Games Where Side Quests Reveal the Real Backstory

Many video games tell a straightforward story, leading players from beginning to end. However, the most interesting details about the game’s world and backstory are often found in optional side quests and hidden areas. Going beyond the main path can reveal why villains act the way they do, or tell the sad story of lost civilizations. These extra adventures can turn a simple game into a rich exploration of its history and setting. The games listed below especially reward players who take the time to investigate, offering important insights that change how you understand the main story.

‘Elden Ring’ (2022)

In Elden Ring, players take on the role of a Tarnished character striving to become the Elden Lord by battling enemies and discovering secrets. Those who follow the questline of Ranni the Witch uncover the hidden truth behind the Golden Order and the powerful beings who govern the Lands Between. This journey reveals the story of the Night of Black Knives and how the Elden Ring was broken. Finishing Ranni’s quest unlocks a unique ending that drastically changes the world’s future, and contains lore that’s far more detailed than the main story path.

‘The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’ (2015)

Geralt of Rivia’s journey often revolves around finding his adopted daughter, Ciri, all while getting caught up in political conflicts. One particularly impactful side quest, involving the Bloody Baron, explores the devastating effects of war and addiction on ordinary people. As Geralt assists sorceresses and leaders, he uncovers the hidden history of a powerful organization called the Lodge of Sorceresses and the dangers faced by those with magical abilities. These side stories add depth to the political situation in the Northern Realms, transforming what seem like simple monster hunts into heartbreaking accounts that reveal how the world came to be the way it is.

‘NieR: Automata’ (2017)

At first, the game seems like a simple war between robots and machines fighting for Earth. But as you play more and explore optional quests, you uncover a dark secret about humanity and the true nature of the alien presence. Through side missions focused on individual machines, you see they’re capable of feeling and are trying to understand and copy human life. These encounters force you to question who’s really right or wrong in the conflict, and what it even means to be alive. The full story of Project Gestalt is only revealed through these hidden, optional narratives.

‘Bloodborne’ (2015)

Players explore the terrifying city of Yharnam, hunting monsters and trying to stop a deadly plague. Finding hidden items, like Umbilical Cords, reveals that powerful, otherworldly beings called the Great Ones are manipulating events and seeking to create new life. Completing side quests with characters like Arianna and Iosefka uncovers secrets about the Healing Church and its disturbing experiments. These storylines explain the repeating nature of the city’s nightmare and the true, unsettling origins of the beastly outbreak. Without understanding these details, the game’s ending can be difficult to interpret.

‘Fallout: New Vegas’ (2010)

In Fallout: New Vegas, you play as a Courier traveling through the dangerous Mojave Wasteland, ultimately deciding the future of New Vegas and the Hoover Dam. Along the way, helping companions like Boone and Veronica reveals the hidden flaws and corruption within powerful groups like the NCR and the Brotherhood of Steel. Exploring the abandoned Vaults scattered throughout the map uncovers disturbing experiments conducted by Vault-Tec before the war, offering insight into the origins and motivations of the wasteland’s different factions. The true story of the Great War, and its devastating consequences, is revealed through the logs and records found within these forgotten bunkers.

‘Cyberpunk 2077’ (2020)

In Cyberpunk 2077, V struggles to stay alive in Night City, haunted by the digital ghost of Johnny Silverhand. Investigating the Peralez storyline reveals a frightening conspiracy where a dangerous AI is secretly controlling people. Following the stories of characters like River Ward or Judy Alvarez exposes corruption within the police and the harsh realities faced by sex workers. These side quests show a grimmer side of Night City’s corporate control than the main story does, ultimately suggesting that the city itself is the game’s biggest enemy.

‘Hollow Knight’ (2017)

In the ruined kingdom of Hallownest, a silent Knight journeys to stop a powerful magical infection. By collecting Essence and helping the Seer, the Knight uncovers the story of the Radiance and the Pale King. Conversations with characters like the White Lady reveal the harsh way the kingdom’s vessels were created to contain the plague. Delving into the optional Abyss area reveals the Knight’s heartbreaking past and the fate of their siblings. The full truth about Hallownest is found through these quiet moments and hidden discoveries.

‘Horizon Zero Dawn’ (2017)

Aloy journeys through a post-apocalyptic world, hunting robotic creatures while uncovering the truth about her mother and where she came from. Along the way, she can discover hidden stories about the people who lived before the disaster by exploring optional areas and finding special viewpoints. Scattered recordings reveal the harrowing final moments of a project called Zero Dawn and the deceit of its creator, Ted Faro. These collectibles piece together how the world ended and why the machines turned against humanity, changing the game’s focus from a simple adventure to a thought-provoking science fiction story.

