Dazzling Side Quests That Steal the Spotlight from the Main Storyline

Highlights

Side quests in gaming often steal the show and offer unique experiences that rival the main plot, providing a break from the game's tonal norm.

Side quests and storylines in gaming have a recurring tendency to overshadow and surpass the main plot. These side plots captivate players with their engaging narratives and vibrant characters, often leading them to temporarily pause the main campaign. Side quests offer a valuable opportunity to delve deeper into the game's world and lore, providing players with unique experiences that diverge from the main story's tone. Ranging from lighthearted diversions to intense decision-making moments, side quests prove to be just as essential as the primary plot in creating an immersive gaming experience. Some exceptional games excel in this aspect, successfully crafting compelling core plots while also delivering unforgettable secondary missions that remain ingrained in players' memories long after completing the game.

6 Lair Of The Shadow Broker (Mass Effect 2)

Mass Effect 2's Lair of the Shadow Broker stands out as a DLC that surpasses its main game by offering a captivating storyline and an array of engaging side objectives. Players take on the role of Commander Shepard, embarking on a quest to uncover the identity and motives of the enigmatic and powerful Shadow Broker.

With its fresh and enthralling narrative, Mass Effect 2 delivers a thrilling combination of espionage, mystery, and mind-blowing revelations. The Shadow Broker's mysterious nature immerses players in a captivating mystery that unravels as they encounter a progressively complex villain. Alongside the masterful storytelling, the DLC features outstanding voice acting and opportunities for players to explore the hidden depths of the Mass Effect universe. Lair of the Shadow Broker is an unforgettable and exhilarating experience that rivals the main storyline of the game.

5 Aberdeen Pig Farm (Red Dead Redemption 2)

Red Dead Redemption 2 presents an assortment of captivating side quests, among them the truly unsettling Aberdeen Pig Farm subplot that stands out for its eerie ambience and consistently intensifying tension. The journey begins when players stumble upon the feared Aberdeen siblings, a disturbingly incestuous pair of cannibals located in the Scarlett Meadows.

Diverging from the game's typical, grand Wild West experience, this troubling side storyline injects a surprising dose of horror for players. With unnerving encounters and an atmosphere saturated with apprehension, the narrative maintains a brisk and unsettling pace. What makes this side quest exceptional is its ability to submerge players completely into a grim, psychologically horrifying experience. The haunting visuals, chilling sound design, peculiar adversaries, and overall uncertainty of what lies ahead contribute to a visceral side quest that steals the spotlight.

4 The Silver Shroud (Fallout 4)

The Silver Shroud side quest in Fallout 4 captivates players with its charming homage to classic pulp fiction style. In this quest, players have the opportunity to don the iconic Silver Shroud costume and become a vigilante crime-fighter, cleaning up the crime-infested streets of Goodneighbor.

What sets this subplot apart is its nostalgic references, captivating storytelling, and the overall enjoyment of playing as the Silver Shroud, taking on the area's criminals. The quest cleverly incorporates the unique offbeat humor that the Fallout series is known for, providing a refreshing change from the intense and decision-heavy main storyline. The Silver Shroud not only brings laughs and thrills to superhero enthusiasts, but it also pays homage to the noir genre, particularly its heyday during Hollywood's golden age. While the main narrative of Fallout 4 divided longtime fans, the exciting adventures of The Silver Shroud received universal acclaim for delivering the perfect combination of humor, action, and intriguing character development, as expected from the beloved series.

3 The Dark Brotherhood (The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim)

The Dark Brotherhood questline in Skyrim stands as a remarkable example of unforgettable side quests. Immersed in the secretive world of assassins, players become ensnared in a web of conspiracy and betrayal that continuously expands.

In a familiar pattern seen throughout the beloved Elder Scrolls series, the player's character is revealed to be the chosen one, this time for Tamriel's most lethal faction. Initially engaged in standard acts of assassination, the storyline elevates players to the highest echelons of the empire and back, offering one of the most captivating and immersive plotlines available in the entire game. Notably, it surpasses the less dark and intrigue-laden main plot. With its vibrant ensemble of characters, unforeseen plot twists, and the moral ambiguity of carrying out assassinations, it provokes a mesmerizing experience that lingers with players long after its conclusion.

2 Lambert, Lambert, What a... (The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt)

In the quest "Following the Thread" in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, players are faced with a difficult choice as they join Geralt on a thrilling adventure alongside his old friend Lambert, who is seeking revenge. This quest explores the morally ambiguous nature of the Witcher culture, presenting players with a challenging narrative.

The objective is to track down Jad Karadin, a mysterious assassin whom Lambert is determined to eliminate. As the mission unfolds, it is revealed that Karadin is responsible for the death of Lambert's school friend. While this quest focuses less on hunting monsters, it provides a captivating change of pace in the larger, sweeping epic of The Witcher 3. The character development of both Lambert and Karadin is skillfully executed and thoughtfully crafted, leaving players with a decision that will linger in their minds throughout the rest of their gameplay.

1 The Bloody Baron's Bloody Dilemma (The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt)

Phillip Strenger, the self-proclaimed baron at the center of this morally complex side story, emerges as one of the most unforgettable and formidable characters in The Witcher 3. The Bloody Baron quest entangles Geralt in Strenger's disturbing family problems.

Renowned as one of the finest sidequests in gaming history, The Witcher 3's Bloody Baron quest captivates players with its captivating narrative. As the protagonist Geralt of Rivia, players embark on a mission to locate a missing baron's wife and daughter. However, what initially appears to be a simple task unravels into a chilling and twisted tale of domestic abuse, redemption, and supernatural terrors. With multiple possible outcomes and a captivating ensemble of characters, this side quest masterfully demonstrates the extraordinary storytelling and character development that sets this fantasy epic apart.