10 JRPGs with Outstanding Side Content that Surpasses the Main Story

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Anyone who enjoys Japanese role-playing games knows they’re a big time commitment. A major part of this is the wealth of fantastic side quests found in many of these games, and honestly, that’s a great thing for fans!

Players who enjoy really getting into a game and investing time in its world will be excited to learn about games with lots of optional side content. Often, this extra content ends up being more memorable and enjoyable than the main story itself.

JRPGs are known for their engaging quests. These can range from lengthy stories that uncover the game’s rich history, to rewarding items earned through challenging adventures, or even brief, memorable side quests that players remember long after finishing the game. There’s something for everyone to enjoy in the world of JRPG quests.

We’ve chosen 10 Japanese role-playing games (JRPGs) where the side quests and optional content are so amazing, they’re actually more engaging than the main storyline.

10. Final Fantasy VI

The World of Ruin

Okay, so Final Fantasy VI is a seriously huge game, especially in the second half. It’s wild because a lot of it is stuff you don’t have to do, but it’s there if you want it! Once the world gets wrecked, my party members and I are all spread out. Once I finally got the Airship and made sure I had at least seven people, I could just head straight for Kefka’s tower and take on the crazy god himself – if I was ready, of course!

Essentially, a lot of the world in this post-apocalyptic game isn’t required to beat it – you can even face the final boss without finding your lost friends. However, doing so would be a missed opportunity, because the story of Final Fantasy VI truly comes alive as you reconnect with those characters. For instance, when you go to rescue Locke, you’ll learn about his sad past and his link to the powerful Esper, Phoenix.

The game will add several challenging new areas designed to test even experienced JRPG players. These areas will encourage exploration and problem-solving, offering rewarding loot and deepening the story through character development.

9. Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth

Absurd Side-Quests that Hook You In Over the Main Story

The Yakuza (now Like A Dragon) series is famous for its engaging side quests, and Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth continues that tradition with a ton of optional activities. This time, the story takes Ichiban to Hawaii, and the game fully embraces letting players explore the islands and dive into the rich side content the series is known for.

The game features lots of fun side stories and activities, drawing inspiration from other popular games. For instance, ‘Crazy Delivery’ is a funny take on the ‘Crazy Taxi’ style gameplay, but set in the world of Yakuza. There’s also ‘DonDoko Island,’ which playfully mimics island management games like ‘Animal Crossing’.

These little games start out as fun distractions, but they’re surprisingly addictive and can easily eat up your time, making you forget about the main story you’re supposed to be playing.

8. Xenoblade Chronicles X

An Open-World Science Fiction JRPG that Lets You Discover Its Story

Xenoblade Chronicles X breaks from previous games in the series by offering a huge, open world filled with tons of optional things to do. Though the main story is simple, it’s through these side quests and activities that you really learn about the game’s world and the different groups within it.

The game features a lot of exploration, letting you chart the world and uncover all its secrets. Beyond the main story, you’ll find diverse missions – from simple tasks to deeper quests that build relationships and reveal character backstories – keeping you hooked throughout this incredibly immersive experience, which is easily one of the best games in the series.

7. Final Fantasy XII

Hunts Galore

I think Final Fantasy XII is the most overlooked game in the series. It’s not that the main story is bad – it’s perfectly good! – but the side quests and the richly detailed world are what really make it special.

As you play, you’ll encounter new Hunts that send you back to familiar locations. These Hunts feature stronger versions of enemies you’ve already faced, or entirely new, powerful bosses. Completing some Hunts will also open up previously hidden areas, and you’ll quickly understand why they were locked away.

Final Fantasy is famous for having fantastic extra challenges and incredibly tough bosses, and Final Fantasy XII perfectly embodies that adventurous spirit.

6. The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel

Form Closer Bonds With Your Companions In Side Content

Okay, so I’m really into Trails of Cold Steel, and it’s got this cool system where building relationships with characters is a big part of the game. It reminds me a lot of Persona or Fire Emblem: Three Houses in that way. Basically, when I have downtime, I’m completing little side quests and requests to get to know the other students at the military academy. It’s not just about leveling up stats, it’s about learning more about everyone and the world around me, which is awesome!

