The Art of Side Quests: Why People Accomplish Them More Than the Main Story

Imagine having the clear task of attending your 9 AM class, but in between that, you find yourself cleaning your fridge, sorting your sock drawer, watching the latest episode, etc. You do all these things before you actually move on to the main task. You decide to do life’s side quests. 

Life and games are similar in this manner. When playing an open-world RPG, side quests are intriguing “diversions” from the main storyline. Although optional, people engage with side quests to immerse themselves in what the developer has to offer through their game. These quests provide depth to the gaming experience and often take their attention for hours.

From Bethesda Official GIPHY

But why? This instance can be attributed to several key factors that make side quests overbearingly appealing. 

It’s my story. Sure, you are controlling the characters and fleshing out their adventures, but the way players choose to tackle these quests makes it feel as if they are the ones in the game. A great example is the massive title, Witcher 3! Your main goal is to find Ciri, but the series of quests you choose to take before finding her is up to you. Why? These quests give players a chance to explore the aspects of the game at their own pace. You have parents, teachers, or bosses telling you how to do things, why would allow it to seep into your free time, right? 

Rewards, items, glory, and XP. Some gamers like the challenge of beating bosses with a bit of difficulty, but some also like dominating from the start. I fell victim to this, especially for Pokemon. To share, I would make sure my starting Pokemon was at least level 25 before I hit the first gym. Yes, it was easy, but the domination was satisfactory. There are a boatload of memes surfing the internet that cover this topic because people would like to have certain items, weapons, or a level advantage as an assurance for their playthrough. If you want a humorous example, you can check out the short skit below by ProZD. 

Want a break from the ad–I mean intensity? Taking side quests actually functions as a break for some gamers as well. Been on the main storyline for 3 hours? Why not take a side quest that allows you to go hunting for a dog? In action-packed games, these funny yet emotionally stirring stories are what breathe life into the game, making you come back for a third or even tenth playthrough, depending on how much you would like to dive into a game. 

From Bandai Namco Official GIPHY

Side quests are not just additional content that offers a better or hidden weapon; they are a vital part of what makes modern gaming immersive and deeply satisfying. They offer a sandbox element to games that encourage exploration and personalization. They provide richer narrative layers, offer unique rewards, and serve as a welcome break from the main storyline. 

If your main quest is to inhabit a smart home, you can take on complimentary side quests of purchasing smart peripherals that can lead you to your desired conclusion. Where can you start? You can start your adventure at the Next Upgrade Shop, which provides the latest and greatest smart devices you can add! Stop scouring the internet and have a more directed approach.