Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

side quest

American  
[sahyd kwest] / ˈsaɪd ˈkwɛst /

noun

side quests plural
  1. a quest or objective in a story or video game that is related to but not directly part of the main storyline or objective.

  2. a secondary objective or pursuit.


Other Word Forms

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

His hero’s journey now includes a side quest fighting the world’s richest man in an existential battle.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026

Adomian took the opportunity to complete a long-awaited side quest when his tour paused for the 2024 holiday season.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 15, 2025

Surprisingly, learning these curses is not part of the main storyline, but comes with completing steps of Sebastian Sallow’s side quest.

From Washington Times • Mar. 13, 2023

The show is best when it's groups of people bantering in the woods, as opposed to wallowing in damp industrial buildings, so it's nice to see the band head off on a merry side quest.

From Salon • Sep. 17, 2022

Dungeon are more likely to try to get you to go on a side quest for them than to share their opinions about the latest Ryan Reynolds film.

From Slate • Aug. 13, 2021

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "side quest" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com