10 BEST Grinding Games Of All Time

Games that will have you grinding for hours without feeling boring or tedious!

By Atik Younus January 12, 2023

Grinding is a concept in video games that has been around since the earliest games. Whether you’re grinding XP to level up or grinding to get certain materials for crafting, there’s some sort of ground in every single video game. Although it can be tedious, some people do enjoy the process of grinding away to improve their characters. That’s why this article will discuss the top grinding games out there!

We’ve summarized the 22 best grind-focused games of all time for you down here:

Game	Award	Release Date	Developer	Platform
Monster Hunter World	Best RPG	August 9, 2018	Capcom	PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC
Diablo 3	Audio of the Year	May 15, 2012	Blizzard Entertainment	Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, macOS, and PC
Diablo Immortal	None	June 2, 2022	Blizzard Entertainment	Android, iOS, and PC
Path of Exile	BAFTA Games Award for Evolving Game	October 23, 2013	Grinding Gear Games	PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and macOS
Apex Legends	Best Multiplayer Game	November 5, 2020	Respawn Entertainment	Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC, iOS, and Android
Destiny 2	Best Community Support	October 1, 2019	Bungie	PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Google Stadia, and PC
Elden Ring	The Most Anticipated Game	February 25, 2022	FromFoftware	PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One, and PC
Warframe	People's Voice Award for "Action"	March 25, 2013	Digital Extremes	PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC
World of Warcraft	Best Computer Game of 2004	November 23, 2004	Blizzard Entertainment	PC and macOS
Minecraft	Best Downloadable Game	November 18, 2011	Mojang	PC, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, iPadOS, Xbox 360, Raspberry Pi, Windows Phone, PlayStation 3, Fire OS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation Vita, Wii U, Apple TV, tvOS, Nintendo Switch, and New Nintendo 3DS

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Monster Hunter World

Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Genre: Fantasy action RPG
Developers: Capcom

If you’re a fan of fantasy settings and hunting games, then Monster Hunter World is your game! It’s an action RPG where you chase down and hunt roaming monsters to earn powerful loot and weapons for tackling tougher challenges. Monster Hunter Rise draws comparisons to games like Witcher 3 and Horizon Forbidden West due to its monster-focused gameplay.

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Pros

The slinger weapon in Monster Hunter World introduces innovative gameplay options.
Hunting diverse and challenging monsters is incredibly rewarding.
A robust weapon upgrade system provides a satisfying sense of progression.
The engaging narrative keeps me hooked.

Cons

Some players may find the graphics and visuals underwhelming.
Online multiplayer in Monster Hunter World is plagued by issues and inconveniences.
Unfortunately, there’s no local multiplayer mode.

Diablo 3/Diablo Immortal

Diablo Immortal - Best Grinding Games for Android — Diablo Immortal

Platforms: PC, Android, iOS
Genre: Free-to-play RPG
Developers: Blizzard Entertainment

Diablo Immortal, the latest entry, also includes grinding features like clan joining and legendary item farming. It introduces a unique Paragon levels system. However, it’s worth noting that Diablo Immortal has pay-to-win aspects that can make some grinding feel meaningless. If you prefer a grind without spending money, Diablo 3 might be a better choice.

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Pros of Diablo 3

Seven distinct character classes offer unique skills and abilities.
Diablo 3 gameplay is enjoyable and satisfying.
There are plenty of customization options for each class.
The game offers an abundance of loot.

Cons of Diablo 3

It is not suitable for players who dislike loot-based games.
Online servers may suffer disconnections and lag.
Endgame content mainly revolves around collecting loot.
The graphics are average.

Pros of Diablo Immortal

Mobile gameplay for on-the-go convenience.
Stunning graphics for an immersive experience.
Smooth and responsive gameplay keeps players engaged.
An exciting story enhances player immersion.

Cons of Diablo Immortal

Mobile controls may lack precision compared to PC.
Pay-to-win elements allow purchasing strong characters with real money.
Cluttered and unattractive UI can confuse or deter players.

Path of Exile

Best Grindy Games on Console — Path of Exile Promotional Art

Platforms: PC, Mac, PS4, Xbox One
Genre: Action RPG
Developers: Grinding Gear Games

Path of Exile is an action RPG game often compared to Diablo due to its grinding nature. It features a complex skill system with over 1300 unique passive skills and powerful gems for your weapon. Grinding is essential to improve your skills and progress.

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Pros

It’s entirely free to play.
Offers high replay value.
Features fantastic music and stunning art.

Cons

Involves tiresome activities for progression.
Some maps may seem too similar.
Occasionally, a problematic camera interferes with gameplay.

