sidequest
Bonus story tangent
A sidequest is an optional mission in a video game, separate from the main storyline but offering rewards like items, experience, or backstory.
The term has spread beyond gaming to describe any secondary pursuit or tangential errand: I went to the hardware store and ended up on a sidequest through three antique shops.
A sidequest implies distraction from the main goal, often enjoyable but not strictly necessary.
Linked game missions
- NPCUncontrolled game character
- collectibleObject worth amassing
- lootStolen valuables
- grindingMolar action sometimes
leveling · completionist · minigame · dungeon · crafting · achievement · bossfight · powerup
Reward beyond expectation
- extraAdditional, beyond necessary
- nonessentialNot required or needed
- secondaryLesser in rank
- supplementaryServing to complete
ancillary · elective · skippable · missable · peripheral · discretionary · additional · incidental
Short task away from home
- missionPurpose-driven task
- objectivePurpose or goal
- assignmentAllocated work or duty
- favorKind act or preference
job · undertaking · chore · retrieval · delivery · bounty · odd job · request
Thing diverting one's attention
- detourAlternate path around obstruction
- digressionVeering off topic
- tangentLine touching curve once
- diversionRedirection of attention
interlude · deviation · rabbit hole · procrastination · offshoot · intermission · break · departure
questline
Linked game missions
- NPCUncontrolled game character
- collectibleObject worth amassing
- lootStolen valuables
grinding · leveling · completionist · minigame · dungeon · crafting · achievement · bossfight · powerup · lore
bonus
Reward beyond expectation
- extraAdditional, beyond necessary
- nonessentialNot required or needed
- secondaryLesser in rank
supplementary · ancillary · elective · skippable · missable · peripheral · discretionary · additional · incidental · voluntary
errand
Short task away from home
- missionPurpose-driven task
- objectivePurpose or goal
- assignmentAllocated work or duty
favor · job · undertaking · chore · retrieval · delivery · bounty · odd job · request · commission
distraction
Thing diverting one's attention
- detourAlternate path around obstruction
- digressionVeering off topic
- tangentLine touching curve once
diversion · interlude · deviation · rabbit hole · procrastination · offshoot · intermission · break · departure · wandering
sidequestmain quest
Primary narrative path
critical path · finale · final boss · endgame · climax
side, quest, sides, sided, siding, sideway, sideways, sidelong, beside