Crafting the Ultimate Adventure: How to Write Your Own Side Quests

20 September 2025

If you’re anything like me, the thought of crafting an exciting side quest makes your imagination run wild. Side quests are the soul of any great adventure, those little nuggets of story that can transform a decent game into an unforgettable one. They offer players a chance to stray off the beaten path, delve into the unknown, and uncover hidden treasures (literally and metaphorically). But how do you go about writing these mini-adventures? Grab your sword (or, well, your keyboard), and let’s dive into the art of creating side quests that players will actually care about.

Why Side Quests Matter

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of writing them, let’s talk about why side quests are so important in the first place. A good side quest gives players a break from the main story while still keeping them immersed in the game world. They can enrich your game's lore, develop secondary characters, and sprinkle in a bit of humor or unpredictability.

Think about some of your favorite games. Did the Witcher 3’s “Bloody Baron” quest come to mind? Or maybe Skyrim’s “A Night to Remember”? These quests stand out because they’re more than just “go here and fetch this.” They’re memorable and meaningful. That’s the goal here: to craft something that sticks with your audience long after the game is over.

So, how do you do that? Let’s break it down with some actionable steps.

1. Start with a Purpose

Every quest needs a reason to exist. Ask yourself: Why is this quest here? What role does it play in the player’s journey? The purpose can vary. Maybe it fleshes out a secondary character’s backstory, introduces a new mechanic, or just gives players a fun sandbox to experiment in. But without a clear purpose, your quest might end up feeling like filler content.

For example, let’s say you want to create a side quest for a fantasy RPG where the main storyline is all about defeating an ancient evil. Your side quest could give players insight into a long-lost civilization that previously battled the same threat. Not only does this tie into the larger narrative, but it also enriches the game world.

2. Create Interesting NPCs

Let’s face it: Nobody wants to accept a quest from a lifeless, uninspired character. Your NPCs (non-player characters) should have distinct personalities, quirks, and motivations. Think of them as the players’ gateway into the side quest. If they’re boring, the quest is boring. Period.

Here are a few tips to make your NPCs pop:

- Give Them a Backstory: Even if the players won’t hear the whole thing, knowing your NPC’s history helps make their dialogue and actions more believable.
- Make Them Relatable: Players are more likely to connect with an NPC who feels real. Maybe your blacksmith has a sick daughter they’re trying to save, or the shy librarian secretly writes adventure novels.
- Add a Dose of Personality: Maybe they have a weird accent, an unusual hobby, or an unforgettable catchphrase. These little touches make your characters stand out.

3. Design a Compelling Hook

A hook is the reason why players will want to take on the side quest in the first place. It’s the narrative equivalent of dangling a shiny object in front of a magpie. The best hooks ignite curiosity or promise a worthwhile reward.

Let’s brainstorm a few hooks:
- A mysterious letter delivered by a crow, hinting at a hidden fortune.
- A frantic villager who claims to have seen a dragon in the nearby woods.
- A locked treasure chest found in a cave, with no key in sight.

Your hook should raise questions the player wants to answer. Remember, curiosity is your best tool here.

4. Add Layers of Choice

Nobody likes a side quest that feels like a straight line. Adding layers of choice allows players to approach the quest the way they want, giving them a sense of agency. Will they help the NPC, betray them, or ignore them altogether?

For instance, imagine a quest where a merchant asks the player to retrieve a stolen artifact. Along the way, the player discovers that the thieves only stole it because the merchant cheated them in a deal. Now the player has to choose: return the artifact, side with the thieves, or keep it for themselves.

Choices give your quests replayability and depth. Plus, they make players feel like their decisions matter.

5. Balance Challenge and Fun

Nobody wants to slog through endless grinding or overwhelming combat just to complete a side quest. The best quests strike a balance between challenge and fun. They should push the player’s skills without crossing the line into frustration.

Don’t be afraid to mix things up. Maybe one quest is combat-heavy, another focuses on problem-solving, and a third is all about exploration. Variety keeps players engaged and ensures there’s something for everyone.

6. Include Unexpected Twists

Let’s be real: Predictable quests are boring. One of the best ways to keep players engaged is by throwing in a twist or two. Maybe the treasure chest is cursed. Maybe the NPC who sent you on the quest is actually the villain. Or maybe the dragon you were supposed to slay turns out to be a misunderstood guardian protecting an orphanage.

Unexpected twists make your side quests feel dynamic and alive. Plus, they’re just plain fun to write.

7. Reward the Player

Let’s not forget one of the main reasons players take on side quests: the rewards. And no, I’m not just talking about gold or loot (though those are great too). Rewards can come in many forms:

- Emotional Payoff: Maybe the player helps reunite a family or saves a village from destruction.
- World-Building: Players uncover a juicy piece of lore or history that ties into the greater story.
- Useful Items: Give them a unique weapon, piece of armor, or magical trinket they wouldn’t find otherwise.
- New Opportunities: Completing the quest unlocks access to a new area or additional quests.

Make sure the reward feels proportional to the effort players put into the quest. Nobody wants to fight a boss-level enemy only to get a rusty dagger as their prize.

8. Polish the Details

Last but not least, polish your side quest to perfection. That means tightening the dialogue, refining the pacing, and making sure every aspect feels cohesive. Don’t rush this part—it’s the difference between a good quest and a great one.

Also, test your side quest as much as possible. Get feedback from friends or fellow writers, and don’t be afraid to make changes based on that feedback.

Final Thoughts

Crafting a standout side quest is no walk in the park, but it’s absolutely worth the effort. When done right, side quests can become some of the most memorable parts of your game. They give players the chance to explore your world, connect with your characters, and have a little fun along the way.

So, what are you waiting for? Start brainstorming, and let those creative juices flow. Who knows? You might just create the next “Bloody Baron” or “A Night to Remember.