In the realm of JRPGs, players often find themselves caught in epic battles against deities or engaging in challenging questlines. However, the adventure extends beyond primary narratives to the enticing world of sidequests, where treasure, spells, and intricate stories await. Not every sidequest is created equal, and some shine brightly with engaging tales and enriching gameplay.
If you’re on the hunt for games that feature a bounty of captivating side stories, you’re in the right place. This article highlights ten of the finest sidequests in the JRPG genre, showcasing diverse experiences that enhance your gameplay.
10 Elusive Badge
A Thief’s Prize
At the Trouble Center in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, players can engage in various quick tasks that yield badges and Coins while progressing through the primary storyline. Among these tasks, one notable sidequest enhances the experience through character recruitment.
In Elusive Badge, players aid Mario in recruiting his “frenemy, ”Ms. Mowz, a crafty mouse thief. While not essential for advancing the main plot, her skill in detecting hidden items proves invaluable for completionists. This sidequest invites players to revisit the game’s opening dungeon, combining familiar areas with fresh abilities and enriching the roster with a fascinating character.
9 Here Come The Brides
An Alien Wedding
Amid the struggle for human survival depicted in Xenoblade Chronicles X, players can still join in the festivities of an alien wedding in the humorous sidequest “Here Come the Brides.”In this comedic narrative, players assist Nemard Wolfen, an alien groom, in overcoming relationship challenges.
The quest encourages interaction with various NPCs, allowing players to uncover more about the game’s lore while building camaraderie between humans and the Tree Clan aliens. The result is a festive atmosphere in New Los Angeles, balancing humor with in-game world-building.
8 Cave of Oblivion
Recurring Treasure Hunt
Drawing inspiration from Norse mythology, Valkyrie Profile features a ticking clock looming over the adventure, counting down to Ragnarok. This adds an element of urgency to the choice of when to explore the challenging Cave of Oblivion.
Players must weigh the benefits of entering early—yielding crucial artifacts—against the potential for deeper exploration during later visits. This adds depth to the typical “optional dungeon”format, elevating the sidequest to a meaningful component of the gameplay experience.
7 Leif’s Request
Reveal the Party’s Past
In Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling, an indie gem reminiscent of Paper Mario, sidequests enrich character lore and story depth. Midway through your journey, Leif, a magic-wielding moth, beckons the party to unravel his mysterious past.
This quest transports players to a hidden section of the game’s first dungeon, culminating in an intense showdown against the optional boss, Zommoth. The exploration not only deepens your understanding of the game world but also unravels vital aspects of Leif’s backstory, rewarding players with new abilities and enhancing party dynamics.
6 Night of Farewells
Island-Hopping Battle
The Fire Emblem series is known for its engaging sidequests, with “Night of Farewells”standing out as particularly memorable. In this challenging chapter, players navigate treacherous islands with bridges that rise and fall, making tactics essential.
Players must strategically manage mobility against formidable enemies, including a dangerous bishop wielding a Berserk staff, turning the terrain into chaotic combat zones. Overcoming this level yields Jaffar, a powerful assassin capable of providing devastating attacks throughout the rest of the game, making this sidequest worth the effort.
5 Private Actions
Swift Relationship Building
In Star Ocean: The Second Story R, the concept of “private actions”offers a unique twist on sidequests. Depending on player choices and interaction successes, these private moments lead to further quests and deeper character engagement, significantly enhancing the storyline.
As characters bond, an array of new sidequests materializes, rewarding players with powerful new abilities and additional storylines. This dynamic fosters rich character development and elevates the overall JRPG experience.
4 The Wounded Soldier
Letters for Love
In the haunting World of Ruin segment of Final Fantasy VI, players encounter numerous compelling sidequests. Among them, helping a wounded soldier correspond with his beloved, Lola, stands as a standout narrative.
This quest unravels a poignant story as letters travel back and forth, revealing the soldier’s struggles and Lola’s heartache. Completing the quest not only provides a touching resolution but also rewards players with the Tintinnabulum necklace, which aids in health recovery on the world map.
3 Niccolo’s Business Unusual
A Merchant’s Schemes
Unlike the traditional JRPG structure, Legend of Mana creates an engaging narrative through intertwining quests, particularly exemplified by the quirky antics of Niccolo, a scheming merchant.
His sidequests provide a comedic lens through which to explore interactions with other NPCs, embodying the game’s thematic essence of “living”through absence of rigid chapters or levels. This blend of quirky storytelling and vibrant character development creates a memorable gaming experience.
2 Mementos
Explore Humanity’s Unconscious
In the multifaceted world of Persona 5 Royal, players navigate a labyrinthine mega-dungeon known as Mementos, filled with side quests that resonate deeply with the game’s overarching themes.
Comprising 66 randomly-generated floors, Mementos vividly portrays the collective unconscious within the mythical Metaverse. By exploring this dungeon, players confront villains, engage in quest encounters, and uncover intricate narratives that intertwine with the protagonist’s motivations, promising profound insights as they delve deeper into the abyss.
1 The Rainbow Shell
Time-Spanning Side Epic
Celebrated for its intricate narrative and gameplay mechanics, Chrono Trigger offers high-caliber storytelling not just in the main plot but also through the side quest involving the elusive Rainbow Shell.
This quest encompasses a variety of challenges, starting with the seemingly simple task of retrieving the Rainbow Shell and escalates to time-traveling encounters, legal battles, and climactic battles against recurring foes. Through captivating storytelling, players experience rich character development, especially with Marle’s familial ties, culminating in receiving one of the game’s most powerful weapons.
All these elements combine to solidify the Rainbow Shell sidequest as a highlight of the gaming experience, leaving an indelible mark on fans of Chrono Trigger.
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