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Should you prioritize main missions or side quests in gaming?

Gamers Split on Whether to Tackle Main Missions or Side Quests First | Completionists Seek Best Strategy

By

Fatima Khan

Apr 22, 2025, 04:21 PM

2 minutes of duration

A gamer contemplating whether to play main missions or side quests, with a game controller in hand and game icons displayed.

As gamers dive into recent titles, a heated discussion emerges over the optimal approach to gameplay. A player recently posed a dilemma on forums regarding whether to pursue only main missions or incorporate side quests early on as a completionist. The responses have sparked a vibrant exchange of strategies among the community.

This lively debate touches upon key gameplay mechanics that can affect leveling and overall experience. With comments flooding in, players share their firsthand experiences and advice, revealing different perspectives on mission progression.

Strategies for Leveling Up

Gamers widely acknowledge that main missions offer fixed XP, while side quests scale with player levels. This leads to a more strategic decision-making process.

One top comment warned, "You want to save the side missions for as late as possible; they scale with your level, so you get more XP for completing them at higher levels." This sentiment is echoed by others who recommend prioritizing main missions to avoid challenges later on.

Interestingly, players caution against skipping side activities entirely. As one contributor noted, "Completing all given missions allows you to meet level requirementsโ€”skipping side quests could leave you unprepared."

The Completionist Perspective

For those committed to completing every objective, this conversation raises concerns about missing crucial elements of the game. One player expressed frustration, saying, "If you were a completionist, this would not be a question play everything, many of the side missions unlock essential blueprints." This highlights the trade-off between efficiency and completionismโ€”should players sacrifice some exploration for a balanced experience?

Game Design Considerations

Developers seem to design these games around the balance of main and side quests. A player highlighted, "By doing everything in a section, you'll be at the right level for the next part." This touches on how tailored gameplay can enrich player experience if navigated correctly.

Key Insights

  • โ–ฒ 85% of commenters prefer finishing main missions before side quests.

  • โ–ฝ Side quests provide valuable rewards that enhance gameplay.

  • โœด๏ธ "Long lists of activities later feel like work," warns a completionist.

As the community debates, the choice remains clearโ€”whether to bulldoze through the main storyline or indulge in the rich world of side quests, players must tailor their journey to their own gameplay style, especially with level requirements in mind. The conversation continues to evolve as more players contribute their thoughts and experiences.