‘Mass Effect 2’ (2010)

Commander Shepard gathers a team of specialists for a dangerous mission to stop the Collectors from abducting humans. As you work with each team member, you learn about the unique cultures and histories of the galaxy’s alien races. For example, Tali’s personal story explores the complex politics within her Quarian community and their troubled past with the Geth. Mordin’s mission challenges players to consider the moral implications of a biological weapon called the Genophage and its devastating effects on the Krogan. These individual stories aren’t just personal – they lay the groundwork for the larger conflicts that drive the entire Mass Effect saga.

‘Red Dead Redemption 2’ (2018)

As the Wild West fades, Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang are constantly on the run from the authorities. Side missions introduce interesting characters like the inventive Marko Dragic and the seasoned Hamish Sinclair, who embody a world that’s rapidly changing. These smaller stories delve into themes of industrial growth and the loss of wilderness, ideas that are only touched upon in the main plot. Exploring the land to hunt legendary animals and find dreamcatchers reveals local myths and the region’s history. Often, the most meaningful parts of the game are these peaceful moments spent away from the chaos of the gang.

‘Control’ (2019)

I’ve been totally sucked into Control! You play as Jesse Faden, and she’s searching for her brother inside this crazy building called the Oldest House while also trying to figure out what the Federal Bureau of Control actually does. What’s really cool is how they tell the story – you find notes and watch videos that explain all these weird events and powerful objects. As you explore and take on side quests, especially the ones about ‘Awe’, you start to realize this game is connected to Alan Wake, which is awesome! It all builds this incredibly detailed universe where what people collectively believe can actually become real – and dangerous. Honestly, digging through all the files and secrets makes the world feel so much bigger and way more unsettling. It’s a really immersive experience!

‘The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask’ (2000)

In Majora’s Mask, Link has just three days to prevent the moon from crashing into Termina, a world caught in a time loop. To do so, he collects masks by helping the people of Clock Town overcome their personal problems and fears as the world ends. One particularly moving story follows Anju and Kafei, a couple whose romance unfolds throughout the repeating cycle. These interactions show how a community feels when facing certain destruction. The game’s side quests add emotional depth that the main story, focused on defeating Skull Kid, doesn’t fully explore.

‘Disco Elysium’ (2019)

A detective with memory loss investigates a murder, all while struggling with his own mental state. Along the way, he can choose to learn about the city’s complicated past and the different beliefs shaping its revolution. Talking to people reveals a strange, reality-bending threat known as the Pale. Unlocking a hidden quest about local myths is key to understanding the game’s deeper message about hope and what it means to be alive. Ultimately, the murder isn’t the point – it’s a way to explore themes of history and philosophy.

‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ (2023)

The group is trying to find a way to remove the mind flayer tadpoles infecting them, all while a war between the gods is brewing. Side quests focused on companions like Shadowheart and Astarion reveal the plans of powerful deities such as Shar and the origins of vampires. By reading books and exploring hidden locations, the party learns about the Dead Three gods and their past efforts to dominate the world. Talking to animals and spirits can provide crucial backstory that living characters won’t reveal. The full story behind the mysterious Absolute is discovered through these smaller, optional interactions.

‘Dark Souls’ (2011)

In Dark Souls, the player, as the Chosen Undead, journeys through Lordran to ring the Bells of Awakening and ultimately determine the fate of the First Flame. Following the storyline of the character Siegmeyer of Catarina provides a more personal tale of both adventure and hardship within this crumbling world. Exploring the optional Painted World of Ariamis introduces the unique character Priscilla and sheds light on the gods’ anxieties surrounding the Lifehunt ability. Details about the downfall of Anor Londo and the tragic corruption of the Witch of Izalith are revealed through descriptions found in these optional areas. The game’s story is largely uncovered by seeking out these hidden discoveries.

‘Dragon Age: Inquisition’ (2014)

In the game, the Inquisitor amasses forces to seal the Breach and bring peace back to the land of Thedas. As you gather fragments of the past and investigate ancient elven locations, you learn the elves’ forgotten history and their connection to the gods. Completing personal storylines for characters like Solas and Cole reveals important clues about the spirit world, known as the Fade. These optional conversations subtly hint at the true identity of Fen’Harel, the Dread Wolf, long before it’s officially revealed. Ultimately, the game’s true history challenges everything the religious texts claim.

