Optional Missions Can Be the Best Part of the Game
Side quests often exist to give players more to do between major story missions, but the best ones become memorable experiences on their own. A well-designed optional quest can expand the world, develop characters, or reward exploration in ways the main storyline sometimes can't. Some even become fan favorites because of their humor, creativity, or unexpected depth. While many games include filler tasks, certain optional missions genuinely add value to the overall experience. These 20 side quests highlight memorable adventures that players often remember long after finishing the main story.
1. The Witcher 3 – “The Bloody Baron”
This questline becomes available early in the game but quickly turns into one of the most emotionally complex stories in the entire series. What starts as a search for information about Ciri evolves into a deeply personal tale involving family tragedy and difficult choices.
2. Red Dead Redemption 2 – “The Veteran”
Arthur Morgan meets a retired soldier named Hamish Sinclair during this quiet but memorable side quest. The missions involve hunting, fishing, and conversations that slowly build a meaningful friendship. Rather than focusing on action, the story highlights character development and reflection. It stands out because of its emotional tone and thoughtful pacing.
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3. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – “A Night to Remember”
This humorous quest begins with a simple drinking contest but quickly spirals into a chaotic series of events. After waking up with no memory of the night, players must retrace their steps and fix the damage caused during the celebration.
4. Mass Effect 2 – “Lair of the Shadow Broker”
This mission expands the story of Liara T'Soni while revealing more about one of the galaxy's most mysterious figures. The quest includes cinematic action sequences and major character development. It also unlocks valuable information networks and resources for the player. Many consider it one of the strongest pieces of additional content in the Mass Effect series.
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5. Fallout: New Vegas – “Come Fly With Me”
Players investigating strange activity at a rocket facility encounter a group of ghouls preparing for a dramatic journey. The quest blends dark humor, strange science, and surprising choices.
6. Cyberpunk 2077 – “Sinnerman”
This unusual questline explores themes of redemption, morality, and media spectacle. What initially appears to be a simple assassination contract quickly transforms into a philosophical narrative. Players are placed in situations that raise uncomfortable ethical questions. The mission is memorable because it takes risks with storytelling rather than focusing only on action.
7. Grand Theft Auto V – “The Last One”
This mission becomes available after players reach full completion of the game's other objectives. It sends Franklin on a hunt for a mysterious creature that resembles the legendary Sasquatch. The quest is brief but filled with humor and a clever payoff. It serves as a playful reward for dedicated players who explored everything else.
8. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – “From the Ground Up”
Players help rebuild the town of Tarrey Town by recruiting residents from across the world. Each stage of the project adds new buildings, characters, and services.
9. Horizon Zero Dawn – “Hunter's Blind”
In this mission, Aloy investigates a mysterious hunter who has disappeared under strange circumstances. The story gradually reveals the motivations and secrets surrounding the missing character. As players follow the clues, the situation becomes more complicated than expected. The quest highlights the game's strong environmental storytelling.
10. Assassin's Creed Odyssey – “A Friend Worth Dying For”
This side quest introduces players to a series of humorous and bizarre adventures involving unusual characters. Each task builds toward a larger narrative that blends comedy with absurd situations.
11. Ghost of Tsushima – “The Tale of Yuriko”
This questline focuses on Jin Sakai's relationship with his childhood caretaker. As players accompany Yuriko through several missions, emotional memories from the past slowly emerge.
12. The Witcher 3 – “A Towerful of Mice”
Geralt investigates a cursed island connected to a tragic historical event. What begins as a simple monster contract gradually unfolds into a haunting mystery.
13. Fallout 3 – “The Republic of Dave”
During this quest, players encounter a small settlement run by a self-proclaimed president. The unusual community holds regular elections to determine leadership. Players can influence the outcome in several amusing ways. Its quirky humor makes it one of the most memorable encounters in the game.
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14. Mass Effect 3 – “Citadel DLC”
This extended mission provides a lighter story focused on Shepard's relationships with the crew. The narrative includes humor, party scenes, and playful moments rarely seen in the main storyline.
15. Red Dead Redemption – “I Know You”
This mysterious quest introduces a strange man who seems to know unsettling details about John Marston's life. The conversations become increasingly philosophical and ambiguous.
16. The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask – “Anju and Kafei”
This complex quest unfolds across multiple in-game days and requires careful timing. Players help reunite two characters whose wedding plans were disrupted by a curse.
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17. Cyberpunk 2077 – “Dream On”
Players investigate a suspicious situation involving a political couple experiencing strange memory gaps. The quest gradually reveals a conspiracy involving advanced technology and psychological manipulation.
18. Elden Ring – “Ranni's Questline”
This extended storyline involves the mysterious witch Ranni and several other key characters. Completing the quest unlocks important lore about the game's world and its hidden factions.
19. The Witcher 3 – “The Lord of Undvik”
Geralt travels to a frozen island to investigate the disappearance of a warrior clan. The environment tells much of the story through ruined camps and abandoned equipment.
20. Fallout 4 – “The Silver Shroud”
In this quest, players temporarily become a comic book-style superhero operating in the wasteland. The mission includes dramatic dialogue options that match the character's exaggerated persona.
