Many RPGs make side quests completely optional, providing extra content for those looking to spend more time with the game. However, oftentimes the seemingly optional missions are actually incredibly important for leveling, story branches, and gear upgrades. So players that choose to speedrun their way to the end boss would have a lot of trouble completing the game.
That isn’t always the case, however. Some games even allow players to go directly to the final mission, but make it dramatically more difficult to complete without completing side content first. Overall, many side quests provide incredible entertainment and value to the players, but not everyone has the time to explore every nook and cranny in the game.
8 Skyrim
Skyrim is a great example of a game where the side quests overshadow the main storyline. With incredibly deep and compelling quests, there is much to do and explore in the world of Tamriel. From becoming the most prominent mage of their time, to claiming the leader position for a powerful clan, the Dragonborn can accomplish many great deeds, without ever touching the main quests.
If, however, players would simply prefer to do nothing else but stick to the main plot, there would be nothing standing in their way. During the storyline, players get enough experience and gear to comfortably finish it without ever straying from the path.
7 Witcher 3
Witcher 3 is famous for its myriad of incredible side quests, with complex characters and stories that range from hilarious and silly to absolutely heartbreaking. With that said, players are not actually required to do any of them. They can absolutely do their best to ignore all the frequent calls to adventure, and instead focus on actually saving Ciri and the world.
This might even make more sense in a way. The idea of Geralt frantically questioning every character he can about Ciri’s whereabouts, only to proceed to spend countless hours in Gwent, is actually pretty contradictory, although great for countless memes.
6 Fallout 4
Bethesda excels at making amazing open-world games that let the players explore just the way they like it, smashing or saving everything in their way. Fallout offers a lot of ground for players to cover, with countless short and long optional quests to engage with.
But players don’t really need to complete too many side missions to progress; it is possible to simply stick to finding Shaun. Along the way, players will find plenty of gear and even companions to accompany them on their journey, and doing anything beyond that is completely optional.
5 Mass Effect
As a whole, the Mass Effect series might be the most unforgiving in terms of side quests, with mission consequences spanning throughout the entire trilogy. However, when looking at the first game by itself, it is fairly easy to ignore optional missions and planets altogether without any real repercussions.
They don’t affect anything in a major way, not until the second, and in some cases even the third game. There are some cutscenes and unique dialogue for players that do complete them, but nothing that would impact the overarching story too heavily.
4 Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077 lets players dive deep into the intricate life of Night City, which features many incredible locations and quests. Most of the optional missions can be safely skipped, letting players focus on those that actually impact the ending. If players want to have multiple choices when it comes to the game’s finale, they should not skip the missions involving Panam, Johnny, and Rogue.
Depending on the chosen difficulty, avoiding too many side quests could lead to being under-leveled, making the later missions somewhat more challenging. However, the main quest line provides enough gear and experience to make it possible.
3 Dragon Age Inquisition
Dragon Age: Inquisition allows players to choose their preferred adventure, with many branching storylines and choices. While the game has a lot of optional quests, most of them are there to help players get a few extra levels, or improve their companion relationships with them.
There are a number of great side quests, but most can be safely skipped for the sake of brevity. Whether players want to focus on the main story, delve into character development, or simply enjoy the game world, they have the freedom to make their own choices in doing so.
2 Pathfinder Wrath Of The Righteous
Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous offers players an immersive journey filled with epic wars, thrilling adventures, and a diverse cast of enemies and allies. The game's ending epilogue is heavily influenced by the Mythic Path chosen by the hero, adding to the replayability and customization of the game.
For players who are eager to complete the game quickly, it is possible to skip side quests that are not directly related to their chosen Mythic Path without significantly impacting the experience. However, many side quests may initially seem straightforward but unravel into intricate stories upon further interaction, revealing hidden depths and adding to the richness of the game's lore.
1 Pillars of Eternity
Pillars of Eternity offers an engaging fantasy world with a rich storyline. While the game includes numerous optional missions, players can choose to skip them without affecting the main plot too much. These missions may provide additional lore and side stories, or require specific character skills, allowing players to tailor their gameplay experience.
The open-world nature of the game also allows for replayability, as not all quests may be discovered in a single playthrough, even for those looking to do as much as possible. This flexibility lets players focus on their preferred aspects, tailoring the story and gameplay according to their own preferences, however long or short.