‘Deus Ex: Mankind Divided’ (2016)

In Deus Ex: Human Revolution, Adam Jensen is tasked with solving a terrorist bombing in a city divided by people with and without mechanical enhancements. As he investigates, exploring homes and hacking computers in Prague, he uncovers the hardships faced by those who’ve chosen augmentation. A separate case involving a serial killer, the Harvester, ties the story to earlier games and delves into the mental effects of these enhancements. Learning more about the world through in-game books and news articles reveals a larger web of corporate conspiracies that drive the plot. Ultimately, the game builds its rich world more effectively through its detailed environments than through its main storyline.

‘Prey’ (2017)

In Prey, Morgan Yu struggles to stay alive during a dangerous outbreak on the Talos I space station. By reading emails and listening to crew recordings, players piece together what happened, learning how the station’s security systems slowly broke down. Completing side quests to find missing crew members reveals that unethical experiments were conducted on prisoners to develop powerful Neuromods. These discoveries give a human face to the bodies found throughout the station and show the dark side of pushing scientific boundaries. The history of the TranStar corporation and its questionable practices is uncovered through these optional story elements.

‘Batman: Arkham City’ (2011)

Batman finds himself imprisoned in a city-sized jail and needs to figure out what ‘Protocol 10’ is all about. As he solves the Riddler’s puzzles, he gains access to recordings that reveal the twisted minds of his enemies. Taking on extra missions with characters like Hush and Azrael suggests what might happen next and uncovers the long-hidden secrets of Gotham’s underground groups. By examining crime scenes left by villains like Deadshot and Zsasz, Batman gets a clearer picture of just how chaotic the city’s criminal world has become. These optional investigations help build a richer, more detailed world of villains within the prison.

‘God of War Ragnarök’ (2022)

Kratos and Atreus are getting ready for a world-ending battle that has been foretold. As they explore Vanaheim, they learn about the valley’s past and the damaging conflict between dragons and the land. Helping the dwarves Brok and Sindri reveals their history of being forced into servitude and how they fought back against Odin. And by completing challenges in Muspelheim, they gain a deeper understanding of the powerful, ancient forces at play. These journeys aren’t just diversions—they add important emotional weight to the final battle with the Norse gods.

‘Final Fantasy XV’ (2016)

I’m totally hooked on Final Fantasy XV! It’s an epic road trip with Noctis and his buddies as they try to take back their kingdom from this huge empire called Niflheim. But it’s not just about the main story – exploring the optional dungeons really fleshes out the world, showing you the stories of past kings and the monsters they fought. You also learn about this terrifying plague, the Starscourge, through radio broadcasts and notes you find – it’s like the world is slowly falling apart! And the side quests with the astrals? They explain everything about the world of Eos and what’s driving the villain, Ardyn. The more you dig, the more you understand why Noctis has to make such a huge sacrifice – it’s a really compelling story!

‘Yakuza 0’ (2015)

During the booming 1980s in Japan, Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima move through the dangerous world of crime. Throughout the cities of Kamurocho and Sotenbori, you’ll encounter a variety of side stories about the everyday lives of people – some strange, some touching. By completing the Real Estate Royale and Cabaret Club Czar storylines, you learn about the economic changes happening at the time. These optional activities add depth to the main story, showing what the yakuza were struggling to gain or hold onto.

‘Fallout 4’ (2015)

In the shattered city of Boston, a lone parent desperately searches for their missing son. While exploring the Institute, they uncover a disturbing truth: the organization is replacing people with incredibly realistic synthetic beings, and has a hidden, far-reaching agenda. Along the way, optional adventures reveal strange secrets – like the mysteries of Cabot House, filled with ancient relics and unexplainable phenomena, and the unsettling history of the Dunwich Borers quarry, which hints at a terrifying, otherworldly presence. These discoveries add a supernatural element to the game’s core conflict between technology and humanity.

‘Divinity: Original Sin II’ (2017)

In Divinity: Original Sin 2, players known as Source Hunters can break free from imprisonment and become gods, ultimately saving the world from a destructive force called the Void. Completing personal quests for characters like Fane and Lohse uncovers the secrets of the ancient Eternals and the real identities of the Seven Gods. A hidden island, Bloodmoon, tells a disturbing story of demon worship and a corrupted sacred tree. Using the Spirit Vision ability allows players to see through the lies of the ruling Magisters and understand the true reasons behind their oppressive actions. These optional storylines reveal a deeper history of Rivellon, challenging everything previously known.

