RPGs (role-playing games) are a vast category of video games with seemingly unending options. With such a popular genre, side quests can make or break an RPG experience. These optional storylines serve to enhance the overall plot and immerse you even deeper into the fictional world of the game.

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Without side quests to embellish the world-building and characterization of various NPCs, these games wouldn’t be nearly as much fun. Main quests are fun, but they lack the depth that playing the complete game allows for. Here are the RPGs with the best side quests to help you truly lose yourself in a game.

1 Dragon Age: Inquisition

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Dragon Age: Inquisition

Action RPG Released November 18, 2014 ESRB M for Mature: Blood, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language Developer(s) BioWare Publisher(s) Electronic Arts Engine Frostbite Multiplayer Online Multiplayer Franchise Dragon Age Platform(s) PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC How Long To Beat 50 Hours X|S Optimized No File Size Xbox Series 45 GB (November 2023) Metascore 89 (PS4); 85 (Xbox One & PC) OpenCritic Rating Mighty Powered by Expand Collapse

Dragon Age: Inquisition has plenty of side quests to unlock. While progressing through the main story, the Inquisitor can find unique challenges and loot. These are essential to gaining the best weapons and agents to aid you in your journey.

While you don’t need to complete all the side quests, you should find the ones that are interesting to you and your particular playthrough. It allows for further roleplay as you develop your character, and you get the added bonus of learning more about your companions.

2 The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

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The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Action Adventure Released March 3, 2017 ESRB E for Everyone: Fantasy Violence, Use of Alcohol, Mild Suggestive Themes Developer(s) Nintendo EPD Publisher(s) Nintendo Engine Havok Cross-Platform Play no Cross Save no Franchise The Legend of Zelda Steam Deck Compatibility yes Platform(s) Nintendo Wii U, Switch How Long To Beat 50 Hours X|S Optimized no Metascore 97 OpenCritic Rating Mighty Powered by Expand Collapse

Breath of the Wild is unique because you don’t have to complete any side quests in order to progress in the story. You can head straight for the Boss Battle if you wish, though it isn’t recommended if you want to make your journey easier.

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The dozens of side quests offered in the game provide further insight into the story and the lore of the world you’re in. As you explore these quests, you’ll pick up helpful items and meet all kinds of characters around Hyrule.

3 Mass Effect 2

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Mass Effect 2

Action RPG Third-Person Shooter Released January 26, 2010 ESRB M for Mature: Blood, Language, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Violence Developer(s) BioWare Publisher(s) Electronic Arts Engine Unreal Engine 3 Franchise Mass Effect Platform(s) PS3, Xbox 360, PC How Long To Beat 25 Hours X|S Optimized No File Size Xbox Series 13 GB (December 2023) Powered by Expand Collapse

Mass Effect 2 is a popular RPG with a variety of side missions to complete. These “assignments” can be played in whatever order you wish as you help Shepard advance the story, meet new characters, or uncover various secrets in space.

If you skip the side quests, you may miss valuable background information or opportunities to advance companion relationships. These side quests impact your relationships and the overall narrative, so they are an important part of the gameplay.

4 Red Dead Redemption 2

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Red Dead Redemption 2

Action Adventure 5.0/5 Released October 26, 2018 ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Use of Drugs and Alcohol Developer(s) Rockstar Games Publisher(s) Rockstar Games Engine RAGE Multiplayer Online Multiplayer Cross-Platform Play N/A Cross Save N/A Franchise Red Dead Redemption Steam Deck Compatibility yes Platform(s) PS4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia How Long To Beat 50 Hours X|S Optimized yes Metascore 97 PS Plus Availability Extra & Premium OpenCritic Rating Mighty Powered by Expand Collapse

Fans hold Red Dead Redemption in high regard. The game is praised for its storytelling, and this is showcased in both the main and side questlines.

While exploring the vast, open expanse of the Old West, Arthur will come across various individuals who need his help. Many of these offer rewards and add to the narrative. If you need a break from the considerable length of the main story, make sure to check out some side missions.

5 Fallout 4

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Fallout 4

RPG Action Released November 10, 2015 ESRB M FOR MATURE: BLOOD AND GORE, INTENSE VIOLENCE, STRONG LANGUAGE, USE OF DRUGS Developer(s) Bethesda Publisher(s) Bethesda Engine Creation Cross-Platform Play no Cross Save no Franchise Fallout Steam Deck Compatibility yes Platform(s) PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S X|S Optimized No File Size Xbox Series 51 GB (December 2023) Metascore 87 PS Plus Availability Extra & Premium OpenCritic Rating Mighty Powered by Expand Collapse

While all the Fallout games offer decent side quests, Fallout 4 is the standout of the series. The main quest is extensive in itself, but the side quests associated with the various factions are worth the play.

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With hundreds of hours worth of content, you’ll constantly uncover more side missions to accompany the main plot while you explore the Commonwealth. You can immerse yourself in the well-written dialogue options and earn all the XP and loot you need as you travel the gigantic RPG.

