22 BEST Grinding Games Of All Time

Pros

• A vast game world based on the Milky Way galaxy.
• Realistic space flight simulator with various ships and star systems.
• Learning to fly a spaceship is fun and realistic.
• Amazing sound design adds to the immersion.

Cons

• Missions lack variety and can feel tedious.
• Primarily a spaceship flight simulator limited gameplay.
• There is no alien life on the planets, which is disappointing for some players.

Pros

• Stardew Valley has a cozy and relaxing agricultural simulation vibe.
• Various activities offer distinct benefits.
• Charming pixel art and weather effects enhance aesthetics.
• The dev team provides frequent updates for ongoing excitement.

Cons

• Potential monotony due to repetitive daily tasks.
• Winter months lack engagement compared to other seasons.

Pros

• Ark Survival Evolved features a vast world with diverse environments and creatures.
• Ability to tame dinosaurs such as the T-Rex.
• Taming creatures require feeding for immersion and realism.

Cons

• Some players experience frame drops.
• Survival mechanics may be complex for newcomers.
• Lack of structured story or guidance at the start.

No Man’s Sky is a sci-fi space exploration game like Elite Dangerous. You get a spaceship to travel to planets, build bases, and follow the story. It’s like Minecraft in space, with procedurally generated terrain, crafting, and building. You upgrade your exo-suits as you explore for resources. The grindy parts are there, but it’s not boring, thanks to constantly generated places. It’s one of the best space-grinding games on Steam!

Pros

• Infinite universe with procedurally generated planets.
• Deep crafting and survival.
• Multiplayer mode for online play.

Cons

• Frustrating inventory management.
• It’s not the best UI.
• Occasional online glitches.
• Some activities can feel repetitive and tedious.

Valorant is a captivating blend of CS: GO and Overwatch, with unique graphics. It’s gained popularity, with top Valorant players streaming on Twitch. What sets it apart is the distinct abilities each “Agent” possesses, from Phoenix’s fireballs to Viper’s toxic gas, enabling diverse strategies.

Pros

• Valorant’s gameplay is immensely enjoyable and addictive.
• Constant updates addressing player feedback and balance.
• The ranked system offers fair and competitive matches.
• Impressive graphics and sound design enhance immersion.
• Valorant thrives in eSports, with high-stakes professional tournaments.

Cons

• Valorant can be overly competitive for those seeking a casual experience.
• A steep learning curve may deter players with limited time.
• Some find Valorant’s maps too compact.

Borderlands 3 is an action-packed game set on the planet Pandora, where you play as a vault hunter, choosing from four classes, each with unique skills and weapon preferences. The game is filled with humor, intense action, and many guns and tools. However, acquiring these unique weapons requires grinding through levels and bosses.

Pros

• Borderlands 3 brings the entire series to a satisfying conclusion.
• Multiplayer, especially co-op with friends, is incredibly enjoyable.
• The gameplay is fast-paced and action-packed.

Cons

• Some planets lack variety and sufficient content.
• The endgame might not be challenging enough for some players.
• The absence of real raid bosses in Borderlands 3 may disappoint some players.

Ubisoft games are notorious for their grinding. Whether it’s completing map markers or leveling up, grinding is a staple in almost every Ubisoft game.

Tom Clancy’s The Division, an online action RPG set in a post-pandemic world, is no exception. With most of humanity gone, the mission is to restore order and protect what’s left.

Pros

• The game offers diverse missions and activities.
• The world is vast and meticulously detailed, offering a plethora of things to do.
• Co-op mode is accessible and loads of fun.
• The Dark Zone adds excitement with PVP combat against other players.

Cons

• The story falls short at times, failing to deliver certain plot points effectively.
• Limited character customization options.
• Occasional technical issues like bugs and server problems may arise.

Terraria is an action-packed sandbox game, distinct from Minecraft, where you spawn in a vast 2D world, facing the challenge of survival. You can create your own objectives, whether it’s battling monsters with your trusty weapon or embarking on mining adventures to gather crafting materials. The game teems with weapons, gear, and formidable bosses, promising excitement at every turn.

Pros

• Terraria offers diverse gameplay options, including exploration, construction, and combat.
• Complete customization of the character’s appearance and abilities.
• The game provides depth and engagement for those who explore all its facets.

Cons

• Terraria lacks a comprehensive tutorial, potentially challenging for newcomers.
• Setting up co-op mode in Terraria can be a bit frustrating.

Outriders, a newer entry in grind gaming, is similar to Destiny 2 as a looter shooter. At the beginning, you choose from four classes. In the game, story, and side missions give gear and mods. You can also upgrade class skills, shaping my gameplay. There are specialized builds for Pyromancer, Technomancer, and more!

Pros

• Full freedom to customize characters and choose classes.
• Co-op multiplayer is tons of fun.
• Gunplay feels satisfying.

Cons

• Some classes are unbalanced.
• The story lacks engagement.
• Graphics and environments are mediocre.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, 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.

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.

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.

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.