Gone are the days when RPGs were predominantly about the main story with optional extras sprinkled in. Today's RPGs have taken a different direction by cramming their worlds with extensive optional side content, sometimes surpassing the main storyline in quality and quantity.

In a significant shift, some modern RPGs have done away with main narratives altogether, a departure that would have been unthinkable in the past. These games now offer deeply immersive experiences where players can easily spend over a hundred hours exploring optional content without delving much into the main plot.

1 Wartales

Story? What Story?

Wartales defies conventions by lacking a main storyline or character. Instead, players embark on a journey of entirely optional content, forming their band of mercenaries and roaming the open world at will.

The game offers region-specific storylines navigated through optional side quests and narrative choices, presenting a classic 'choose your own adventure' gameplay.

2 Borderlands

It's All About That Loot

Borderlands popularized looter shooters, focusing on optional content like side quests and loot over main storylines. Subsequent titles like Borderlands 3 maintained this balance, adding narrative depth while preserving the emphasis on optional content and loot.

3 Dead Island

Stomping Zombies IS The Point

Dead Island series focuses on stomping zombies and unlocking new weapons through optional side quests, with the main storyline taking a backseat. The franchise's appeal lies in its optional content and the thrill of zombie combat.

The sequel, Dead Island: Riptide, and Dead Island 2 continue this trend of prioritizing optional content over the main narrative.