8 RPGs Where Almost Every Side Quest Feels Essential

Not all RPG side quests are created equal. For every captivating detour that rewards you with a legendary blade or offers a glimpse into a character’s hidden past, there are countless mundane chores asking you to slay slimes or gather herbs on a desolate peak. However, a well-crafted side quest can transform an epic journey into something truly personal, providing a refreshing breather from the heavy burden of saving the world.

Finding an expansive role-playing game entirely devoid of “filler” is a tall order—tastes regarding fetch quests and combat challenges vary wildly. Yet, these eight titles stand out for their exceptional optional content, delivering profound storytelling, cleverly hidden secrets, and unique gameplay mechanics that make them well worth your attention.

1
Final Fantasy 6

Image: Square Enix

Following a catastrophic turning point in Final Fantasy 6, your party is scattered across a fractured landscape. While you could technically rush the final dungeon with a skeleton crew of three, most players are drawn to the emotional weight of reuniting their 14-strong cast. These optional missions are where the game truly shines; they offer intimate insights into how each survivor processes the end of the world. Some have retreated into quiet solitude, others are paralyzed by despair, and one unfortunate soul has even joined a bizarre, rhythmic cult. The broken world of FF6 proves that even amidst ruin, there is incredible depth to be found.

2
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Image: CD Projekt Red via Polygon

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt remains a gold standard for the genre, largely because its peripheral content is as robust as its main narrative. Geralt’s journey is punctuated by everything from eccentric monster contracts to the deeply addictive Gwent card game. Even the most trivial-seeming quests often hide layers of complexity; a simple request to recover a missing frying pan eventually reveals a web of espionage, using soot to pen clandestine letters. This dedication to granular world-building is precisely why fans remain spellbound by the Continent, even with new expansions like Songs of the Past arriving in 2027.

3
Chrono Trigger

Square Enix

Defining the 16-bit era, Chrono Trigger pioneered New Game Plus and masterfully executed multiple branching endings. The conclusion you reach depends entirely on when—and with whom—you confront the final threat. Unlocking the most rewarding outcomes requires tackling substantial side content, such as sending your robotic companion, Robo, on a centuries-long journey to restore a desolate desert to a thriving forest. Much like FF6, these later-game deviations allow the cast to transcend traditional archetypes, revealing the heart beneath the heroics.

4
Baldur’s Gate 3

Image: Larian Studios

A modern masterpiece, Baldur’s Gate 3 offers a level of reactive storytelling that demands multiple playthroughs. While your active party is limited to three companions, the personal arcs for all ten characters are deeply woven into the fabric of the game. Beyond these core relationships, you’ll stumble upon absurd and sinister side objectives—from investigating haunted circuses to negotiating literal contracts with demons. Because your early choices ripple across all three acts, this is an adventure that rewards a patient, deliberate pace over a frantic dash to the finish line.

5
Yakuza 0

Image: Sega

The Yakuza series is famous for its eccentric distractions—darts, karaoke, and arcade classics abound. However, when the developers at Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio fully commit to a side activity, they create something truly special. In Yakuza 0, the Cabaret Club Czar and Real Estate Royale modes are massive, story-rich enterprises. Managing hostesses or acquiring property isn’t just a way to kill time; it’s an immersive loop that grants you immense wealth, unique combat styles, and hours of unforeseen narrative enjoyment.

6
The Adventures of Elliot

Image: Square Enix

A breath of fresh air in an era of bloated open worlds, The Adventures of Elliot offers a focused, 25-hour experience reminiscent of Secret of Mana. With 33 optional quests, the game manages to avoid overwhelming the player while still offering meaningful rewards. While some tasks are simple gathering errands, many unlock vital plot revelations necessary to reach the true ending. It’s a delightful, charming reminder that sometimes less really is more.

7
Elden Ring

Image: FromSoftware/Bandai Namco via Polygon

Elden Ring treats exploration as its own reward, dropping you into the Lands Between with little direction beyond your own curiosity. The storytelling here is subtle, conveyed through cryptic item descriptions and environmental cues rather than long cinematics. You aren’t guided by flashing quest markers; instead, you forge bonds with figures like Ranni the Witch or the warrior-jar Alexander through organic, non-linear interaction. It’s a show-don’t-tell experience that respects the player’s intelligence.

8
Persona 5

Image: Atlus

Persona 5 brilliantly splits its time between high-stakes dungeon crawling and a rigorous social simulator. Managing your daily schedule is as vital as managing your party’s stats. Spending time with your confidants—such as an overworked teacher, a rebellious doctor, or an aspiring politician—isn’t just for narrative flavor; these relationships grant significant combat advantages. In Persona 5 Royal, these social bonds even act as keys to unlocking a comprehensive true ending, proving that your connections to the people around you are just as important as your power in the Metaverse.

Source: Polygon