Why Some RPGs Have Better Side Quests Than Main Stories
Why Some RPGs Have Better Side Quests Than Main Stories
In the vast and immersive worlds of role-playing games (RPGs), players often find themselves torn between following the main storyline and getting lost in the myriad of side quests scattered throughout the game. Surprisingly, many RPG enthusiasts argue that some games feature side quests that are more compelling, emotionally resonant, and creatively designed than their main narratives. But why does this happen? What makes these optional adventures stand out more than the central plot?
The Freedom to Experiment
One of the key reasons side quests often shine brighter than main stories is the creative freedom they afford developers. Main quests usually follow a structured, overarching narrative that must adhere to the game’s core themes and lore. This can sometimes limit innovation, as writers must ensure consistency and coherence with the game’s established world.
Side quests, on the other hand, are playgrounds for experimentation. Developers can take risks, introduce quirky characters, or explore unconventional storytelling techniques without derailing the main plot. For example, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is renowned for its side quests, which often feature morally ambiguous choices, rich character development, and self-contained stories that feel more personal and impactful than the grand-scale main conflict.
Focus on Character and World-Building
While main stories frequently revolve around saving the world or defeating a great evil, side quests have the luxury of zooming in on smaller, more intimate moments. These quests allow players to engage with NPCs (non-player characters) on a deeper level, uncovering their backstories, struggles, and motivations.
Games like Red Dead Redemption 2 excel in this regard. Many of its side missions—such as helping a struggling widow survive or uncovering a serial killer’s identity—add layers of emotional depth to the game’s world. Because these quests aren’t bound by the urgency of the main plot, they can take their time to breathe, making the world feel alive and lived-in.
Less Pressure, More Surprise
Main quests often follow predictable tropes: a hero’s journey, a final showdown, or a world-ending catastrophe. While these narratives can be epic, they sometimes lack surprise. Side quests, however, can subvert expectations. Since they’re optional, developers aren’t constrained by the need to deliver a “satisfying” conclusion to every player.
Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is a prime example. While the main story involves battling dragons and fulfilling a prophecy, some of the most memorable moments come from side quests—like joining a secret assassin guild or stumbling upon a bizarre Daedric prince’s realm. These experiences feel fresh precisely because they defy the usual RPG formula.
Player Agency and Personal Investment
Side quests often give players more agency in how they approach challenges. Main stories tend to funnel players down a set path, but side content can offer branching choices, hidden outcomes, or even permanent consequences. This makes players feel like their decisions truly matter.
In Cyberpunk 2077, for instance, certain side quests drastically alter relationships with key characters or unlock entirely new endings. Because these quests feel personalized, players become more emotionally invested in them than in the sometimes rigid main storyline.
Conclusion
While main stories provide the backbone of an RPG, side quests are where many games truly come alive. Their freedom, creativity, and focus on character-driven narratives often make them more memorable than the central plot. For players, this means that sometimes the most rewarding adventures aren’t the ones the game insists you follow—but the ones you discover along the way.
