8 RPGs that make (almost) every side quest feel essential

From elusive frying pans to dismembered clowns Not all RPG side quests are created equal. For every captivating detour that nets you a spiffy new weapon or reveals an intriguing detail about the story, there are a dozen tedious slogs requiring you to kill five slimes or gather some herbs on a dangerous mountain. But a fascinating little side story can help make an epic adventure feel all the more meaningful — and provide a welcome diversion from the daunting task of saving the world. It’s all but impossible to find an RPG that contains no “filler” whatsoever — everyone’s appetite for fetch quests and fighting colosseum minigames will vary. But these eight games include outstanding side quests that are well worth your time, with memorable storytelling, missable secrets, and unique gameplay mechanics. After an apocalyptic battle, the second half of Final Fantasy 6 sees all your party members scattered to the winds. It’s possible — though challenging — to take on the final dungeon and boss with only a party of three out of the 14 recruitable allies. By that point in the story, though, you’ll probably be eager to get the band back together, just to see what everyone’s been up to. These