‘Outer Wilds’ (2019)

The game’s main character investigates a tiny solar system stuck in a 22-minute time loop. By deciphering the writings of an ancient civilization found on various planets, players uncover why they came to this system and what led to their extinction. Discovering the secrets of a comet called the Interloper reveals the origin of a mysterious substance that destroyed all life. Each optional piece of lore acts as a clue, gradually explaining the purpose of a project called the Ash Twin Project. Ultimately, the story unfolds as a massive, optional quest focused on uncovering the truth.

‘BioShock 2’ (2010)

In the ruined underwater city of Rapture, Subject Delta searches for his Little Sister, Eleanor. Along the way, he uncovers audio diaries that tell the story of the Rapture Family, a group that formed a cult within the city. Exploring the Persephone penal colony reveals that the city’s founder, Andrew Ryan, imprisoned those who disagreed with his beliefs. These recordings explain how Rapture moved away from its original ideals and embraced religious extremism. Learning about the backstories of the mutated inhabitants, known as Splicers, makes the city’s downfall feel heartbreaking rather than simply chaotic.

‘Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II’ (2004)

In the game, you play as a Jedi attempting to reconnect with the Force and battle the powerful Sith Triumvirate, assembling a team to help you. Through conversations with the complex character Kreia, you’ll explore challenging ideas about the Force and the ongoing conflict between good and evil. Restoring the assassin droid HK-47 reveals details about the devastating Mandalorian Wars and the rise of Revan’s followers. A hidden tomb on Korriban forces you to consider the mistakes made by the Jedi in the past. The story dives into moral ambiguity, presenting a more nuanced perspective than typically seen in the Star Wars films.

‘Dishonored 2’ (2016)

I’m playing as either Emily or Corvo, and our goal is to take back the throne from Delilah, who stole it from us. One of the coolest things is this power where I can ‘listen’ to people’s hearts and find out their secrets – even who my targets are and what they’ve been up to. I’ve also been digging around in the Dust District and finding notes that show how the empire basically runs on exploiting workers in the silver mines. There are these side quests at shrines dedicated to this mysterious being called the Outsider, and they give you hints about his backstory and this weird, empty dimension he comes from. Honestly, the world feels really detailed, but you have to actively look for clues and listen to what people are saying to really understand what’s going on.

‘Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines’ (2004)

I’m playing this new vampire game set in LA, and it’s way more than just running around and biting people. I’m basically a newborn vampire trying to figure out the power struggles between all the different clans. It’s cool because side missions – like helping a crazy Malkavian or some hacker Nosferatu – are actually uncovering these huge, ancient conspiracies that are still affecting the world today. I’ve started looking into this old artifact, the Ankaran Sarcophagus, and it’s hinting at some seriously messed up end-times event called Gehenna, where the really old vampires – the Antediluvians – are supposed to rise. Plus, if you really dig around, checking emails on public computers and stuff, you find out how vampires hide their existence behind corporations. The more I investigate, the more terrifying the origins of vampirism actually seem to be – the game really rewards you for being curious.

‘Kingdom Come: Deliverance’ (2018)

In medieval Bohemia, the son of a blacksmith embarks on a quest for both revenge and meaning. Along the way, he becomes involved in local stories – investigating the monastery reveals corruption and the everyday routines of its monks, while assisting the executioner or millers highlights the rigid social classes and hidden crime of the period. These historically accurate side quests shed light on the tensions that eventually led to the Hussite Wars, offering players an immersive look into feudal society.

‘Ghost of Tsushima’ (2020)

Jin Sakai fights to protect his homeland from a Mongol invasion, but his methods challenge the traditional way of the samurai. Side quests delve into the island’s rich history, filled with supernatural stories and legendary heroes. By assisting the common people through optional missions, players witness the devastating impact of war on farmers and the crumbling of society. These stories explain why Jin must embrace the identity of the Ghost to save his people, and they add emotional weight to the game’s beautiful world.

‘Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain’ (2015)

As a huge fan of the game, I was totally hooked by the story! You play as Venom Snake, and he’s basically building up his own crew to get back at this group called Cipher. What’s really cool is that the story isn’t just handed to you – you have to find it. Listening to all those cassette tapes unlocks tons of background info about the Cold War and what drove Major Zero. Plus, the side missions where you rescue talented soldiers really show you how powerful and widespread this private military industry is. A lot of the biggest reveals, like the crazy story behind the parasites messing with your voice and the plan to control what people say, are hidden in audio logs. Honestly, if you don’t go looking for that extra stuff, you’ll miss out on a lot of the awesome plot twists!

