# Best RPG Side Quests: 8 Games That Make Optional Content Essential
Polygon highlights eight RPGs where side quests rival or surpass main storylines in quality and engagement. These games prove that optional content doesn't have to feel like filler, transforming detours into some of the most memorable gaming experiences available.
The article emphasizes games that weave narrative depth into secondary missions. Rather than generic fetch quests, these titles craft self-contained stories with character arcs, moral complexity, and payoffs that matter to players. Memorable storytelling separates these standout side quests from typical MMO busy work.
Missable secrets add another layer. Some of these games hide questlines behind specific dialogue choices, hidden NPCs, or time-locked opportunities. Players miss entire character arcs if they don't stumble into the right interactions. This design forces engagement, rewarding exploration and thoroughness with discoveries that feel earned rather than handed out.
Unique gameplay distinguishes certain side quests from the critical path. Rather than repeating main story mechanics, these quests introduce new systems, challenges, or playstyles. A stealth-focused mission might stand apart from a dungeon-crawling main quest, or a puzzle-heavy side objective might contrast with combat-heavy story beats.
The specifics matter here. Games like Baldur's Gate 3, The Witcher 3, and Final Fantasy XIV earned reputations partly through exceptional side content. Baldur's Gate 3 branches entire questlines based on companion interactions and player choices. The Witcher 3 treats monster hunts and political intrigue with narrative weight. Final Fantasy XIV structures side quests with recurring characters and thematic depth across expansions.
This trend reflects player expectations shifting upward. Modern RPG audiences want optional content that respects their time investment. A side quest should offer story