10 Time-Consuming Video Game Side-Quests That ARE Worth Finishing

As gaming has increased in complexity over the years, so have the side-quests. Although these superfluous undertakings were once considered a small bonus, recent IPs have put more focus on optional jobs, to the point where the B-material takes more time to complete than the main campaign. Even though these adventures aren't mandatory, they can be surprisingly addictive, especially when they're short and sweet.

However, it's problematic when the side-missions starts feeling like the actual mission. If a fetch-quest or collect-a-thon eats up too many hours, players start to wonder if they're wasting their time. And when these task are designed to be time-consuming rather than enjoyable, it gives players less motivation to take part in them. (Every Batman Arkham player experienced this feeling while collecting all those Riddler trophies.)

But just because an assignment isn't obligatory doesn't mean the developers half-assed it. By injecting these tasks with hilarious banter, sharp writing, unique mechanics, and immersive world-building, they can be the most rewarding part of the entire playthrough.

Gamers aren't committed to partake in these side-quests, but it would be a huge mistake not to.

In Fallout 4's Nuka-World DLC, the Sole Survivor can take part in a neat little treasure hunt. Using a unique pair of spectacles, the player needs to locate ten little caps called Cappies, which are hidden around the titular theme park.

Although this escapade sounds easy, scouring every crevasse and double-checking each corner to find one of these infernal thingamajigs is infuriating. The Cappy in a Haystack quest becomes so tedious, players may give up, believing the reward won't be worth it. After all, what accolade can sanction such a menial task? A trophy? A slightly upgraded weapon? Money?

Rest assured, this caper deserves to be seen through, just to watch the hilarious conclusion. Once all Cappys are found, the unnamed protagonist gains access to the office of the park's founder, John-Caleb Bradberton.

By exploring the room, the player will find a subterranean chamber, leading to Bradberton's cryogenically frozen head. (Okay, didn't see that coming.) Barberton then explains how he's tired of living like a Futurama jar-head before imploreing our hero to kill him. It's a nuisance to reach this point, but the bonkers pay-off is an absolute delight.