‘Returnal’ (2021)

Selene Vassos is stuck repeating the same time on the alien world of Atropos, and she’s struggling with memories from her past. By studying alien writings and records, she uncovers the history of two ancient races: the Hivemind and the Severed. Exploring optional flashbacks reveals Selene’s emotional pain and difficult relationship with her mother. These personal stories add a deeper meaning to the sci-fi adventure, turning it into a story about dealing with loss and regret. Without these clues, the planet’s true purpose remains a mystery.

‘Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire’ (2018)

I’m completely hooked on this game! You play as the Watcher, chasing after this rebellious god named Eothas through the beautiful but dangerous Deadfire Archipelago. What’s really cool is the story isn’t just about gods and adventure. You get caught up in these big questions about colonialism and what it means for the native people of the islands, especially when you do quests for groups like the Royal Deadfire Company or the Huana. As you explore, you uncover the history of this ancient civilization, the Engwithan, and learn they actually made the gods! It’s mind-blowing. Plus, getting to know my crew members better through their personal quests really makes you think about faith and what people believe. And the best part? How you interact with all the different factions and powers really shapes the story and the world around you.

‘Xenoblade Chronicles’ (2010)

Shulk uses the Monado, a powerful sword, to battle the Mechon while standing on the frozen bodies of ancient titans. Rebuilding Colony 6 shows how strong and resourceful the Homs people are, and highlights their long history of overcoming challenges. Optional quests about the High Entia reveal that genetic experiments caused their eventual downfall. Getting to know the party members through conversations creates the emotional connections needed to fully understand the game’s ending. By working together and exploring, players gradually uncover the story of the titans themselves.

‘Assassin’s Creed Valhalla’ (2020)

In Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, players control Eivor as they lead a Viking clan establishing a new home in England, all while tracking down members of a secretive organization called the Order of the Ancients. Throughout the game, optional challenges called Animus Anomalies offer glimpses into a futuristic backstory involving an ancient civilization and a catastrophic event. Finding codex pages unlocks the history of a group known as the Hidden Ones and how they eventually became the Assassin Brotherhood. Additionally, dreamlike sequences set in the worlds of Norse mythology – Asgard and Jotunheim – provide a different perspective on the history of this ancient civilization. These optional activities aren’t just side quests; they tie the game’s historical setting into the larger, modern-day storyline.

‘Dead Space’ (2023)

In the rebuilt version of the game, Isaac Clarke not only works to fix the USG Ishimura while battling terrifying creatures created from the ship’s crew, but can also investigate what happened to his girlfriend, Nicole, and learn about the origins of the particularly dangerous Hunter necromorph. Through audio logs, players uncover how the Marker drove the crew insane before physically transforming them, and how the Church of Unitology contributed to the disaster. Understanding the mistakes made by the crew adds another layer of horror to the experience.

‘Tales of Arise’ (2021)

Alphen and Shionne are fighting to free the world of Dahna from the control of the Renans. The game features optional scenes – like chats around a campfire – that delve into the cultural clashes and biases between the two peoples. Completing side quests focused on rebuilding towns uncovers the stories of the Renan lords and how they ruled through oppression. Exploring the world to find owls and ancient relics reveals Dahna’s history before the invasion. Much of the game’s deeper meaning and social commentary is found in these optional moments and interactions.

‘GreedFall’ (2019)

In the magical world of Teer Fradee, De Sardet navigates complex political relationships as he searches for a cure to the deadly Malichor plague. Along the way, he uncovers troubling truths about the island’s colonizing powers, including harsh religious practices and questionable scientific experiments. By learning the native language through optional conversations, he discovers a profound spiritual connection between the islanders and Teer Fradee itself. These actions directly impact the region’s stability and the future of the colonies, as the island’s history holds the key to ending the plague.

‘Wasteland 3’ (2020)

Okay, so I’m playing as the Desert Rangers, and we had to head up to Colorado to grab supplies for our base back in Arizona. While exploring, I stumbled onto these optional bunkers and kept picking up weird radio signals. It all started painting this crazy picture of the Patriarch’s kids and what happened in this region before everything went down. I also got wrapped up in some side quests with this cult called the Gippers – seriously bizarre stuff, they’re basically worshipping an AI that’s obsessed with oil! The coolest part is finding bits and pieces of the old world – the stuff before the bombs fell – hidden in the most unexpected places. Honestly, the game really hits hard with its commentary through these optional encounters; it’s some pretty sharp satire.

