Quests

A quest is a task or journey undertaken by a protagonist to achieve a goal, often requiring overcoming obstacles, gathering information, or obtaining items; common across literature, film, games, and folklore; typically framed as a mission with objectives and rewards.

Origins include mythic and folkloric traditions, where heroes set out on journeys fueled by a calling or obligation; elements include a mentor, tests, allies, and a final objective; the concept underlies the narrative structure known as the hero's journey or monomyth.

In games, quests provide structure and progression; they usually present explicit objectives, prerequisites, and rewards, and are tracked in a quest log. Common types include main quests that advance the story, side quests for optional content, fetch quests, kill quests, escort or protection quests, and puzzle or exploration quests. Quests often gate access to areas or abilities and can have branching outcomes.

In tabletop and computer role-playing, quest design balances challenge, motivation, and pacing; rewards can be experience points, loot, or narrative payoff; designers consider player choice, consequence, repetition, and player discovery to avoid tedium.

Quests also function as a narrative device beyond gaming, enabling character development and world-building by embedding goals, challenges, and moral decisions within a larger arc.