Rafomac News, Tech & Trends That MatterSide quests have evolved from mere add-ons to major undertakings that can rival main storylines in length. These 10 video game quests push patience and skill but offer payoffs that justify the grind.
Why Do Long Side Quests Matter?
Gaming has transformed dramatically, with side quests growing from quick distractions to sprawling sagas that can consume hours. While daunting at first glance, these tasks elevate the gaming experience, offering depth, challenging gameplay, and some genuinely surprising story beats.
Take Fallout 4’s “Cappy in a Haystack” for example. In the Nuka-World DLC, you embark on a tedious treasure hunt for 10 hidden caps called Cappy’s using special spectacles. On paper, it sounds trivial, and many give up before the end, questioning the payoff: some money, a trophy, an upgraded weapon? But finishing unlocks a hidden chamber revealing the park’s founder’s cryogenically frozen head. His bizarre plea to end his life offers one of the most darkly humorous moments in the game.
When Moral Dilemmas Target Your Brain: Star Wars’ “Sunry’s Trial”
At planet Manan in Knights of the Old Republic, you face a murder trial that tests your sense of justice. Sunry, the accused, killed a Sith, but with your own history of killing Sith and Jedi, deciding his fate isn’t straightforward. This quest, stripped of lightsabers and Force powers, demands thought over combat. It’s a rare moment in a galaxy far, far away where morality takes center stage, forcing even the most casual player to pause.
Grinding That Pays Off: Friendly Monsters in Final Fantasy IX
Final Fantasy IX is notorious for side missions that are as ambitious as they are brutal. Friendly Monsters is one such quest. You’ll find ten creatures only through random and rare encounters, each battle requiring you to offer a jewel and receive one in return. Grinding for these foes tests patience but earns you massive ability points and a crucial edge against the ruthless optional boss Ozma—whose relentless attacks can devastate the unprepared.
Getting Lost in Madness: Skyrim’s Surreal Trip
While many Skyrim quests blur together, “Mind of Madness” remains unforgettable. After entering the mind of Emperor Pelagius, you’re faced with whimsically bizarre tasks—helping a child version of him with night terrors, battling symbolic little soldiers, and hosting a tea party straight out of Alice in Wonderland. The rewards are small, but the trippy journey lingers in memory as a triumph of creativity over routine.
Monumental Collecting in Donkey Kong 64
Donkey Kong 64 might hold the record for most collectible items in a video game. Beyond collecting dozens of bananas, blueprints, keys, and medals, the true reward comes after achieving 101% completion and beating the main game again. You unlock a hilarious audition video where the Kong family shows off quirky talents, a charming nod to the dedication it takes to truly master this colossal platformer.
How Sea Shanties Turned Sailing into Fun in Assassin’s Creed IV
Collecting over 30 sea shanties in Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag may seem like a chore—each melodies’ floating position makes timing crucial. Yet, these weren’t just collectibles; they brought the pirate crew to life. Hearing your shipmates sing lively ballads kept the open seas entertaining and turned lengthy voyages into musical adventures.
Silent Hill’s Hidden Gem: The “Silent Verity” Mission
Silent Hill: Downpour might be one of the weaker entries in the series, but it contains a standout optional quest. Repairing an old projector and finding three film reels allows you to enter a haunting movie within the game world. Exploring this eerie setting reveals clues about the protagonist’s situation, making this side mission a mini horror masterpiece that the rest of the game desperately needed.
The Most Brutal Road: Ranni the Witch in Elden Ring
After defeating Loretta, you’re invited to aid Ranni the Witch in a questline torturous even by Elden Ring standards. It involves multiple missions, defeating two punishing bosses back-to-back, and completing a dizzying 26 plus tasks. The ultimate reward? The Dark Moon Greatsword and a deeply moving alternative ending. Only the most committed Tarnished would brave this gauntlet, but the story and loot make it unforgettable.
Legend of Zelda’s Fierce Deity Set: A True Testament to Dedication
In Tears of the Kingdom, the coveted Fierce Deity set requires more than just finding it. To fully upgrade, Link tracks down and appeases four Great Fairies by gathering a musical troupe and parting with rare ingredients—Hinox parts, dragon fragments, Lynel guts—and over 2,000 rupees. The effort is immense, but wearing this set and wielding its sword turns Link into an unstoppable force, rewarding players willing to go the distance.
A Difficult Harmony: Reuniting the Lovers in Hades
The bittersweet side quest in Hades sending Zagreus to reunite the star-crossed Orpheus and his muse demands patience. Collecting rare nectar items and navigating at least 15 dungeons multiple times becomes a trial in itself. Yet the emotional payoff when the couple reunites with a touching duet makes trudging through hell worth it, proving that even the longest quests can strike a chord.
These quests push limits—from grinding, moral puzzles, elaborate item hunts to surreal storytelling. And in every case, the challenge transforms into a reward greater than just XP or loot. Sometimes, it’s a narrative twist or a moment of beauty that stays with the player long after the credits roll.
If you’re up for the challenge, these side quests deliver experiences you won’t forget. Sometimes, the detours in gaming are the true adventures.