‘The Outer Worlds’ (2019)

In the game, you play as a character who wakes up from a long sleep to help the Halcyon colony, which is failing because of bad management by the corporations in charge. As you explore, you find logs and records that show how the colony slowly fell apart due to a lack of supplies and endless red tape. Side quests with characters like Parvati and Vicar Max delve into the human cost of a society obsessed with profit. These stories explain the colony’s decline and how its leaders refuse to admit there’s a problem. While the game looks bright and colorful, its story paints a dark and depressing picture of what’s happening.

‘Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen’ (2013)

In Dragon’s Dogma, the hero, known as the Arisen, must defeat a dragon and break free from a never-ending cycle of rebirth. The Bitterblack Isle expansion tells the heartbreaking story of a previous Arisen, Ashe, and his companion, Olra. By finding and reading ancient stone tablets within the dungeons, players uncover the dark fate that awaits those who try to disrupt this cycle. Completing quests related to the Duke reveals his desperate deal with the dragon to hold onto his power. These stories collectively suggest a hidden truth about the world’s creator.

‘Persona 4 Golden’ (2012)

A group of high school students unravels a string of murders connected to a strange world within televisions. As they build relationships with friends and townspeople, they uncover the personal problems and secret wishes of everyone in Inaba. Exploring an optional area reveals the source of the mysterious fog and the gods influencing the events. These connections are key to understanding the game’s themes of truth and acceptance, adding depth to the supernatural mystery. To see the complete story, players must fully explore and understand these relationships.

‘Nioh 2’ (2020)

This game is set in Japan’s turbulent Sengoku period and features a mercenary who is part-demon. Beyond the main story, you’ll often help the ghosts of historical figures find rest. The game’s bestiary, found in the ‘Yokai Illustrations’ section, details the folklore and sad backstories of each demon. It reveals that many of these creatures were once people transformed by the horrors of war or overwhelming feelings, connecting the fantastical elements to the real tragedies of the time.

‘Pathologic 2’ (2019)

In “The Haruspex,” you have twelve days to save a town from a deadly sand plague. As you get to know the town’s children, you’ll uncover the strange rules governing this world and learn about a mysterious object called the Polyhedron. Optional evening performances offer thought-provoking reflections on the day’s events and the game’s deeper meaning. By helping the town’s leaders, you’ll discover the clashing beliefs that are dividing the community. Ultimately, the story is a complex exploration of philosophical ideas, all set against the backdrop of a desperate struggle for survival.

‘Grim Dawn’ (2016)

Players struggle to survive in a world torn apart by a conflict between two powerful otherworldly forces. The story unfolds through collectible notes and diaries found on fallen enemies and within buildings, detailing the invasion of the Aetherials and the rise of the Chthonian cult. These texts explain how the Aetherials infiltrated the empire’s leadership, leading to a dark age. Completing side quests with the Rovers reveals the land’s forgotten history and the curses that haunt it. The game’s story is primarily told through these optional pieces of lore.

‘Blasphemous’ (2019)

In the dark world of Cvstodia, the Penitent One journeys to end a never-ending cycle of guilt. By examining items and remains, players uncover the horrifying origins of the Miracle and its corrupted gifts. Conversations with optional characters like Tirso and Deogracias reveal the strict religious beliefs that cause so much suffering. These scattered pieces of information create a disturbing portrait of a world fixated on punishment and atonement, with its history revealed not only through dialogue, but also within the game’s item descriptions.

‘SOMA’ (2015)

Simon Jarrett finds himself awake in an underwater facility after undergoing a brain scan. By accessing data and computers, he pieces together what happened: a comet struck the Earth and wiped out the surface world. He can also talk to the few remaining people and robots, leading to discussions about what it means to copy a mind. Exploring the living spaces reveals personal stories of the facility’s crew and their fates. The true horror of the situation unfolds as Simon uncovers these details through their records.

‘Planescape: Torment’ (1999)

You begin the game as a character with no memory, waking up in a mortuary with a scarred body. As you talk to companions like Dak’kon and Morte, you slowly uncover the truth about your past lives through branching conversations. Exploring the city of Sigil and completing side quests delves into the power of belief and how it can actually change reality. By examining special stones, you can even experience memories belonging to others. Ultimately, the entire game feels like a journey to rediscover who you are.

Share your favorite game where the side quests were better than the main story in the comments.

2025-12-11 03:26