CD Projekt Red Reveals Why Side Quests in The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 Feel as Important as the Main Story

One of the biggest reasons The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Cyberpunk 2077 are praised by players is the exceptional quality of their side quests. Now, CD Projekt Red has explained why optional content in both RPGs often feels just as memorable as the main storyline. According to Cyberpunk 2 associate game director Paweł Sasko, the studio has always treated side quests as a core part of the experience rather than simple bonus content.

Speaking on social media, Sasko revealed that CD Projekt Red dedicates the same level of effort, production time, and talent to many side stories as it does to the main campaign. In fact, side quest teams are often given greater creative freedom because they are not restricted by the central narrative. This allows developers to experiment with unique characters, emotional storylines, and unexpected gameplay ideas while maintaining the studio's high quality standards. According to Sasko, creating outstanding optional content was always considered a necessity, not a luxury.

This philosophy is reflected throughout both games. In The Witcher 3, seemingly minor contracts frequently evolve into complex moral dilemmas with multiple endings, while Cyberpunk 2077 features deeply personal side stories involving characters such as Panam Palmer, Judy Alvarez, and River Ward, many of which have become fan favorites. Rather than filling the world with repetitive fetch quests, CD Projekt Red designed optional missions to expand the lore, strengthen character relationships, and make exploration feel genuinely rewarding.

The developer's approach has become one of CD Projekt Red's defining strengths and continues to influence future projects, including Cyberpunk 2 and The Witcher 4. By investing heavily in optional content instead of treating it as filler, the studio has built a reputation for creating RPGs where stepping away from the main quest often leads to some of the most unforgettable moments. For many players, that's exactly what makes The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 stand out among the greatest role-playing games ever made.