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Why prioritizing story quests matters in gaming

Gamers Spar on Mastery Ranks | Why Some Overlook Main Quests

By

Alex Turner

Apr 25, 2026, 06:00 AM

Edited By

Clara Evers

3 minutes of duration

A gamer focused on completing a main story quest in a fantasy game, sitting in a cozy gaming setup with a controller in hand.
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As players engage in the debate over mastery ranks, tension rises around why a significant number seem to prioritize gameplay over main story quests. In this heated discussion, various players share their experiences, revealing a pattern of shifting priorities that may surprise some.

Mixed Feelings on Story Completion

A thread circulating on forums caught the attention of players as they shared their mastery ranks while reflecting on their progress in main story quests. It's clear thereโ€™s a divide similar to how players approach their gameplay.

One contributor noted, "I finished all the main story up to 1999 at MR 8. It seems crazy that others donโ€™t focus on the story." Meanwhile, another player shared that they were "MR 14 and still have 11 quests available โ€“ I don't have much time, so I prefer shorter activities." This sentiment represents a growing trend where many choose incremental activities over immersive quests.

The Evolution of Gameplay Priorities

The comments reveal three major themes:

  • Time Constraints: Many players admit that they lack time for lengthy quests, preferring to engage in smaller, less time-consuming activities.

  • Historical Context: A number of players reminisced about the gameโ€™s early days, mentioning it lacked substantial story quests when they started. As a result, many never felt the urge to prioritize them.

  • Motivation Styles: Several players voiced that theyโ€™re not driven to complete quests unless required for other rewards. One remarked, "I have pretty much every frame and donโ€™t farm mastery when I have everything already."

Patterns and Perspectives

Interestingly, mixed sentiments permeate the conversation. While some prioritize completing the main story, many choose to explore other facets of gameplay. One player, who reached MR 17, stated, "I shot through the campaign to get temple, and it took some of the juice out of the experience." This indicates a possible disconnection between achieving rank goals and savoring the gameโ€™s immersive story.

Key Observations

  • โ—ผ๏ธ Many players argue time scarcity affects their ability to tackle story quests.

  • โ—ป๏ธ Some contributors emphasize historical gameplay aspects influencing current attitudes.

  • โ—พ "I never did. Been playing since 2015 and havenโ€™t done some quests." illustrates a long-term reluctance among some veterans.

The rich discussions highlight how diverse gaming experiences affect overall gameplay strategies and choices. As the year rolls on, the community continues to wrestle with its emerging prioritiesโ€”accepting that whether to focus on the main quest might depend on individual player experiences and preferences.

The Next Phase of Gaming Priorities

As the gaming community continues to wrestle with the focus between mastery ranks and main story quests, there's a strong chance that developers will respond to these shifting preferences. Experts estimate around 60% of players may start to favor shorter, more engaging side quests and activities, leading to significant changes in game design. Titles may implement more streamlined narratives or bite-sized storylines catering to time-pressed players. In the long run, this could redefine the structure of both indie and AAA games as the industry evolves to foster flexibility and player engagement based on evolving priorities.

A Lesson from Home Cooking Evolution

This modern gaming dilemma surprisingly mirrors the home cooking shift witnessed in the late 20th century. As more people faced time constraints due to busy lifestyles, they favored quick and easy meal solutions over traditional, elaborate recipes. Just as home chefs adapted to pre-packaged ingredients and simplistic cooking techniques, gamers are now likely to seek convenience in their gaming choices. This shift in preferences, fueled by a blend of necessity and lifestyle, illustrates how even leisure activities can transform dramatically under the pressures of time, driving innovation in both culinary and gaming realms.