Side quests are an essential part of most games, offering valuable rewards, experience points, world-building, and progression boosts. However, they can also become time-consuming if you don’t approach them strategically. To help you clear them efficiently, this guide covers the most effective methods for completing side quests faster, without missing important rewards or story elements.
Prioritize High-Value Quests First
Not all side quests offer equal benefits. Focus on those that provide experience boosts, rare items, skill unlocks, or permanent upgrades. High-value quests accelerate your overall progression and often unlock shortcuts that make later quests significantly easier.
Group Quests by Location
One of the fastest ways to save time is by completing quests in clusters. Before setting out, check your map and identify quests that occur in the same area. Completing multiple tasks in a single trip minimizes travel time and makes questing far more efficient.
Use Fast Travel Whenever Possible
Most modern games include fast-travel systems. Unlock and use them frequently to reduce downtime between objectives. If a fast-travel point is near a quest location, activate it early so you can return quickly when needed.
Upgrade Mobility and Traversal Skills
Movement skills—such as mounts, sprint boosts, stamina upgrades, grappling hooks, teleportation abilities, or parkour traits—allow you to navigate the world much faster. Prioritizing mobility ensures you reach quest areas quickly and avoid unnecessary encounters.
Keep Essential Gear Ready
Some side quests require specific tools, weapons, or items. Keep a small set of universally useful equipment in your inventory, such as:
– Gathering tools
– Puzzle-solving items
– A ranged weapon
– Healing supplies
Being prepared prevents you from returning to town unnecessarily, saving time on preparations.
Read Quest Descriptions Carefully
Many players lose time by overlooking key instructions. Reading the quest text helps you avoid:
– Visiting the wrong location
– Fighting unnecessary enemies
– Missing a required item
A quick but attentive read often reveals shortcuts or alternative solutions that cut down on quest time significantly.
Track Only One or Two Quests at a Time
Tracking too many quests makes the map crowded and confusing. Keep your focus on one primary quest and one nearby secondary objective. This workflow keeps your path efficient and reduces backtracking.
Skip Non-Essential Combat
Not every enemy encounter is worth your time. If combat does not advance the quest or provide meaningful rewards, avoid it when possible. Dodging unnecessary fights keeps your pace high and your resources intact.
Follow the Main Path Before Exploring
Many quests require visiting a specific marker before interacting with optional content. Going off-route early can cause unnecessary backtracking. Prioritize reaching quest checkpoints first, then explore surrounding areas if needed.
Use Companion or NPC Hints
If the game offers companion dialogue, map hints, or quest markers, use them. These features often highlight optimal routes, hidden shortcuts, or key items that dramatically speed up completion.
Completing side quests quickly is all about preparation, smart routing, and efficient decision-making. By focusing on high-value objectives, optimizing travel time, and maintaining the right gear and skills, you can clear quests faster while still enjoying the game’s content and rewards.
GGC