A game's main quest is its core, but many games build strong side quests and activities, puzzles, and collectibles around that core. When players are tired of chasing the golden thread, it's nice to have the option to take a break for a while and do something completely different, either to level up, get different gear or experience another part of the world's lore.
The 6 Most Relaxing Side Activities in Open World Games
When players tire of the intensity of the open-world story campaign, these relaxing side activities are there to give them a break.
In the following games, the main quest isn't necessarily bad, but they definitely have side activities that often feel more memorable. For variety's sake, side activities here don't just mean side quests, but any puzzles, secrets, mini-games, and collectibles that players can find while freely exploring the world.
Hogwarts Legacy
Fantastic side character quests, puzzles, and more
Hogwarts Legacy's The main quest is fine, but some of the quests related to notable side characters are more engaging than fighting Ranrok and his lapdogs. Poppy Sweeting's quest, centered around fantastic beasts and their cures, and Sebastian Sallow's controversial dive into the unforgivable curses, are really well-written side stories that leave players hungry for more. There are also various side quests given by the teachers, which is a nice, immersive addition to make you really feel like a student at Hogwarts.
There are also countless puzzles, such as the Merlin Trials, that are scattered around the world, ready to be pitted against players. And as always, collectible. There are over a thousand of them in the game, which is impressive to say the least. It's a shame that Quidditch wasn't sent to the game, but became its own, separate thing Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions.
A weak main quest, fantastic side quests
Skyrim Usually the main quest is the main example of games that drag, but the side content totally makes up for it. Becoming a member of the Dark Brotherhood or Thieves Guild will unlock some of the longer side quests in the game (especially the latter), but you don't need to join a faction to have fun. The various Daedric quests are dark, funny and gritty, “A new hand touches the beacon!” are different from A talking dog.
Great games where your decisions really matter
The games below stand out for forcing players to make tough decisions that can dramatically change the story.
On top of quests, players can build houses, get married and go fishing in Hearthfire, provided they have the right DLC and upgrades included. In many ways, Skyrim Turned into a cozy, close simulation game where finishing the main quest as a dragonborn is more of a suggestion than a necessity.
Divinity: Original Sin 2
The road to Arx is long, but the side activities make it worth it
Larian Studios has always delivered great writing and storytelling, and Divinity: Original Sin 2 No difference. The main story is long and windy, and it can get a bit overwhelming towards the end as players enter the final area of the game. Fortunately, each task has its fair share of side content, from full-blown quests to mini-puzzles.
In true Larian Studios fashion, it takes creativity and ingenuity to figure out why the pigs are burning, or how to turn two unfortunate cows into humans. The companions also have their own unique stories that partially weave into the main quest. Lhosay's tale of demonic possession is dark and urgent, while Fane's backstory is relevant to the story of the whole world. While it's recommended to try and finish all the side activities in each area to maximize leveling, these quests also present some of the game's toughest challenges (like Alice Elysian), a nice break from the epic main story.
The Mass Effect Trilogy
Amazing main story, even better side quests
No one can deny it Mass Effect The trilogy has an amazing story that will have players on the edge of their seats. Seeing the same Shepherd through three different games, with both returning and new characters, is an experience few games have been able to replicate.
That being said, and perhaps this is a controversial statement, the side missions and DLCs are some of the strongest content in the game. In Shadow Broker Content Mass Effect 2 Liara is fantastic, and who can forget that epic race to stop Shepard's clones. Mass Effect 3? Yes, the main quest is great, but these are the moments that make Shepard and his team feel real. Even better, each choice will ripple down the line when it comes to main quests and world status.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Gwent and side quests are highly distracting (in a good way).
There is no shortage of things to do The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Between finding Ciri and various side quests ranging from dark to not-so-dark (like Geralt taking part in the game), you'll decide how seriously you take your duties as a Witcher.
Longest open-world games
Even the most sophisticated gamer will be amazed by the sheer scale of these games. These are the open-world games that take the longest to beat.
It's not just the strong DLC content and long side stories, but Gwent as well. In fact, Gwent became so successful that it became its own separate card game The Witcher 3. And if cards aren't your cup of tea, there are characters to romance, fights to participate in, monster nests to clear, drawings to hunt, and horse races to attend. Geralt won't be bored anytime soon.
Grand Theft Auto 5
Why complete the main quest when you can play tennis?
GTA 5 This is a game that shines with how much fun it is to explore and mess around in Los Santos. Sure, the story is okay, but it's not the main event. The open world is full of chaos and potential for fun, as well as many side missions, which can't be bothered to follow the golden thread of the main story.
There are action-packed repeatable missions with solid payoffs, like armored van heists, but more relaxing activities like tennis, golf, or darts if you're up for a lot of shooting and running. Buy a house, go to a bar, watch a movie at the cinema, or focus your chakra flow by performing some yoga poses. The sky is the limit GTA 5.
Cyberpunk 2077
Attend dates, work for hire, discover Johnny's past, and more
In terms of vibes, Cyberpunk 2077 It shares much of the same, chaotic energy GTA 5 does While it has a really solid main story with incredibly emotional moments, the game has a lot more to offer than that. V is a rental, as fixers offer almost unlimited dirty work in the night city for easy money.
Later updates also introduced hangouts with characters you've romanced in your house, and you can meet Panam, River, Judy, or Kerry by hitting Holocall. Alternatively, there's a whole side quest that uncovers bits of Johnny's past, and if that's not enough, why not take a ride on Pacifica's roller coaster or find Zotoy on Zig-Zig Street? Or maybe see how long you can survive against MaxTac. If all else fails, there are tarot cards to collect and guided meditative brain dances to calm down after a long day of slaying the gangs.
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