5 Most Entertaining Side Quests in Video Games

For a video game to become successful, several conditions must be met, such as having good audiovisual elements, an interesting story, and engaging gameplay. In addition, it is often necessary for the game to have something that will make it recognizable.

Game designers and developers often insert side quests to achieve that goal. Of course, they are not always successful, but in some titles, these quests make a huge difference and contribute to the game’s success.

We will use this article to describe several examples of side quests in video quests that we consider very entertaining.

The Phantom of Eldberg – The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The side quests in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt are called contract quests. This makes sense because, as we all know, The Witcher is a mercenary of sorts who deals with all kinds of monsters.

In this action-role-playing game from CD Projekt, you will find many such contract quests, and one of the most exciting among them is The Phantom of Eldberg. Interestingly, its completion will allow you to play two additional secondary quests.

Your task is to investigate the lighthouse and defend the lighthouse keeper from the penitent. This is not a simple activity, but it is definitely worth completing, as it will help you progress in the game.

Blackjack – Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2 is an open-world game that perfectly recreates the atmosphere of the Wild West. Of course, one of the things that contributes to that is the possibility of gambling. This activity was very popular at the time and is still so today.

Technically speaking, this is not a side quest because you can join blackjack games at any time. However, since it contributes to your game progress and the fact that this is not a mandatory activity, it can be considered a side quest.

Red Dead Redemption 2 lets you play blackjack in four locations: Rhodes, Blackwater, Van Horn Trading Post, and Camp. Players are particularly pleased with the realistic display of this card game. The stakes in the blackjack game vary depending on the location, with higher stakes available in more upscale establishments. This adds a layer of progression to the gambling aspect of the game.

According to the claims of many, this is precisely what helped them build an online blackjack strategy before playing in real online casinos. Aligning with the realistic approach of the game, the blackjack minigame in Red Dead Redemption 2 follows standard rules, with the dealer standing on all 17s. Players can double down on any two cards and split pairs. The game uses a single deck, which is reshuffled after each hand, making card counting ineffective.

The attention to detail in the blackjack scenes is definitely worth noting. The animations, from dealing cards to collecting chips, are smooth and realistic. The NPCs at the table have unique personalities and reactions, adding to the overall immersive experience.

The Merryweather Heist – Grand Theft Auto V

The Merryweather Heist, part of GTA V, is next on our list of the most entertaining side quests in video games. In this mission, for the first time, all three main (and playable) game characters are involved. Completing this quest opens the possibility of activating the primary heist mission.

Interestingly, the game allows you to prepare in two ways: offshore or freighter. Depending on the choice, you can expect a different outcome. Choosing a freighter makes the mission riskier as it requires overcoming the adversaries. Remember that even the consequences are different depending on what you choose. 

The media reports on these events differently, and you can also expect unique communication with other characters from the game. In any case, the exciting action and twists typical of Grand Theft Auto V follow.

The Blessings of Nature – The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim

The side quests don’t have to be intense to be exciting, and The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim’s “The Blessings of Nature” proves that. Although this game will test your fighting skills many times, there are times like this when other activities take precedence.

In The Blessings of Nature side quest, you will witness the Dragonborn helping Danica Pure-Spring. To activate this quest, you must head to the Temple of Kynareth. This time, you need to fix Gildegreen in Whiterun.

Several actions are required to accomplish the goal, including talking to Danica and tracking her movement. Players need to use a specific type of weapon (Nettlebane) to collect sap and participate in the rebuilding. The excellent graphics and background story make this side quest especially interesting.

The Daughters of Artemis – Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

For many, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is the best title in the Assassin’s Creed series by Ubisoft. We believe that one of the main reasons for their claims is the well-crafted stories in the side quests of this title.

Choosing the best among them is difficult, but The Daughters of Artemis seems to be the first choice of many players. In it, Kassandra heads to a temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis, where she meets the leader of The Daughters of Artemis, a cult of female warriors.

As in other side quests, you are left with a choice in the dialogue with the interlocutor. 

However, regardless of your choice, the main goal is to defeat the mythical Kalydonian boar and bring its pelt back to the temple. After you complete this goal, you will get the opportunity to hunt the other legendary animals in the game.