What a Side Quest Is & How to Go on One IRL

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Plus, learn about other popular video game slang terms

Co-authored by Raven Minyard, BA

Last Updated: June 8, 2025 Fact Checked

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What is a side quest?

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Going on Side Quests

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Other Video Game Slang

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If you’re a gamer, you’re probably familiar with completing side quests in video games, but you can actually do side quests IRL, too! In slang, a side quest refers to doing something spontaneously to spice up your daily life. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about side quests, including what they are and how to do one in real life. We’ll also go over a few other examples of video game slang, so keep reading!

What does side quest mean?

A side quest is an optional quest in a video game that often rewards you with experience points and items. It’s also a slang term used to describe spontaneous activities you wouldn’t normally do in your daily life, like going skydiving. A side quest can also be helping others when you don’t have to.

Section 1 of 3:

What is a side quest?

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Side quests are not a part of the main storyline and are not required to complete the game. However, completing side quests often comes with rewards, such as experience points, items, and insights into the game’s world, as they introduce you to new characters and lore.^{[1]
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In real life, a side quest is something you do spontaneously for fun. “Side quest” has also become a slang term for completing random tasks or activities in real life. These are often things you wouldn’t normally do in your day-to-day life that you spontaneously decide to do “for the plot,” like going skydiving or visiting a petting zoo on a Thursday afternoon.^{[2]
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- For example, if you just planned on running some errands but decided to try out goat yoga after seeing an ad for it, you completed a side quest.
- Side quests can also be helpful. You may complete a side quest if you saw your neighbor struggling to move some furniture and decided to help them.
- “Side quest” is also a common slang term in the rave community, as ravers often use the term to describe splitting off from their group to explore different parts of the rave on their own. They may go to a new stage, explore the festival grounds, or exchange kandi (brightly colored bracelets often made with pony beads) with other ravers.

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How to Go on a Side Quest

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In video games, you typically unlock side quests by talking to NPCs (non-player characters, or characters not controlled by the player) and exploring the world. It generally works the same way in real life! Don’t be afraid to try new things, even if you’re skeptical. Say “yes” when people invite you to do something, and explore your city to find out what fun side quests you can do in your area.^{[3]
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Side quests are all about leveling up, so consider learning something just for fun! This can be learning a new language, playing an instrument, or taking up a new hobby. Think of things that could improve your life that you don’t technically “have to” learn.^{[4]
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Video game characters often help NPCs with various tasks and missions when completing side quests. Do the same in real life! Offer a helping hand to a friend, neighbor, or someone in need. They’ll appreciate your help, and it will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.
Side quests are all about having fun and adding some excitement to your day-to-day life. Don’t worry about finding the “perfect” side quest. Just make time to do the things you enjoy, and don’t be afraid to try something new. You’ll likely discover new things about yourself and your community.

Section 3 of 3:

Other Video Game Slang

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Try out other video game-inspired slang. Gen Z and Gen Alpha have a lot of unique slang terms, many of which are inspired by video games. These terms are often used in online gaming communities, but some people have begun using them in real life, as well. Here are a few popular terms to know:^{[5]
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- NPC: An abbreviation for “non-player character” that refers to any video game character not controlled by the player. In slang, NPC is an insult used to describe someone who is boring or lacks independent thinking.
- Nerf: Inspired by Nerf guns, this slang term means “to reduce the effectiveness of” a character, weapon, skill, or other gaming element. It’s mainly used in gaming but may occasionally be said in real life.
- Where we dropping?: In games like Fortnite, players “drop” onto a specific place on the map, so players ask “Where we dropping?” to strategize where they should land for the best chance of success. In real life, this is sometimes a way to ask what the plans are or where your group is going.