How Side Quests Can Reveal the Best Parts of Game Lore

20 February 2026

When we think of video games, especially large open-world or RPG titles, the main storyline usually gets all the attention. But hold up — what if the real golden nuggets of storytelling and world-building aren't even in the main questline? What if they're tucked away in those little side quests we sometimes skip?

Yep, that's right. Side quests are often the secret sauce that gives games their real flavor. They're more than just extra XP or loot grinds; they’re gateways into the heart and soul of a game’s world. So, why do they matter so much? Let's dive right into how side quests can reveal the best parts of game lore and why skipping them could mean missing out big time.

What Are Side Quests, Really?

Alright, before we get too deep into the lore pool, let’s clear up what side quests even are.

In most games, the main quest is your primary objective—save the world, defeat the villain, rescue the princess, you name it.

Side quests? Those are the optional missions that pop up along the way. They're like the hidden corners of a museum: easy to miss, but full of stories waiting to be told. They're not mandatory, but oh boy, they can be super rewarding.

Some side quests are simple:
- Help a farmer find his lost cow.
- Deliver a letter to a nearby village.

Others are full-blown narratives:
- Unearth an ancient curse.
- Reunite star-crossed lovers.
- Investigate a murder mystery that changes how you view the entire world.

And here's the magic: these side quests often deepen the lore far more intimately than the main story ever could.

Why Game Lore Matters

You might be thinking, "Okay cool, but what even is game lore?"

Game lore is the backstory. It’s the history, cultures, myths, and social fabric that bind a game world together. It tells you why certain factions hate each other, how a kingdom fell to ruins, or what ancient creature slumbers beneath the sea. It’s what makes the world feel alive.

Sure, big battles and plot twists are exciting, but without lore, everything feels a bit... hollow. Lore gives context. And side quests? They're the breadcrumbs that lead you into the depths of the rabbit hole.

Side Quests Give Characters Real Depth

Let’s face it: in the main storyline, characters often wear storytelling uniforms. Heroes must act brave. Villains must be evil. Side characters? They’re usually just stepping stones.

But in side quests, those same characters get to take their masks off.

Take The Witcher 3, for example. The main plot is intense — political intrigue, lost daughters, Wild Hunts and all that. But the side quests? That’s where Geralt becomes more than a monster slayer. You get to help a ghost find peace, track down a cursed violin, or mediate a dispute between talking pigs (yep, really). Each little story fleshes out his humanity and the layers of the world around him.

Side quests introduce:
- Minor characters with major backstories
- Different cultures and world beliefs
- Unique relationships and moral dilemmas

They let you walk a mile in someone else's boots — and that’s where real empathy kicks in.

Hidden Histories and Forgotten Lore

Main quests usually keep things streamlined. You’re on rails — defeat the big bad, save the world. There’s no time to stroll through graveyards decoding ancient symbols.

That’s where side quests shine. They let you uncover the forgotten corners of the game’s history.

In Elden Ring, for instance, much of the lore is cryptic, hidden behind item descriptions and environmental storytelling. But if you engage in side quests, you start to connect the dots — who the demigods really were, what the Erdtree symbolizes, or why NPCs are obsessed with certain myths.

These hidden tales are a treasure chest for lore hunters. They're often completely missable, but when you find one? It’s pure magic.

Side Quests Reflect the World’s Values

Want to really understand a game's world? Pay attention to its side quests.

You’ll start noticing cultural patterns:
- How do people treat strangers?
- What traditions are celebrated?
- How do communities deal with grief or injustice?

In Skyrim, helping a village fend off a vampire threat tells you how fragile rural life is in that world. Delivering a love letter exposes norms about relationships and marriage. Hunting a rare animal can lead to conversations about nature, gods, and respect.

Side quests aren’t just fillers; they’re snapshots of how the world works.

They Let You Choose Your Own Morality

Often, the main quest has a set moral pathway. You do what the narrative tells you to do, and while you might have minor choices, they rarely rock the boat.

Side quests, though? They give you moral playgrounds. You decide who to help, who to ignore, and how to deal with consequences.

Think about Fallout: New Vegas. The side quests there aren’t just “go here and kill that.” They’re loaded with ethical dilemmas:
- Should you help a town of ghouls find a home — even if it pushes out current residents?
- Do you tell someone the truth about a painful past, or let them live in blissful denial?

Your choices ripple. They challenge how you see the game’s world — and your place in it.

Easter Eggs and Fan Service Galore

Side quests are a playground for developers too. They often use them to sneak in hilarious Easter eggs, callbacks, or even cross-references to other games.

Ever played a quest and suddenly gone, “Wait… is this a parody of Lord of the Rings?” That’s intentional. These little winks are where developers loosen up and show some personality.

It’s also where you might find:
- Rare items with lore-heavy stories tied to them
- Secret locations
- Characters from previous installments

Basically, if the main quest is the meat and potatoes, side quests are the spicy sauce that livens things up.

Not All Side Quests Are Created Equal

Now, let’s be real. Not every side quest is gold.

Some are just fetch quests. “Bring 10 wolf pelts,” anyone?

But great games know how to blend meaningful storytelling and gameplay mechanics so seamlessly that you want to engage. You don’t mind trekking across a map because you’re wrapped up in the story.

Games like:
- Red Dead Redemption 2
- Mass Effect
- Horizon Zero Dawn

...are masters at this. They create side quests that feel like chapters in a rich novel rather than errands on a shopping list.

The Emotional Toll is Often in the Side Content

Ever been truly gutted by a side quest? Like, actual tears?

You’re not alone.

Side quests often hit harder emotionally because they feel more personal. The stakes might be smaller (you’re not saving the world), but they’re more relatable.

That story about the little girl looking for her lost mother? Or the older warrior struggling with his past? Those stick with you. They’re the kind of stories that blur the line between game and real life. And when a side quest can make you feel something that deep? That’s good storytelling.

The Player Becomes a World Builder

Here’s something not many people talk about: engaging with side quests actually makes you a co-author of the world.

Why? Because your choices, presence, and decision to even participate in those stories shape how the world unfolds.

You:
- Rebuild cities
- Reunite families
- End old grudges
- Pass on forgotten tales

Think of yourself as a traveler in a fantasy land, picking up stories and carrying them forward. You breathe life into a world that otherwise would remain static.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Detour

So yeah, the next time you're tempted to speed-run a game or focus only on the big boss battles, slow down. Talk to that old man by the well. Visit that creepy abandoned cabin. Follow the lost dog.

Those “distractions” could be where the most rewarding parts live.

Side quests are like side roads — they might not be the fastest way to the finish line, but they’ll show you the best views.