Most side quests in video games, especially in RPGs, usually boil down to one of the following; go to this place, kill this specific enemy supposedly giving people trouble, retrieve this item, and then return to the person that gave you the quest to receive a reward. At times doing them can feel like making a trip to the grocery store but there are exceptions.
Sometimes players encounter a side quest so good and different that it stays in their minds just as much as the game's main story. The following side quests were optional missions in their games that fit into this category of greatness.
10 The Silver Shroud: Fallout 4
While exploring Goodneighbor, players can encounter a ghoul named Kent who is a huge fan of the fictional superhero, The Silver Shroud. The player can decide to recover the costume at a comic book store and help Kent rid Goodneighbor of crime.
It is a unique take on the whole 'go here and kill this guy' side quest in other RPGs when it lets you do it in someone else's shoes. It is also funny to see the targets' reaction to the player if they choose to talk like the Shroud themselves. Overall a different take on a normally repetitive type of side quest.
9 The Anju and Kafei Quest: The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
In the midst of trying to save Termina from a terrifying moon about to crash into Clock Town, Link can run into the mother of Kafei in the mayor of Clock Town's house. She hires him to find Kafei who has gone missing and is due to marry Anju, the front desk worker of the Stock Pot Inn.
Link will eventually discover that Skull Kid placed a curse on Kafei that turned him into a child and that he had his sun mask stolen from him which must be retrieved in order to join it with Anju's moon mask to make the lover's mask. Though frustrating at times to get the mask, seeing the two lovers reunite just before the moon crashes makes the whole ride worth it.
8 Love Hurts: Fable 2
Another quest involving helping romantic partners reunite, only this time in a way more like Frankenstein. A mad scientist will ask the player in helping him resurrect his dead lover, Lady Grey.
When she does reawaken, she will instantly fall in love with the first person she sees. The player has the option of letting that person be the scientist or themselves. Either way, someone is walking away with a new zombie girlfriend.
7 Oasis: Fallout 3
An odd quest that can be found in the location of the same name, players will notice how this area has a pretty garden-like aesthetic that sets it apart from other locations in the series, especially in Fallout 3.
The player will encounter the Treeminders, a group of people that worship the tree that has supposedly created the Oasis itself. After performing a ritual, players will enounter the talking tree, Harold, a person who has had a tree dominate his body and demands to be killed. The weirdness to the quest is what sets it apart from other quests in the game.
6 A Night To Remember: The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Ever wondered what would happen if The Hangover met Skyrim? This quest is the answer as it involves the Dragonborn trying to fix the problem they have caused after a hard night of partying.
From causing destruction to accidentally marrying a hagraven, it is one surprise after the other just to find out what else the Dragonborn does not remember doing.
5 Passing Judgement: Dragon Age: Inquisition
Once the player gets arrives at Skyhold, they will get access to a rather sweet looking throne room that they can customize. But there is more to it than just looking nice. Here players can pass judgment on the fate of certain characters they encounter throughout the game outside of the main story.
Ranging from judging traitorous Grey Wardens to barbarians that throw goats at the fortress, the player never really knows who they will pass judgment on next.
4 You Are Cordially Invited: Borderlands 2
Leave it to Tiny Tina to have a side quest that is just as explosive as her personality. Tina is hosting a tea party that she hosts in order to avenge the death of her parents. A tea party involving torturing those responsible and a lot of blood.
The crazy writing that creates pure comedy as the player holds off a ton of enemies creates an exhilarating thrill that is Borderlands at its absolute best.
3 Tali: Treason : Mass Effect 2
The loyalty missions of Mass Effect 2 provide players with some of the best moments of the entire series. It lets players get to know their teammates on a more personal level. Tali's stands out though because of how much she goes through and the insight it provides into her character.
The mission involves Tali being accused of treason by her people, the quarians and must prove her innocence. She has to retake a ship overun by geth that were reactivated with parts she sent to her father. The action is tense and it shows new layers to Tali's personality that players had not seen before, which is prime Mass Effect right there.
2 The Ultimate Heist: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
The final heist of the Thieves Guild questline in the game, the player is tasked with stealing an elder scroll from the Imperial City Palace for the Grey Fox.
Every skill someone needs to be a great thief in the game will need to be used at some point in the quest. Players will have to sneak past guards and use the environment to their advantage to make sure the plan goes smoothly. Once the player succeeds, they truly feel as if the ultimate heist was truly performed just now.
1 Carnal Sins: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Taking place in the large and detailed Novigrad, the quest has Geralt search for a serial killer after the killer attempted to kill Dandelion's girlfriend, Priscilla. The quest is a true detective mystery as it has Geralt look for evidence and question subjects.
The quest itself is full of twists and if the player is not careful enough, they can kill the wrong suspect instead. Leaving the real killer to walk away a free man after the player realizes their mistake too late.