sidequests
Bonus game tasks
Sidequests are optional missions in video games that branch off from the main storyline.
They offer additional content, rewards, or character development without being required to complete the game: I spent hours on sidequests before finishing the main story.
The term extends figuratively to any secondary pursuit that distracts from a primary goal: My attempt to organize the closet turned into a sidequest involving old photo albums.
Assigned important tasks
- objectivesIntended targets or ends
- minigamesSmall embedded game segments
- collectiblesItems people amass
- achievementsCompleted goals worth noting
NPCs · lore · unlockables · grinding · farming · crafting · rewards · trophies
Lesser in rank
- ancillaryProviding additional support
- supplementaryServing to complete
- peripheralExternal computer add-on
- nonessentialNot required or needed
elective · discretionary · skippable · missable · bonus · extra · detour · diversion
Act of finding something
- unchartedNot yet documented
- hiddenKept out of sight
- secretConcealed information
- landmarksDistinctive, recognizable locations
mapping · scout · waypoints · terrain · treasure hunting · dungeon crawling · cave exploring · world-building
Subordinate narrative strand
- character arcsProtagonists' gradual transformation over time
- worldbuildingConstructing imaginary universes for fiction
- vignettesBrief evocative descriptions
- backstoryCharacter's past narrative
Recreational leisure activity
- passion projectSelf-motivated creative undertaking
- bucket listPre-death wish inventory
- extracurricularOutside regular coursework
- volunteer workFreely given service
tangent · distraction · detour · adventure · spontaneous · unplanned · life goals
missions
Assigned important tasks
- objectivesIntended targets or ends
- minigamesSmall embedded game segments
- collectiblesItems people amass
achievements · NPCs · lore · unlockables · grinding · farming · crafting · rewards · trophies · dialogue
secondary
Lesser in rank
- ancillaryProviding additional support
- supplementaryServing to complete
- peripheralExternal computer add-on
nonessential · elective · discretionary · skippable · missable · bonus · extra · detour · diversion · tangent
discovery
Act of finding something
landmarks · mapping · scout · waypoints · terrain · treasure hunting · dungeon crawling · cave exploring · world-building
subplot
Subordinate narrative strand
- character arcsProtagonists' gradual transformation over time
- worldbuildingConstructing imaginary universes for fiction
- vignettesBrief evocative descriptions
backstory · branching paths · journal · codex · flavor text
hobby
Recreational leisure activity
- passion projectSelf-motivated creative undertaking
- bucket listPre-death wish inventory
- extracurricularOutside regular coursework
volunteer work · tangent · distraction · detour · adventure · spontaneous · unplanned · life goals