substory

A substory is a narrative element often found in video games that exists outside the main plotline. These secondary quests or storylines provide players with additional content, often delving into the backstories of characters, exploring side locations, or offering unique challenges and rewards. Substories can vary greatly in scope and importance, ranging from short, self-contained tasks to more complex arcs that can significantly enrich the player's understanding of the game world and its inhabitants.

The purpose of substories is multifaceted. They can serve to flesh out the personalities of non-player characters (NPCs), making them feel more real and relatable. By undertaking substories, players might uncover hidden motivations, past traumas, or personal aspirations of characters they encounter. Furthermore, substories can expand the game's lore, revealing details about the history, culture, or political landscape of the game's setting that are not essential to the primary narrative but add depth and context. They can also offer alternative gameplay experiences, introducing mechanics or challenges not present in the main quest, such as mini-games, specific combat scenarios, or puzzle-solving opportunities.

Rewards for completing substories typically include in-game currency, experience points, unique items, or even unlocking new abilities or areas. In some games, the cumulative completion of substories can also contribute to a player's overall progression or unlock special endings, thus giving them a tangible impact on the game's outcome. Substories are a popular design choice as they allow players to engage with the game world at their own pace and on their own terms, offering a break from the main narrative while still providing meaningful content and progression.