The game's main quest is at its core, but plenty of games are built around that center with robust side quests and activities, puzzles, and collectibles. When players get tired of following the golden thread, it's nice to be able to take a break and do something completely different for a while, whether it's to a higher level, different equipment, or just to 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, there are these relaxing side activities to unwind.
In the following games, the main quest isn't necessarily bad, but they definitely have side activities that often seem more memorable. For variety, side activities here don't just mean side quests, but also any puzzles, secrets, mini-games, and collectibles that players can find while freely exploring the world.
Hogwarts heritage
Brilliant side character quests, puzzles and more
Hogwarts heritage the main quest is fine, but some of the quests related to significant side characters are just much more engaging than fighting Ranrok and his dog. Poppy Sweeting's quest for and treatment of fantastic beasts and Sebastian Sallow's controversial dive into the Unforgivable Curses are really well-written side stories that will leave players wanting more. There are also various side quests assigned by the teachers, which is a nice, immersive addition that really makes you feel like a Hogwarts student.
There are also countless puzzles, such as the Merlin Trials, that are scattered around the world ready for players to puzzle over. 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 part of the game, but became its own, separate thing Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions.
Weak main quest, brilliant side quests
Skyrim is usually a prime example of games where the main quest drags, but the side content fully makes up for it. Joining the Dark Brotherhood or Thieves Guild opens up some of the longer side quests in the game (especially the latter), but you don't have to join a faction for fun. The various Daedric quests are dark, funny, and daring, varying from “a new hand touches the lighthouse!” to the talking dog.
Great games where your decision really matters
The following games excel at forcing the player to make tough decisions that can drastically change the story.
Aside from quests, players can also build a home in Hearthfire, get married, and go fishing, provided they have the right DLCs and upgrades. in many ways Skyrim has turned into a cozy, almost simulation game, where completing the main quest as a Dragonborn is more of a suggestion than a necessity.
Divinity: Original Sin 2
The drive to Arx is long, but the side activities are worth it
Larian Studios has always provided excellent writing and storytelling Divinity: Original Sin 2 there is no other. The main story is long and windy and can get a bit heavy towards the end as players enter the final area of the game. Fortunately, each act has its fair share of side content, from full-on quests to mini-puzzles.
In true Larian Studios style, it will take creativity and ingenuity to figure out why pigs are on fire or how to turn two unfortunate cows back into humans. Companions also have their own unique stories that partially intertwine with the main quest. Lohs' tale of demonic possession is dark and urgent, while Fane's story is relevant to the lore of the world. While it's recommended to try and complete all the side activities in each area to maximize leveling, these quests also present some of the toughest challenges in the game (like Alice Alisceon), which is a nice break from the epic main story.
Mass Effect trilogy
Amazing main story, even better side quests
No one can deny that Mass Effect the trilogy has an amazing overarching story that will have players on the edge of their seats. Seeing the same Shepherd in three different games with both returning and new characters is an experience few games have been able to replicate.
That being said, and perhaps a controversial statement, the side missions and DLC have some of the strongest content in the game. The content of Shadow Broker v Mass Effect 2 with Liara is fantastic and who could forget that epic race to stop Shepard's clone Mass Effect 3? Yes, the main quest is fantastic, but it's these moments that make Shepard and their crew feel real. Even better, each choice will have ripples in terms of 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 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Between the search for Ciri and various side quests ranging from dark to not-so-dark (like Geralt participating in the game), you have to decide how seriously you're going to take your duties as a witcher.
The longest open world games
Even the most demanding player will be confused by the scope 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 became its own stand-alone card game The Witcher 3. And if cards aren't your cup of tea, there are characters to fall in love with, brawls to take part in, monster nests to clear, diagrams to hunt and races to enter. Geralt won't be bored anytime soon.
Grand Theft Auto 5
Why do a major when you can play tennis?
GTA 5 is a game that shines with how much fun it is to simply explore and mess around in Los Santos. Sure, the story is okay, but it's not the main event. The open world is bursting with potential for mayhem and fun, as well as plenty of side missions for those who can't let go of the golden thread of the main story.
There are action packed repeatable missions that come with solid payouts like armored van heists, but also more relaxed activities like tennis, golf or darts if you've had too much shooting and running. Buy a house, go to a 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 jobs, uncover Johnny's past and more
When it comes to vibration, Cyberpunk 2077 shares a lot of similar, chaotic energies as GTA 5 does While it has a really solid main story with some incredibly emotional moments, the game has so much more to offer. 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 experienced in your house, and you can catch up with Panam, River, Judy, or Kerry by hitting them on holocal. 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 the Pacifica 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 meditative brain dances to calm you down after a long day of killing gangs.
The 20 Best Story-Based Games to Play in Co-Op
Perfect for playing with friends, these games offer not only great gameplay but also a deep and meaningful story.
