sidequest
nounUK /ˈsaɪdkwɛst/ · US /ˈsaɪdˌkwɛst/
Etymology From side (“incidental; indirect”, adjective) + quest (noun).
1
Fiction, History, Human sciences, Literature, Media, Publishing, Sciences In fictional or historical writings about chivalric romances: a quest embarked upon by a knight or other person which is not the main quest.
2
Video games A quest given to a player which has no direct bearing on the outcome of the main campaign or story of a video game, but often provides additional rewards.
- Completion of a sidequest often results in the acquisition of money or items that are otherwise unavailable, or unlocks another sidequest.
- The following items are either the objects of a quest or vital components of an optional sidequest.2003, Bryan Stratton, Stephen Stratton, The Legend of Zelda®: The Wind Waker, Prima Games, →ISBN, page 19:
2 more examples
- Two tasks I want to discuss are mentioned several times within this chapter: sidequests and adventure paths. These tasks are unique because they offer students a challenge beyond the required work within Michael's classroom. Sidequests are projects that students complete to deepen their understanding of the content.2022, Adam Moreno, Purpose-Driven Learning: Unlocking and Empowering Our Students’ Innate Passion for Learning, Taylor & Francis, →ISBN:
- “Ooh, this is gonna be awesome. As soon as we clean up those nanites I'm gonna...” “Sorry, Mr. Boimler, but you and I have a little side quest we need to take care of.” “Ew. don't wink. Winking's gross.” “Not when I pair it with my signature smirk.” “Worse.”2024 October 31, Stephanie Amante-Ritter, “The Best Exotic Nanite Hotel” (1:29 from the start), in Star Trek: Lower Decks, season 5, episode 3, spoken by Jack Ransom (Jerry O'Connell):
3
Video games Internet, Broadly A real-world action or task which a person does in addition to or instead of a main action or task.
- That celebrity keeps completing random sidequests like hosting award shows.
- ATEEZ had a whole sidequest phase during lockdown, as each of them dedicated their time and did videos on some specific thing that they felt like doing2024 June 11, @Fille_de_Lune, “What are some of your favourite examples of idols doing side quests?”, in Reddit:
- Related terms
- on the side, side gig, side hustle, side job, side piece