A game's main mission is its core, but many games build around that center with robust side missions and activities, puzzles, and collectibles. When players get tired of following the golden thread, it's nice to have the option to take a break and do something completely different for a while, either to level up, get different equipment, or just to experience a different part of the world's lore.
6 Most Relaxing Side Activities in Open-World Games
When players get worn out from the intensity of an 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 the sake of variety, side activities here mean not only side quests, but also all the puzzles, secrets, mini-games, and collectibles that players can find while freely exploring the world.
The legacy of Hogwarts
Brilliant side character quests, puzzles and more
Hogwarts Legacy's the main quest is fine, but some of the quests related to the notable side characters are simply far more engaging than fighting Ranrok and his lapdogs. Poppy Sweeting's quest, focused on fantastic beasts and their treatment, and Sebastian Sallow's controversial dive into the Unforgivable Curses, are genuinely well-written side stories that will leave players hungry for more. There are also various side quests given by teachers, which is a nice, immersive addition to really make you feel like a student at Hogwarts.
There are also countless puzzles, like the Merlin Trials, that are scattered around the world, ready for players to bang their heads against. And as always, collectibles. 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 delivered in the game, but became its own, separate thing with Harry Potter: Quidditch Master.
A weak main quest, brilliant side quests
Skyrim is usually the prime example of games where the main quest drags, but the side content fully makes up for it. Becoming a member of the Dark Brotherhood or Thieves Guild will open up some of the longer side quests in the game (especially the latter), but you don't need to join a faction to be entertained. The various Daedric quests are dark, fun and gritty, ranging from “a new hand touches the lighthouse!” to a talking dog.
Amazing games where your decisions really matter
The following games stand out for forcing players to make difficult decisions that can drastically change the story.
In addition to the quests, players can also build a house in Hearthfire, get married, and fish, provided they have the right DLC and upgrades included. In many ways, Skyrim has turned into a cozy, almost simulated game where completing the main quest as 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 excellent writing and storytelling, and Divinity: Original Sin 2 is no different. The main story is long and windy, and it can get a bit heavy towards the end as players enter the final part of the game. Fortunately, each act has its fair share of side content, ranging from full-on missions to mini-puzzles.
In true Larian Studios fashion, it will take creativity and ingenuity to figure out why the pigs are on fire, or how to turn two unfortunate cows back into humans. The companions also all have their own unique stories that are partially woven into the main quest. Lohse's tale of demonic possession is dark and urgent, while Fane's backstory is relevant to the entire world's lore. While it's recommended to try to finish all the side activities in each area to maximize leveling, these quests also offer some of the toughest challenges in the game (like Alice Alisceon), a nice break from the epic main story.
Mass Effect Trilogy
Great main story, even better side quests
No one can deny that Mass effect the trilogy has a great overarching 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 that few games have been able to replicate.
That said, and perhaps this is a controversial statement, the side missions and DLCs have some of the strongest content in the game. The Shadow Broker content in Mass Effect 2 with Liara is fantastic, and who could forget the epic race to stop Shepard's clone Mass Effect 3? Yes, the main quest is great, but it's these moments that make Shepard and their crew feel real. Even better, each choice will have ripples down the line when it comes to the main quest and the state of the world.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Gwent and side quests are very distracting (in a good way)
There is no shortage of things to do in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Between finding Ciri and various side quests that range from dark to not-so-dark (like Geralt attending a play), you get to decide how seriously you take your duties as a Witcher.
Longest Open-World Game
Even the most sophisticated player will be confused by the sheer scale of these games. These are the open world games that take the longest to beat.
It's not just the robust DLC content and lengthy side stories that shine, but Gwent as well. In fact, Gwent became such a success that it has become its own separate card game The Witcher 3. And if cards aren't your cup of tea, there are characters to romance, brawls to partake in, monster nests to clear out, diagrams to hunt and horse races to enter. Geralt won't be bored anytime soon.
Grand Theft Auto 5
Why complete the main quest when you could be playing tennis?
GTA 5 is a game that shines because of how much fun it is to simply explore and move around Los Santos. Sure, the story is okay, but it's not the main event. The open world is full of potential for mayhem and fun, as well as many side quests, for those who can't bear to follow the golden thread of the main story.
There are action-packed repeat missions that come with solid payouts, like armored vans, but also more casual activities like tennis, golf or darts if you've had too much shooting and running around. Buy a house, go to the bar, watch a movie at the cinema or center your chakra flow by doing some yoga poses. The sky is the limit GTA 5.
Cyberpunk 2077
Go on dates, do mercenary work, uncover Johnny's past and more
When it comes to vibes, Cyberpunk 2077 share much of that similar, chaotic energy that GTA 5 do. Although it has a really solid main story with incredibly emotional moments, the game has a lot more to offer than that. V is a mercenary, as fixers offer almost unlimited dirty work across Night City for easy money.
Later updates also introduced hangouts with characters you've romanced at home, and you can catch up with Panam, River, Judy or Kerry by hitting them on a holocall. Alternatively, there's a whole side quest that reveals bits of Johnny's past, and if that's not enough, why not take a ride on Pacifica's roller coaster or find a Joytoy in Jig-Jig Street? Or maybe see how long you can survive against MaxTac. If all else fails, there are also tarot cards to collect and guided meditation features to calm you down after a long day of slaying gangoons.
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