Although the story starts with a lot of setup and explanation, the writing is excellent and quickly captivates you, making you want to discover more about the game’s world and characters. And, as is typical for Japanese role-playing games, you can always take a relaxing break and go fishing whenever you need to unwind.

5. Granblue Fantasy: Relink

Fantastic Post-Game Content that Makes Its Main Story a Hurdle

Granblue Fantasy: Relink is a role-playing game designed for players who enjoy extensive content after finishing the main story. While the primary storyline is relatively brief, the game shines with over 110 side quests that are all worth completing. This design choice removes the stress of potentially missing important content, letting players explore and enjoy the game at their own pace without needing a guide.

Think of the main game as a prologue. The real fun starts after you finish it! That’s when you unlock tons of ways to customize your experience, find powerful upgrades, and face much harder bosses than anything you’ve seen before.

4. Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age

Jam-Packed with Charming Side Content

Dragon Quest XI marked a significant shift for the series, largely because it became incredibly popular internationally. While the game features a memorable and quirky cast, it’s the surprisingly diverse and engaging side quests that truly stand out, offering players lots to do without feeling overloaded.

Dragon Quest XI offers a lot to do outside the main story, from battling monsters to trying your luck at the casino. What’s great is that even with all this extra content, the game keeps a relaxing and enjoyable feel. Many of these side quests feature heartwarming stories that help you connect with your companions, making them worthwhile. Though optional, completing these quests rewards you with powerful equipment and skills that can be essential for taking on the game’s toughest challenges.

3. Persona 5 Royal

Some Annoying God-Killing Getting in the Way of Your Dating Sim

Persona 5 Royal offers a huge number of things to do, and it’s designed that way! You have a limited number of days each month to accomplish everything, so managing your time is key.

You can strengthen your bonds with trusted friends and allies, even developing romantic relationships with them. You might find yourself prioritizing these connections – like enjoying a Shogi match with Hifume or grabbing a bite to eat with Ryuji – over completing missions and confronting enemies.

The game features Mementos, a sprawling, ever-changing dungeon with 66 levels. You’ll explore it by taking requests from people who want you to stop others from causing trouble. Many players quickly try to map out Mementos so they can spend the rest of the month enjoying Persona 5’s extra activities and deepening their relationships with their team.

2. Chrono Trigger

A Side-Quest Just Barely Better than Its Main Story

Chrono Trigger is famous for its incredible story, and the fact that even its optional side quests are so highly regarded really demonstrates how exceptional the game truly is.

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Okay, so it’s kinda like in Final Fantasy VI where you can actually go fight Lavos whenever you want. But honestly, if you do that right away, you’re missing out on a really cool side story – it involves finding this rainbow shell, and it’s seriously worth doing. I totally recommend taking the time for it!

This side quest begins as a simple errand, but quickly becomes a multi-part adventure. You’ll travel through time to help a ghost, participate in a dramatic courtroom battle, and ultimately face off against Yakra XIII, a villain seeking revenge for his ancestor’s defeat at your hands.

The game also features touching moments where you help Marle make peace with her family. And completing this quest is especially worthwhile, as you’ll receive the most powerful weapon in the game!

1. Monster Hunter: World

A JPRG with Barely a Story to Fuel Its Addictive Side Content

The Monster Hunter games are famous for their extensive side content, not their main stories, and Monster Hunter: World continues that tradition. The game has a basic plot to explain the world and why you’re hunting, but most of your time will be spent preparing for and going on hunts.

Monster Hunter: Wilds’ story mainly serves as an introduction to the game’s core experience: its challenging and rewarding endgame hunting. Like its predecessor, Monster Hunter: World, especially with the Iceborne expansion, the real draw is the extensive post-game content, featuring numerous monsters and a highly addictive loop that keeps players engaged for hours.

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2026-04-29 20:41