Navigate SAO: Hollow Realization's quest system. Main story progression, side quest tips, and quest board rewards.
Types of Quests
Hollow Realization has several quest categories:
• Main Story Quests -- These advance the central plot with Premiere and the Ainground world. They are clearly marked and cannot be missed if you follow story prompts. These unlock new regions, party members, features, and large EXP rewards.
• Character/Companion Quests -- Specific to your party members and NPCs. Raising affinity unlocks these. They provide backstory, affinity boosts, and unique rewards.
• Side Quests -- Obtained from NPCs in towns and fields. Usually involve killing certain enemies, gathering materials, or exploring areas. Give Col, EXP, and items.
• Quest Board Missions -- A bulletin board in the main town has repeatable and one-time missions that refresh. Always check the board before heading out -- many objectives overlap with your current location.
Quest Tracking
Your quest log shows active quests with objectives. The mini-map displays golden markers for quest targets. Main story markers are usually distinct from side quest markers. If you are ever lost about where to go next, check the quest log -- the main story always has a clearly marked destination.
Tips for Efficient Questing
• Accept ALL available quests before leaving town. Even if you are not planning to do them immediately, you might complete objectives passively while exploring or advancing the story.
• Quest board missions often stack with each other and with side quests. If one quest asks you to kill 5 wolves and another asks for wolf fangs, you complete both at the same time.
• Turn in completed quests whenever you are back in town. Quest rewards (especially Col) add up quickly.
• You do not need to complete every side quest. If a quest is sending you to an area far below your level, skip it -- the rewards will be trivial compared to content at your current level.
• Doing side content between main story segments is a good way to stay appropriately leveled without excessive grinding.
Player Tip: Develop the habit of checking the quest board every time you are in town. It takes 30 seconds and can result in hundreds of extra Col and EXP per outing. I spent my first playthrough ignoring the board and was constantly broke and under-leveled.