surface world. Optional conversations with the last remaining humans and robots explore the philosophical implications of copying consciousness. Exploring the crew quarters provides intimate details about the people who lived and died in the facility. The horror comes from understanding the reality of the situation through these logs.

‘Planescape: Torment’ (1999)

The Nameless One wakes up in a mortuary with no memory and a body covered in scars. Talking to party members like Dak’kon or Morte unlocks deep dialogue trees that reveal the protagonist’s past incarnations. Side quests in the city of Sigil explore the nature of belief and how it physically shapes the planes of existence. Investigating the sensory stones allows the player to experience memories that are not their own. The game is arguably one giant side quest to discover the self.

Share your favorite game where the side quests were better than the main story in the comments.