Side quest (or side quest written as two words) usually means an optional mission or task that sits alongside a main goal, instead of being the main goal itself.

Below is a Quick Scoop–style deep dive in a friendly, slightly casual tone.

What is a side quest?

In gaming, a side quest is an optional mission separate from the main storyline that you can choose to do (or skip) without stopping you from finishing the game.

It often has its own small story, characters, or challenge, and rewards you with XP, loot, gear, lore, or achievements when you complete it.

Think of it as: the fun detour you take off the main highway of the game.

How side quests work (with examples)

Side quests can show up in lots of ways:

  • An NPC asks for help finding a lost item or rescuing someone.
  • A hidden cave or dungeon appears on the map, unrelated to the main mission.
  • A mini‑story about a town’s problem, a companion’s personal drama, or a local mystery.
  • A special challenge, like races, arena fights, bounty hunts, or puzzle shrines.

Well‑known games where side quests really shine include big RPGs and open‑world titles, where side content can rival the main story in depth and emotional impact.

In many of these games, doing side quests can change endings, unlock secret scenes, or deepen relationships with characters.

Why side quests matter

Side quests are more than filler; they shape how the game feels.

  • World‑building: They make the world feel alive with stories beyond the hero’s main mission.
  • Player power: Extra XP, money, weapons, armor, and abilities often come from side quests.
  • Non‑linear freedom: They let you step off the critical path, giving a sense of choice and exploration.
  • Personal attachment: Some of the most memorable emotional beats in games happen in side quests, not the main plot.

A lot of players intentionally over‑level by clearing side quests first, then returning to the main story stronger and better equipped.

Side quest beyond games (life metaphor)

People also use “side quest” as a metaphor for real life:

  • Your main quest might be your career, studies, or a big life goal.
  • A side quest could be learning guitar, starting a small blog, joining a local club, or doing a fitness challenge.

These “real‑life side quests” are optional, but they build skills, connections, and experiences that make the main path easier or more rewarding.

You could reach your main goal without them, but doing them often makes the overall “story” of your life richer.

Quick FAQ style points

  • Is a side quest required to finish a game?
    No. By definition it’s optional content not needed to complete the main storyline.
  • Do side quests always give rewards?
    Usually yes: XP, items, money, lore, or completion percentage—but some are mostly for bragging rights or story flavor.
  • Why do people say “I’m on a side quest” in real life?
    They mean they’re temporarily doing something off their main life goal—often fun, random, or self‑improvement oriented—like a little adventure on the side.

TL;DR: A side quest is an optional, usually smaller mission that sits outside the main storyline, giving extra rewards, story, or practice—whether in a video game or as a metaphor for real life.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.