Must-Try Seasonal Side Quests That Return Every Year

3 August 2026

Let’s be honest—there’s nothing quite like logging into your favorite game and realizing it’s that time of year again. You know what I'm talking about. The event banners are flying, the festive music starts playing, and those nostalgic vibes hit you hard. That’s when you know it’s time for the seasonal side quests—the limited-time, often quirky, always rewarding adventures that briefly turn your game world into something magical.

Whether it’s snow falling in the desert, pumpkins mysteriously appearing in every village, or fireworks lighting up the night sky, seasonal events are like comfort food for gamers. And let's not forget the exclusive loot! Today, we’re diving headfirst into the must-try seasonal side quests that return every year—the ones that keep us coming back, year after year, like clockwork.

So grab your gear, dust off your mounts, and let’s ride through the top annual quests that you absolutely can’t miss.

Why Seasonal Side Quests Hit Different

Before we break down the best ones, let’s talk about why these limited-time quests are so special.

First off, they’re a change of pace. In a world where grinding can sometimes feel like a second job, seasonal events offer a breath of fresh air. You know, like when your office throws a surprise pizza party—suddenly Monday doesn’t suck as much.

Plus, these quests usually come with time-sensitive rewards. We’re talking exclusive skins, mounts, emotes, or even in-game currencies that only show up once a year. Miss it and you’ll be kicking yourself for the next 11 months.

But most importantly? They bring the community together. It’s like a digital festival—everyone is in it together, chatting, partying up, and flexing last year’s limited edition gear.

Now let’s jump into the good stuff.

1. World of Warcraft – Hallow’s End

When: Mid-October to early November
Why it Rocks: Spooky vibes + candy + scary mounts = pure joy

Hallow’s End in World of Warcraft is legendary. Not only does it transform Azeroth into a Halloween wonderland, but it’s also packed with fun side quests that reward you with costumes, candy, and the ever-elusive Headless Horseman's Mount.

Every year, players rush to defeat the Headless Horseman in Scarlet Monastery, hoping RNGesus blesses them with that flaming pumpkin steed. There are also candy buckets to collect, towns to save from fires, and tons of creepy cosmetics.

Oh, and let’s not forget—there’s a "Trick or Treat" system. Yep, you can trick or treat across different inns like it's a weird MMO road trip.

2. Destiny 2 – Festival of the Lost

When: Usually October
Why it Rocks: Sci-fi Halloween with high-stakes loot

Imagine if the Guardians of Destiny 2 threw a Halloween party—and ended up fighting haunted holograms. That’s the Festival of the Lost in a nutshell.

Players wear masks (yes, it’s as goofy as it sounds), collect "Candy" and "Spectral Pages," all while battling through Haunted Sectors—remixed zones with eerie lighting and surprise mini-bosses.

It’s fun, fast-paced, and loaded with unique armor ornaments and ghost shells. The lore drops during this event are also top-tier, adding that sweet layer of storytelling to your trick-or-treating.

3. Final Fantasy XIV – The Rising

When: Late August
Why it Rocks: Emotional thanks to the community + exclusive cosmetics

Final Fantasy XIV is already a masterclass in narrative, but The Rising hits differently. Held every year to celebrate the anniversary of A Realm Reborn, this event is equal parts celebration and love letter to the community.

Side quests in The Rising often involve a small, heartfelt story that builds toward a deeper acknowledgment of the players’ journey. Past events have broken the fourth wall, delivering direct messages from the devs. Yeah, it can get emotional.

Add beautifully crafted event-exclusive cosmetics and you’ve got an experience that’s both heartwarming and stylish.

4. The Elder Scrolls Online – Jester’s Festival

When: Late March to early April
Why it Rocks: Straight-up chaos, and that’s the point

Get ready to embrace the madness. The Jester’s Festival in ESO is a riot of pranks, pies, and silly side quests that completely flip Tamriel on its head.

You’ll be doing things like launching tomatoes, playing jokes on NPCs, and baking "delicious" edible disasters. And let’s be honest—after slaying dragons or fighting off Daedra for hours, it’s kind of liberating to throw a pie in someone’s face.

The best part? Event tickets and XP boosts make this one of the most rewarding ways to mess around all day.

5. Fortnite – Winterfest

When: December
Why it Rocks: Freebies galore and a cozy vibe

Fortnite might be known for its fast-paced chaos, but during Winterfest, it’s all about chill vibes. Literally.

The in-game lobby transforms into a cozy cabin where you can unwrap daily gifts, unlocking exclusive skins, emotes, and even music tracks. Players complete quests like helping out holiday characters or exploring snow-covered zones.

