Open-World game that rewards you for ignoring the main story

Chasing the main quest isn't always a must in an open world game, and titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Red Dead Redemption 2and The Witcher 3 prove it. There's often superior content hidden in side quests and activities, even loot so valuable it's worth deviating from the main path to go grab it. Even better, many of the side quests in these games somehow affect the main story, either by adding a drop of emotional depth, providing some lore, or opening up additional options when it's time to face the big bad.

If you're a gamer who doesn't want to be rushed through the main story of an open world game and prefers to explore everything before moving on, these games are a great choice. You'll never regret ghosting a main quest, and chances are you'll remember the side quests more vividly anyway over the main story when the credits roll.

Red Dead Redemption 2

Some of the game's best content is optional

Starting strong is Red Dead Redemption 2a game that many fans will tell you not to rush through for the best experience. And there's a good reason behind that: around Chapter 2, the game's world really opens up, and you can explore pretty freely. This is the part where you shouldn't feel like you need to rush the main quest, because once you hit the later chapters, you'll be faced with a lot more urgency.

Chapter 2 presents this beautiful, lush, fictional old western world facing change, which is also reflected in the story of Arthur and his gang. Getting to know the NPCs and the world through side content and activities will not only net you some pretty cool gear and other rewards, but it will also help you develop a stronger bond with your gang members. The more you discover, the deeper the events will be later when you're back on track with the main quest. And besides, the atmosphere of this game is something to enjoy anyway, so don't let anyone tell you, in-game or outside, that you just need to rush the main story. Go hunting, go play some cards, have a quick chat with the gang and go for a ride.

Fire Ring

Runes, weapons and armor galore

Fire Rings the world is one of the most complicated there is. There is always something to explore, a secret little crypt or mini dungeon just around the corner. You absolutely do not have to complete all of these minor bosses and challenges, but if you do, you will be rewarded with runes. This is the game's main currency for leveling up, and you'll definitely need it when facing increasingly difficult bosses. Building work is important and being rich in Runes is the best way to achieve all your building goals.

On top of that, you have talismans, armor sets, weapons, Ashes of War, and even summons scattered throughout the Land Between as loot. Depending on the type of building you want, you'll need to explore and loot to build up your arsenal. In that sense, the side activities are a natural part of your progression, and you'll always stumble upon an interesting boss or new enemy type, or even a completely new location. Malenia's dungeon, Haligtree, is one of the best examples of deviating from the main path. You don't have to go there and hit her, but if you do, it's an incredible cinematic experience. And a challenge!

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

The Real Meat Of The Story is in its side quests

It would be a shame to only focus on the main quest The Witcher 3given its incredibly deep and detailed fantasy world. You have so many well-crafted side quests and activities at your fingertips: hunt monsters (you are a Witcher after all!), play Gwent, and get to know the two main ladies that you have the option of romancing in the game.

Just walking around the world and taking everything in is reward enough, but you don't have to worry, as every quest and side adventure will give you some delicious loot. To even get some of the other armor sets you have to go on Scavenger Hunts, which just goes to show that it's all about the journey here. It might be tempting to chase Ciri to the end of the world, but if you do, there's so much gold level content you'll miss out on, some of which will also affect your ending to some degree.

Starfield

Don't go to the final mission until you've completed all the faction missions

Starfield didn't quite become the phenomenon it aspired to be, but it's a game that still has some incredible side content. The Ryujin questline, for one, is among the most interesting and novel experiences Bethesda has delivered in a while. It, and all other faction missions, should be completed before players head to the final mission of the main story.

Without spoiling too much, your choices and actions in the world during these multiple side quests will count towards the type of ending you get, and leaving out one of the major factions will definitely make you regret it. Also, there are some really nice rewards you can get from side missions, including entire spaceships to replace your crappy start, spacesuits, new weapons, and even some pretty interesting abilities that I won't spoil too much here. Just explore on your own and be sure to also choose a companion to romance while you're at it, as they also have their own personal quests.

Fallout 4

The best loot (and stories) are hidden

It's a story as old as time: Bethesda's side quests don't match the main story, but it feels weird in there Fallout 4where logically you should rush to go find your missing child. While it narratively doesn't make sense, gameplay-wise, the game absolutely rewards you for taking your time before pursuing Shaun. Fallout 4's The campaign is perfectly fine, perhaps better suited as a linear game, but its side quests are absolutely fantastic. No doubt its DLCs also have some pretty fun spin-offs, with Far Harbor posing a great moral dilemma, while Nuka-World is just good old raider fun in an aesthetically pleasing desert theme park.

In Commonwealth, the faction missions (which eventually tie into the main story), and some side stories like the Vault 81 mission or the strange things happening at the Dunwich Borers, are all highlights of the game that deserve to be experienced and enjoyed in the rush to find Shaun. Plus, you have companions to get to know, some of whom have incredible side quests and tragic backstories that beg to be discovered.

Cyberpunk 2077

Tie up all loose ends before meeting Hanako

V's fate is a continuous question mark throughout the story of Cyberpunk 2077and there are many moments that rub this in the face. That said, narratively it encourages you to exhaust all other options and search every nook and cranny before following up on the main quest. That includes helping Panam even after she helps you, befriending Johnny Silverhand and fulfilling some of his last wishes, as well as going through the Phantom Liberty DLC in hopes that Songbird or the President can actually help you.

The latter also comes with an alternate ending option, and the final missions in the game are really where all your actions through side missions and activities count. You can ask Aldecaldoes to help you, or go at it alone, or even have Rogue join you if and when you storm Arasaka. Or better yet, go to Arasaka alone. In addition to these rewards, you also get to build deep connections with the romantic characters, ask them out on dates, unlock more cyberware, and build up your character's powers so you're ready for whatever goal you choose. Night City is a sprawling environment, and there's no need to stick to the main road when there's so much to see and do, from secret vehicles found in the wild to fun weapons hidden in side streets. Go explore, because Hanako can wait.