Side Quests Worth Crossing Oceans For

The journey of gaming is often filled with main quests that drive the narrative forward, but it’s the side quests that often enrich the experience, offering deeper insights into the game world and its characters. In many cases, embarking on these side quests can lead players to discover exceptional experiences and rewards that are well worth the detours. In this article, we will explore some of the most exciting side quests across various games that are not just fillers but are quests worth crossing oceans for.

1. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – The Bloody Baron

In CD Projekt Red's The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, you play as Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter. Among the many side quests available, one stands out: The Bloody Baron. This quest intertwines with themes of loss, regret, and the consequences of one's actions. The storyline involves a desperate father searching for his missing wife and daughter, leading Geralt into a web of personal and supernatural complexities. Engaging in this quest is akin to diving deep into a masterfully crafted short film that touches on human emotion and moral complexity. The choices you make impact the outcome significantly, making every decision weighty and consequential.

2. Horizon Zero Dawn – A Seeker at the Gates

Horizon Zero Dawn offers not only stunning visuals and a captivating main narrative but also a rich array of side quests that deepen your understanding of the world and its lore. The ‘A Seeker at the Gates’ side quest introduces players to the mysterious world of Aloy, as she navigates the tension between tribes and machines. This quest provides insight into the politics of the tribes and the history of their relationship with the robotic beasts that roam the land. Completing this quest provides players with valuable crafting materials and lore that makes the completion worthwhile for any gamer invested in the narrative.

3. Final Fantasy XV – A Brother’s Keeper

In Final Fantasy XV, players can engage in the side quest known as ‘A Brother’s Keeper’ where you join Ignis on a mission to locate a missing brother. This quest is emotionally charged, showcasing the strong bonds of friendship and family that form the heart of the game. Not only does it add emotional depth, but it also features unique gameplay mechanics, including clever puzzles and combat sequences that are both challenging and rewarding. Exploring the backstory of the characters and their relationships elevates this side quest to a must-do for fans of the franchise.

4. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – The Champions’ Ballad

Breath of the Wild revolutionized the Zelda franchise with its open-world design and intricate gameplay mechanics. Among its many side quests, ‘The Champions’ Ballad’ serves as a perfect example of excellent storytelling. This DLC introduces new challenges and allows players to learn about the four champions who fought alongside Link. The quest involves a series of trials that not only test your combat skills but also expand on the lore of Hyrule and its heroes. The blend of challenge, story, and exploration makes this side quest a compelling reason to traverse the vast lands of Hyrule once again.

5. Red Dead Redemption 2 – A Fine Night of Debauchery

Red Dead Redemption 2 is known for its rich narrative and richly detailed world, and the side quest ‘A Fine Night of Debauchery’ perfectly encapsulates this experience. This quest leads players through the gritty underbelly of gambling and the high stakes of a poker game in the wild West. The characters you meet, along with the themes of gambling, chance, and betrayal, create a unique atmosphere that draws you in. Completing this quest not only offers in-game rewards but enriches the narrative, making it a necessary adventure for lore enthusiasts.

6. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey – The Ties that Bind

Assassin's Creed Odyssey masterfully intertwines historical events and personal stories, creating captivating side quests. ‘The Ties that Bind’ focuses on familial relationships and loyalty during the Peloponnesian War. As players navigate the choices between loyalty to family and personal morals, they encounter rich storytelling paired with intense combat scenarios. The dynamic nature of this quest ensures that players rarely have the same experience twice, making every playthrough unique. This quest provides essential upgrades and gear that make your journey through ancient Greece immensely more enjoyable.

7. Cyberpunk 2077 – The Heist

Despite its rocky launch, Cyberpunk 2077 offers an innovative open-world experience packed with thrilling side quests. ‘The Heist’ is a critical point in the narrative, but its branching paths and outcomes depend heavily on your character's decisions along the way. Engaging in this side quest leads to unexpected revelations about the world and characters you thought you knew. The immersive storytelling and cinematic feel of ‘The Heist’ create an engaging experience that captures the essence of the game’s themes: choice, consequence, and identity.

8. Skyrim – A Night to Remember

In the vast world of Skyrim, filled with dragons and ancient lore, the side quest ‘A Night to Remember’ stands as a highlight due to its whimsical yet dark humor. As the Dragonborn, you encounter a mysterious stranger after a drunken night, piecing together the chaotic events that transpired. The quest abounds with hilarious and surprising moments, turning a simple side quest into a memorable gaming experience filled with intrigue. The blend of humor with a whimsical narrative allows for both light-hearted and profound reflections on the repercussions of our choices.

9. Mass Effect 2 – The Lair of the Shadow Broker

Mass Effect 2 is renowned for its character-driven storytelling, and ‘The Lair of the Shadow Broker’ side quest delivers just that. This quest revisits the enigmatic character Liara T'Soni, exploring her relationship with Commander Shepard and uncovering the secrets of the Shadow Broker. Through engaging gameplay and rich storytelling, players delve into political intrigue in the galaxy. As you unravel the mysteries and confront moral dilemmas, the impact of your choices is palpable. The storyline and character development make it a must-play, adding layers of depth to an already rich universe.

10. Ghost of Tsushima – The Broken Blacksmith

In the land of Tsushima, players encounter numerous side quests that reflect the beauty and tragedy of war. ‘The Broken Blacksmith’ focuses on the relationship between the protagonist, Jin, and the blacksmith who has lost his way. As Jin helps the blacksmith regain his purpose, players experience the cultural significance of craftsmanship and honor in samurai tradition. The quest emphasizes character depth and the consequences of conflict in a beautifully rendered world, making it essential for players who appreciate character-driven narratives.

These side quests are just a few examples of how a detour from the main storyline can lead to richer and more meaningful experiences within video games. The time invested in these quests often returns dividends in the form of engaging storylines, memorable characters, and sometimes even surprising plot twists. As gamers, exploring these narratives allows us to embrace the breadth of storytelling and the vast universes crafted by developers. So, when you’re next faced with the choice of continuing on the main path, consider veering off into one of these remarkable side quests that truly merit the journey.