Apex Legends

Best Grindy Games For Mobile — Apex Legends Mobile

Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
Genre: Battle-Royale
Developers: Respawn Entertainment

Next up on my list of top 2023 grinding games is Apex Legends, a standout battle royale title in a crowded genre. It distinguishes itself from Fortnite and PUBG with its unique “legends” system and innovative combat mechanics. The game hosts 60 players on a dynamic map, competing to be the last one standing in solo, duo, or trio modes. The battles are intense, featuring high-tech weaponry and explosives.

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Pros

Apex Legends offers satisfying gunplay with a diverse arsenal of weapons.
The game’s ping system is excellent for communication.
It’s accessible to everyone since it’s free to play.
Emphasis on teamwork encourages tactical thinking.

Cons

The microtransactions for skins can be quite costly.

Destiny 2

xbox series x best single player games — Destiny 2

Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Stadia
Genre: Sci-fi FPS, MMORPG, RPG
Developers: Bungie

Destiny 2, the ultimate looter-shooter, is famous for its grind. It’s a genre-blending MMORPG, RPG, and FPS with endless content, mostly PvE. It’s a playground for shooter enthusiasts, offering missions and raids for skill improvement through better loot. Developers keep it fresh with regular updates like Festival of The Lost and Season of the Haunted.

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Pros

Offers diverse gameplay modes.
Thriving player community.
Rich storyline and lore.
Exceptional developer support.

Cons

Repetition and grinding can make it monotonous.
PvP balance issues can affect the experience.

Elden Ring

Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
Genre: Action RPG
Developers: FromSoftware

Elden Ring needs no introduction if you’re a fan of FromSoftware games. This fantasy-action RPG dominated the charts upon release and remained on everyone’s mind. Players embark on a journey as a Tarnished to repair the Elden Ring and become the Elden Lord of the Lands Between. The vast open world offers mysteries, loot, and plenty of challenging enemies.

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Pros:

Elden Ring has a huge open world.
Some of the areas are particularly beautiful.
The characters created by Elden Ring are fantastic and unforgettable.
The writing is excellent and does a fantastic job of keeping you interested in the story.
The combat system in Elden Ring is distinct and a lot of fun.

Cons:

AI occasionally exhibits a certain level of stupidity.
Some bosses can be repetitive.

Warframe

Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
Genre: Third-person shooter MMORPG
Developers: Digital Extremes

Warframe, an incredible action RPG set in a futuristic world, was created by a lesser-known indie studio. However, its immense success has thrust them into the limelight. Players embody an ancient warrior race, capable of assuming powerful “Warframes” to battle threatening alien races, utilizing diverse weapons and acrobatic skills.

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Pros

Warframe’s immersive lore captivates players.
Exceptional character customization for personalized Warframes.
Strong developer support with regular content updates.
Exciting and fast-paced gameplay with an engaging learning curve.

Cons

Repetitive and lacking variety, the soundtrack disappoints.
The confusing UI may discourage new players.
Numerous costly microtransactions can restrict customization choices.

World of Warcraft

Best PC Grindy Games — World of Warcraft

Platforms: PC, Mac
Genre: MMORPG
Developers: Blizzard Entertainment

World of Warcraft is essentially like the king of grind-focused games on PC! It has been around since 2004 and still thrives due to its dedicated and diehard fanbase. On top of that, there are constantly new expansions and updates that keep the game alive.

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Pros

WoW offers a robust guild system for cooperative gameplay.
The game boasts a massive, diverse player base worldwide.
Immersive Azeroth world engagement makes players feel part of WoW’s story.
Exceptional dungeon and raid designs set it apart from other MMORPGs.
WoW’s dynamic combat system becomes more enjoyable with the right class.

Cons

The harsh RNG mechanics in WoW can be incredibly frustrating.
PvP often suffers from severe balance issues, causing ongoing frustration.
The crafting system is generally ignored due to its poor design.

Minecraft

Platforms: PC, PS3, PS4, PS Vita, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch & 3DS, Wii U, Android, iOS,
Genre: Sandbox, Action Adventure
Developers: Mojang Studios

Minecraft, a beloved childhood sandbox game, gained fame through YouTubers. It’s an open-world survival game that sparks creativity. While it offers a path to defeat bosses like the Ender Dragon, it’s mainly about setting your own goals.

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Pros

Minecraft is massive and has been active for over 10 years.
Minecraft offers a platform for creative expression and problem-solving.
There are endless online servers in Minecraft.
Minecraft has very strong dev support.

Cons

Minecraft might not appeal to many players due to its graphics style.

We wrap up our list of the best grind-focused games on all platforms. We discussed games that are great for mobile, PC, and console players. There are games in almost every genre that have grindy aspects to them. So, in the end, it depends on what kind of game you’re looking for!