Should You Go for Game Achievements?

So, you’ve just bought a new gaming PC. Naturally, you’re excited to jump right in and start gaming. You download Steam, create an account, and grab a few games — maybe even some free ones. Or, maybe you’ve been gaming on PC for years, spent countless hours in competitive games, and now you’re looking for something new: achievement hunting. Chasing after those elusive trophies and achievements, just for the satisfaction of saying, "I did that."

But should you dive into it? Is achievement hunting really worth your time? Can it be as fun, challenging, or even relaxing as it sounds? In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Steam achievements: what they are, how they compare to those on consoles, and whether they should become your next gaming obsession.

What Are Steam Achievements?

Steam has been around for quite a while, and achievements have been a part of the platform almost from the beginning. Steam achievements are rewards given for completing specific in-game tasks. They can range from simple milestones like finishing a level or completing a quest, to much more difficult feats, like completing the game on its hardest difficulty or finding every hidden collectible.

For some, these achievements are badges of honor. Earning every achievement in a game is like proving you’ve mastered it — conquered it from top to bottom.

How Do They Compare to Console Achievements?

If you’re familiar with PlayStation, you know about the trophy system. Trophies are divided into four levels: bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. Bronze is the easiest, silver and gold are progressively harder, and platinum requires you to unlock every single trophy in a game. Xbox works similarly, with achievements that contribute to your gamer score. The more achievements you unlock, the higher your score climbs, which is a great way to show your dedication to a particular game.

Steam’s approach to achievements is a bit different. There’s no set structure like bronze or gold, but you can still gauge difficulty by seeing how many players have unlocked each achievement. The rarer the achievement, the harder it usually is to get. The ultimate challenge on Steam is the "Perfect Game" achievement — unlocking every achievement in a game.

Why Should You Care About Achievements?

If you love single-player games, they offer a great way to extend your experience and challenge yourself beyond just the main story. Some achievements are tough to unlock, requiring you to go off the beaten path or experiment with different playstyles. It’s an excellent way to get more out of the games you already own, especially if you feel like you’ve hit a wall in terms of progress.

For those who prefer multiplayer games, achievements can add another layer of fun. Many multiplayer games feature their own achievements, which can enhance your experience with friends. Some players enjoy the social aspect of achievement hunting, turning it into a cooperative challenge.

Tools to Help You Track Achievements

If you’re serious about achievements, there’s a useful tool called Exophase. Exophase tracks your achievements across Steam and even PlayStation and Xbox. It provides detailed data on your gaming stats, including total playtime, global achievement rankings, and more. It’s a great way to track your dedication to achievement hunting.

It’s worth noting that services like Epic Games don’t have a robust achievement system yet, and what they do offer is unreliable. If achievement hunting is your goal, Steam is the way to go.

Should You Start Achievement Hunting?

Now, you might be wondering: Should you start going after Steam achievements? The answer is yes. If you enjoy single-player games or multiplayer experiences with friends, achievement hunting is a hobby worth exploring. It’s a satisfying way to extend the life of a game, and the sense of accomplishment when unlocking a difficult achievement can be incredibly rewarding.

That said, a word of caution: achievement hunting can be addictive. Some achievements are tough, and you might end up spending hours to unlock that last one for 100%. This is fine if you have the time, but it’s important to maintain balance. Remember, it should be fun, not feel like a job.

Achievement Hunting: A Community Perspective

One of the most rewarding aspects of achievement hunting is the community. Many gamers share their tips, tricks, and strategies for unlocking difficult achievements on forums and social media. Platforms like Reddit have dedicated communities for achievement hunters, where you can find guides, discuss your progress, and celebrate your milestones.

Additionally, some games have achievements that encourage teamwork or competition. For example, multiplayer games often include achievements for winning matches, completing objectives, or reaching certain ranks. These can be a great way to bond with friends or challenge yourself against other players.

Balancing Fun and Obsession

While achievement hunting can be incredibly rewarding, it’s important to keep it in perspective. Some players fall into the trap of obsessing over achievements to the point where gaming becomes stressful. Remember, the primary goal of gaming is to have fun. If you find yourself getting frustrated or burned out, take a step back and focus on enjoying the game itself.

It’s also worth noting that not all achievements are created equal. Some are well-designed and add meaningful challenges to the game, while others can feel like tedious chores. Choose your battles wisely and focus on the achievements that genuinely interest you.

Conclusion

Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to achievement hunting, Steam achievements provide a great way to get more out of the games you play. They add a fun, challenging element to gaming that’s just as rewarding as competitive multiplayer. If you enjoy single-player games or multiplayer experiences with friends, give achievement hunting a try — it could be your next big gaming hobby.

So, what are you waiting for? Fire up your favorite game, check out its achievement list, and start hunting. Who knows? You might discover a new side of gaming that you never knew you’d enjoy.