Over the last two weeks of December, we are announcing the winners of the Third Annual SwitchRPG Awards. We’ll be announcing new winners every weekday, leading up to a final announcement on January 1st for RPG of the Year!

Best Side Quests

Travel off the beaten path, talk to the locals, and decide which side quests are the most compelling and rewarding.

And the Winner Is…

Staff Winner: The Outer Worlds

The Switch version of The Outer Worlds has had its share of controversy, but has more or less been unanimously praised (regardless of platform) for embracing the dying art of meaningful choice and consequence. This mantra not only applies to the main story, but also to side quests, making each situation feel impactful even when being totally separate from the main arc. Interesting scenarios that require the player to weigh decisions – no matter the stakes in the grand scheme of things – can often be the difference between a run-of-the-mill fetch quest, and one that feels natural in the world and engaging to the player.

Community Pick: Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition

While both Crosscode and The Outer Worlds put up a good fight in the community polls, neither could hold a candle to Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition, which captured 45.7% of the votes.

What are your thoughts on the winners? If you disagree with the results, what would you have preferred to make the cut? Let us know, and stay tuned tomorrow for another award announcement!