It’s one of those events that doesn’t demand too much from you but gives you a heck of a lot in return. And who doesn’t love free loot just for showing up?

6. Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Bunny Day

When: Early to mid-April
Why it Rocks: Easter egg hunt meets island life

If you’ve ever played Animal Crossing during spring, then you know Bunny Day is both beloved and... infamous. It’s a pastel-colored explosion of eggs, and it’s impossible to miss.

The side quests involve crafting Bunny Day furniture using eggs gathered from every nook and cranny of your island—trees, rocks, water, balloons, you name it. Some players find it overwhelming, others find it charming. Either way, it’s a must-try seasonal event that defines the Animal Crossing cycle.

Pro tip: Save those eggs. You’re gonna need more than you think.

7. Genshin Impact – Lantern Rite

When: Around Lunar New Year
Why it Rocks: Cultural celebration with massive rewards

Genshin Impact absolutely nails seasonal events, and Lantern Rite is the crown jewel. Held in Liyue to coincide with the Lunar New Year, this festival is a visual masterpiece, full of side quests that blend combat, mini-games, and heartfelt stories.

You’ll light lanterns, help NPCs prepare for festivities, and earn primo rewards like free 4-star characters and upgrade materials. It brings Genshin’s world to life in a way that feels meaningful.

If you’ve never experienced this event, mark your calendar. It’s that good.

8. Overwatch – Halloween Terror

When: October
Why it Rocks: PvE brawls with a horror twist

Even if you’re not an Overwatch nut, you need to try Halloween Terror at least once. It trades the usual team-based mayhem for spooky PvE action called Junkenstein’s Revenge—a tower-defense-style mode where you fend off waves of Halloween-themed enemies.

The voice lines, aesthetic, and skins are chef’s kiss. It’s like someone took a haunted house and strapped it onto your favorite shooter.

And yes, those skins are only around for a limited time—so prepare to grind like your life depends on it.

9. Runescape – Christmas Event

When: December
Why it Rocks: Classic quests with generous rewards

Old school or not, Runescape’s Christmas events have stood the test of time. Every year, Jagex serves up a set of goofy, holiday-themed quests that somehow make sense even in a world full of goblins and gods.

From rescuing Santa Claus to baking dangerously enchanted cookies, it’s always a mix of humor, heart, and some seriously jolly cosmetics. Veteran players even flex event gear from over a decade ago. Talk about retro swagger.

10. Monster Hunter: World – Festivities at the Gathering Hub

When: Varies throughout the year (Spring Blossom, Summer Twilight, etc.)
Why it Rocks: All events at once—plus fireworks

Every seasonal festival in Monster Hunter: World is a treat—but what makes it shine is that during these times, every limited-time quest is active. That’s right, you can catch up on past event quests, grind for rare layered armor sets, and snag sweet bonuses.

Not to mention the Gathering Hub gets a full makeover with themed decor, fireworks, and even seasonal bento boxes. It’s like Capcom threw a party and forgot to tell the monsters they weren’t invited.

What Makes a Seasonal Side Quest "Must-Try"?

Let’s recap the secret sauce that turns a simple event into a can’t-miss experience:

- Limited-Time Exclusivity – Knowing you only get a shot at these quests once a year makes them sweeter. FOMO? Maybe. Worth it? Absolutely.
- Unique Visuals and Atmosphere – Whether it's spooky, festive, or heartwarming, the vibe shift is always welcome.
- Community Engagement – Seasonal events often bring players together like never before.
- Generous Rewards – Cosmetics, XP boosts, currency, and collectibles that you can’t get anywhere else? Yes, please.

Tips for Making the Most of Seasonal Quests

Alright, now that you’re pumped for all these quests, here’s how to milk them for all they’re worth:

- Log in Day One: Don’t wait. These quests are often packed with daily rewards.
- Team Up: Many seasonal events are co-op friendly. Party up and make it a social affair.
- Read the Fine Print: Make sure you know what you’re aiming for—some events need specific resources or daily participation.
- Save Your Progress: If you can’t finish everything, prioritize the exclusive gear. Cosmetics > XP.

The Final Word

Seasonal side quests aren’t just filler content. They’re the soul of live-service games, a yearly tradition that brings players back with promises of fun, nostalgia, and loot. Whether you’re chasing a haunted horse or lighting lanterns, each event adds a little magic to your gaming calendar.

So the next time your favorite game drops that seasonal update, don’t sleep on it. These are the moments you’ll remember—the stories, the chaos, the cosmetics. Make ‘em count.