6 Elden Ring

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Elden Ring

RPG Action Released February 25, 2022 ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence Developer(s) From Software Publisher(s) Bandai Namco Entertainment, From Software Engine Proprietary Multiplayer Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer Cross-Platform Play PS4 & PS5 and Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S Cross Save no Steam Deck Compatibility yes Platform(s) PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X How Long To Beat 58 Hours X|S Optimized yes Metascore 96 Platforms That Support Crossplay PS4 & PS5 and Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S PS Plus Availability N/A OpenCritic Rating Mighty Powered by Expand Collapse

Elden Ring has over 30 side quests you can complete throughout The Lands Between. As you travel, you’ll encounter various NPCs who need your assistance. These side quests provide you with valuable weapons, armor, and other loot to help you level up.

If you want the strongest equipment available, make sure you engage with the monsters and NPCs scattered throughout your travels.

Cyberpunk 2077

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Cyberpunk 2077

RPG Action Released December 10, 2020 ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol Developer(s) CD Projekt Red Publisher(s) CD Projekt Red Engine REDengine 4 Cross-Platform Play ps, xbox, pc Cross Save yes Franchise Cyberpunk Steam Deck Compatibility yes Platform(s) PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, PC How Long To Beat 25 Hours X|S Optimized Yes Metascore 75 PS Plus Availability N/A OpenCritic Rating Strong Powered by Expand Collapse

With different origin stories and storylines, Cyberpunk feels like a new game each time you play it. The massive map has tons of side quests to aid you on your journey through the main story.

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There are hundreds of smaller quests to complete in addition to the main storyline. As V completes jobs in the city, more and more NPCs will ask for assistance. These side quests help build relationships and can even impact the ending you get. Tread carefully as you choose your path in Night City, even on the side missions.

7 Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

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The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

RPG Action Adventure 5.0/5 Released May 19, 2015 ESRB M for Mature: Use of Alcohol, Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content Developer(s) CD Projekt Red Publisher(s) CD Projekt Red Engine REDengine 3 Cross-Platform Play yes Cross Save yes Expansions The Witcher 3: Hearts of Stone, The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine Franchise The Witcher Steam Deck Compatibility verified Platform(s) Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S How Long To Beat 52 Hours X|S Optimized yes Metascore 94 PS Plus Availability Extra & Premium OpenCritic Rating Mighty Powered by Expand Collapse

Even nearly a decade after its release, Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is still regarded as one of the best RPGs available. Side quests are available in every area of the game, giving Geralt plenty to explore as he travels the map.

Unlike other games where some of the side quests don’t serve much of a purpose, each questline in Witcher 3 is crafted to serve the overall story, no matter how small. Whether you’re in Velen or Novigrad, you will encounter detailed NPC encounters around every corner.

8 The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

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The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

RPG Action Adventure Released November 11, 2011 ESRB M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol Developer(s) Bethesda Game Studios Publisher(s) Bethesda Softworks Engine Creation Engine Cross-Platform Play no Cross Save no Expansions Skyrim: Dragonborn, Skyrim: Hearthfire, Skyrim: Dawnguard Franchise The Elder Scrolls Steam Deck Compatibility yes Platform(s) PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S How Long To Beat 35 Hours X|S Optimized Yes File Size Xbox Series 29 GB (DECEMBER 2023) Metascore 96 PS Plus Availability Extra & Premium (Special Edition) OpenCritic Rating Strong Powered by Expand Collapse

The main story of Skyrim is actually fairly short when you compare it to the over 270 secondary quests available. The game is known for its massive content, with many players never finishing the entirety of the game.

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From dungeon diving, to herb gathering, to assassinations, the game has a side quest for everyone. With an immense replay value, it’s one of the best RPGs for side quests.

9 Baldur’s Gate 3

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Baldur's Gate 3

RPG 5.0/5 Released August 3, 2023 ESRB M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence Developer(s) Larian Studios Publisher(s) Larian Studios Engine Divinity 4.0 Multiplayer Online Co-Op, Local Co-Op Cross-Platform Play Full cross-platform play. Cross Save Full cross-platform progression. Franchise Baldur's Gate Number of Players 1-4 Split Screen Orientation Vertical Only Steam Deck Compatibility Verified Platform(s) PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, macOS How Long To Beat 100+ Hours X|S Optimized yes Metascore 96 PS Plus Availability N/A Local Co-Op Support 1-2 Players OpenCritic Rating Mighty Powered by Expand Collapse

Baldur’s Gate 3 is based on Dungeons and Dragons, so the outcomes of each scenario change depending on your chosen course of action. Each time you play, you could have a vastly different ending to each quest, big and small.

The party-based game is praised for its rich storytelling and attention to detail. Each companion has their own questline, on top of the various side quests available in all three acts of the game. Completing every single side quest with every single outcome would take multiple playthroughs, making it the best RPG for side quests.

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