4 Best Video Games with Side Quests

Although we can all agree that linear games offer good entertainment, playing games that allow side quests is even more exciting.

In these games, players are usually free to explore the world presented to them at a pace that suits them. Additionally, in most titles, they get to complete some side quests that break patterns and help players progress faster.

Today, thousands of video games can be played using computers, mobile devices, gaming consoles, and VR headsets. Among all these titles, dozens offer excellent side quests. If you want to find such an option, keep reading our article.

1. 1. God of War Ragnarok

God of War Ragnarok is the first cross-gen title in the famous God of War series. It was released in 2022 and praised as one of the best action-adventure games ever. Once again, players will follow in the steps of Kratos and his young son Atreus as they explore the Norse realms.

Players like this game for its engaging combat, impressive visual elements, and profound story. Of course, they also like playing side quests. Interestingly, they are called favourites in this game.

The developers spent a lot of time creating these side quests. So, some of them may look like short fetch quests, but others have stories that reveal parts of the characters and the massive world of this game.

For instance, in The Lost Lindwyrms, you should reunite a family of funny and sassy lizards. During this side quest, you’ll also meet the grumpy squirrel Ratatoskr, who appears in this game’s predecessors.

Unlike the humorous quest mentioned above, the Conscience for the Dead is more complex and serious. Thanks to it, you’ll have to face the consequences of Kratos’ actions from the past. This is a rather emotional episode that contributes to the fascinating story. 

1. 2. Red Dead Redemption 2

Although announcements about the continuation of the Red Dead series are reduced to rumours for now, the fact is that Red Dead Redemption 2 is still an exciting title, even though it was released in 2018. This epic game from Rockstar Games introduced many new standards in the world and action-adventure game genre.

In this title, you follow the adventures of Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang at the end of the 19th century, when many in America took the law into their own hands. The experts were mainly delighted by the realistic graphics of RDR2 and other things like the game’s side quests.

Among the various side quests, the Gambler Challenges seem to leave the biggest impression.

These quests require various tasks from the players, such as doubling down and winning the blackjack hand 5 times, beating the blackjack dealer in two locations, winning 5 hands of poker, and more.

Interestingly, due to the realistic representation of games, you can practice playing and apply your knowledge and skills by playing in popular online games. For example, many people play Ignition Crypto Poker for real money after finishing the Gambler Challenge because it resembles the mechanics of the same game in RDR2. With their advanced poker skills, players can switch to real money wagering in a seamless manner, playing with major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others, to win life-changing rewards.

Of course, you can expect rewards for successfully completing side quests in the game. Most offer different combinations of Dead Eye XP and money. In contrast, some offer equipment parts (gamer holsters, gamer gun belts, etc.).

1. 3. Spider-Man 2

This list continues with Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, another action-adventure video game and one of the most anticipated titles in 2023. Spider-Man 2 won several prizes and was nominated for dozens of awards, which speaks of its quality.

In the third instalment of the Marvel’s Spider-Man series, Miles Morales and Peter Parker fight several threats simultaneously, including aliens and super-powered people. Once again, we have a game with excellent side quests.

Unlike many other games, the side quests depend on your character (Miles Morales/Peter Parker). They are related to the main story but can also come in the form of app requests.

So, for example, when playing with Miles Morales, you can complete the Brooklyn Visions quest that requires you to help the students of the main hero’s school. It’s about lighthearted activities that will make you smile.

There are also FNSM app requests available to Peter Parker that usually involve helping concerned citizens – from preventing illegal fireworks displays to stopping a group from making problems with graffiti.

1. 4. Ghost of Tsushima

Here is a popular title that will take you to medieval Japan. Ghost of Tsushima by Sucker Punch Productions and Sony Interactive Entertainment was released in 2020.

This video game follows the story of Jin Sakai, one of the few surviving samurais determined to protect Tsushima Island from the Mongols. Interestingly, this video game includes many historically accurate elements.

Of course, the side quests also play a significant role in this game’s popularity. They are known as Tales of Tsushima and cover a variety of activities. Some are short and easy, while others offer a challenge and are longer.

For example, you’ll find several character tales. One of these tales is The Broken Blacksmith, which allows you to help Yuna free her people. On the other hand, the legendary events require defeating mythical creatures like a demonic one and a mutant boar to complete the quests. All in all, these activities will keep your attention until the end of the game.