The Eternal RPG Dilemma
You've just hit a new region, your quest log has ballooned to 23 active objectives, and the main story is pulling you forward. Do you follow the critical path, or do you spend the next four hours clearing every side quest marker on the map? This is one of the most common questions in RPG gaming — and the right answer depends on a few key factors.
The Case for Prioritizing Main Quests
Following the main story first has genuine advantages:
- Narrative momentum: Story-driven RPGs are designed to be experienced with forward momentum. Stopping every few minutes for side content can break immersion and make it harder to follow the plot.
- Unlocking systems: Many RPGs gate important mechanics, abilities, or regions behind main quest progress. You may literally unlock better side content by advancing the story first.
- Avoiding spoilers: Some side quests reference or react to main story events. Playing them "out of order" can spoil surprises or create confusing context gaps.
The Case for Clearing Side Quests First
Side quests before the main story is the right call in many situations:
- Experience and leveling: If you're approaching a difficulty wall, side quests are the natural way to close the level gap without grinding.
- Limited-time content: Many games remove side quests after certain main story milestones. If a quest is flagged with a warning or feels contextually urgent, do it first.
- Resource generation: Side quests often reward gold, rare items, or crafting materials that make the main quest easier. This is especially valuable early to mid-game.
- World exploration: Side quests take you off the critical path and often reveal the most interesting parts of the game world.
A Decision Framework You Can Actually Use
Instead of defaulting to one approach every time, use these questions to decide:
- Is the main quest close to a major story milestone? If so, consider clearing nearby side quests before crossing that threshold.
- Are you at or above the recommended level for the next main quest? If yes, side quests won't give you a meaningful power boost — proceed with the story.
- Does the game warn you about missable content? Pay attention to NPC dialogue and quest warnings. "I won't be here much longer" is always a signal.
- Are you enjoying the main story? If you're invested, follow it. Side quests are still there when the tension breaks.
Game-Specific Tendencies
Different game styles lean differently by design:
| Game Type | General Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Linear story RPGs | Clear side quests per chapter before progressing |
| Open-world RPGs | Alternate — advance story to unlock areas, then explore |
| Action-adventure games | Follow the main quest; side content rarely time-locks |
| JRPGs | Clear side content before each major boss to stay leveled |
The "No Wrong Answer" Reality
Here's the honest truth: outside of missable time-sensitive content, there's no objectively wrong order. The right approach is the one that keeps you engaged. If side quests feel like chores, skip them. If the main story feels too fast, slow down and explore. RPGs reward the players who play their way — not those who follow a prescribed order out of obligation.
What Experienced Players Do
Most veteran RPG players settle into a rhythm: advance the main story to each new major hub or region, then sweep the surrounding area for side content before moving on. It balances narrative momentum with thorough exploration — and it's a rhythm you'll develop naturally after a few dozen hours in the genre.