How to Clean Up Old Trophy Lists in Your Backlog

15 February 2026

So, real talk—how many times have you scrolled through your PlayStation or Xbox profile and thought, “Why did I even start that game?” You know the one. The game with 3% progress, no platinum in sight, and a trophy list that stares at you like unfinished homework. Yeah, we’ve all been there.

Cleaning up that old trophy list backlog might seem like a daunting chore, but hear me out—it can be one of the most satisfying things you do as a gamer. Let’s break it down together. This isn’t just about ticking boxes. This is a digital detox. A reset. A way to reclaim your gamer identity.

Grab a drink, get comfortable, and let’s dive into how to clean up old trophy lists in your backlog, step by step.

Why Old Trophy Lists Matter More Than You Think

First off, let’s talk about why this even matters. Why should you care about that one trophy you missed in Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag back in 2014?

Here’s the deal:

- They clutter your profile.
- They dilute your completion rate.
- They make it harder to track your actual progress.
- They low-key haunt completionists. (You know who you are.)

Even if you’re not a 100% completion kind of player, tidying up your digital shelf can give you a real sense of accomplishment. Imagine looking at your profile and seeing clean, complete lists instead of a graveyard of half-finished adventures.

Step 1: Audit Your Trophy Backlog

Alright, before you go deleting anything or reinstalling random games, you need to audit your backlog. That means sitting down and actually looking at what’s on your list.

Break It Down Like This:

- Games with 0-10% trophies unlocked.
- Games with 11-50% (you’ve started but not committed).
- Games over 50% (nearly there—these are prime targets).
- Multiplayer games with now-dead servers (plan accordingly).
- Glitched or bugged trophy games (ugh… we’ll get to this).

You can use websites like PSNProfiles or TrueAchievements to get a cleaner view of your overall trophy progress across games. Cross-reference that with your own memory. Some games might still be installed on your console. Others might be buried deep in your digital library, long-forgotten.

Step 2: Set Achievable Goals

Okay, here’s where most people get overwhelmed. Don’t try to do everything at once. This isn’t a no-life speedrun—it’s a marathon. Set small, achievable goals.

Try These:

- “I’ll clean up one trophy list a week.”
- “I’ll focus on games that are already over 50% completed first.”
- “No new games until I finish two old ones.”

Trust me, knocking out one game at a time feels waaaay better than half-finishing five simultaneously. You want that dopamine hit of the platinum trophy, not the exhaustion of juggling too many at once.

Step 3: Prioritize the Low-Hanging Fruit

Wanna build some momentum? Start with the trophy lists that need the least amount of effort.

What qualifies?

- Short indie games (think Firewatch, Journey, Inside).
- Games with easy or time-based trophies.
- Games you’ve already beaten but need cleanup.
- Games with guides and trophy roadmaps available.

Use sites like PlayStationTrophies.org or PowerPyx.com to find detailed roadmaps. Reddit also has some trophy hunter communities with great tips and time estimates.

This phase is like picking ripe apples from the lower branches—sweet, satisfying, and quick!

Step 4: Reinstall (But Be Strategic)

Let’s be honest—storage space on modern consoles is a nightmare. So be strategic when reinstalling old games. Only download what you're actively working on.

Pro Tip: Set up a “Clean-Up Folder” on your dashboard. Use it to keep track of the games you're focusing on. That way, you're not constantly bouncing between 30 titles and losing sight of your goals.

Also, before you reinstall, double-check:
- Are the servers still online (for multiplayer trophies)?
- Were the trophies glitched and later patched?
- Is there a PS5 upgrade version with a separate trophy list?

Step 5: Use Trophy Trackers and Checklists

Keeping track of progress boosts motivation. Use tools like:

- PSNProfiles.com (syncs with your PSN account)
- TrueTrophies and TrueAchievements
- Manual Excel or Google Sheets (nerdy but effective)
- Notion or Trello if you're feeling fancy

Set mini-goals like:
- “Collect all collectibles in Level 1.”
- “Beat the game on Hard difficulty.”
- “Get all co-op trophies this weekend.”

Breaking it down helps the mountain feel less Everest and more weekend hike.

Step 6: Don’t Be Afraid to Let Go

This one’s key. You don’t HAVE to finish every game. Read that again.

Sometimes, we start games that, in hindsight, just weren’t… it. Maybe the controls sucked. Maybe the story didn’t click. Or maybe you were trophy hunting during a rough patch in life and now associating that game with stress? Totally valid.

Deleting a game from your trophy list (yes, you can do that if it’s under 1% completed), or just deciding to let it remain unfinished, is okay.

This is your journey—not a leaderboard race.

Step 7: Set Rewards for Milestones

Gamifying the cleanup process makes it actually fun. For real.

Example Milestone Rewards:

- “One platinum = one new game download.”
- “Finish three trophy lists = treat yourself to that nice headset upgrade.”
- “Finish 10 games = buy the collector's edition of your next must-have.”

Positive reinforcement isn’t just for pets and toddlers; it works wonders for adult gamers too. Make the process something you want to come back to.

Step 8: Get Social With It

Joining a community of fellow trophy hunters can be a game-changer. Whether it’s on Reddit, Discord, or even Twitter/X, you’ll find people with the same goal: clean, 100% completed lists.

These communities often run challenges, like “Platinum 5 games this month” or “Finish your oldest trophy list.” Accountability = progress.

Also, swap tips, share guides, and vent about that one impossible trophy in Sekiro. We all need support.

Step 9: Watch Out for Burnout

Trophy hunting can get addicting, and not in a good way. Don’t let it turn into a soul-sucking grind that makes you hate gaming.

Take breaks. Play just for fun sometimes. Ignore the trophies and lose yourself in a game’s world again like you did when you first started gaming.

Balance is key. This should feel like leveling up your profile—not work stress disguised as gameplay.

Step 10: Maintain the Momentum

Once you've cleaned up the majority of your old lists, keep a new standard moving forward.

New Rule of Thumb:

- Don’t start new games unless you plan to finish them or are playing purely for fun.
- Set completion expectations before booting up that new title.
- Keep your backlog short and manageable.

Maintenance is way easier than another massive overhaul. Trust me.

Bonus: Create Your Trophy Hunter's Dream Setup

If you’re serious about this lifestyle, create a trophy-hunting-friendly setup:

- Use a second monitor or tablet for guides.
- Stream gameplay to Twitch for added accountability.
- Enable trophy pop-up notifications (because dopamine!).
- Sort your library by “Incomplete” or “Last Played” to stay focused.

Think like a trophy ninja—organized, efficient, and a little obsessed.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, cleaning up old trophy lists in your backlog isn't just about digital bragging rights. It’s about reclaiming your time, organizing your gaming life, and feeling hella accomplished along the way.

Sure, it takes effort—but it’s also incredibly satisfying. Every platinum trophy is a story, a memory, a win.

So go ahead. Fire up that dusty game you forgot about. Dust off the controller. And make that trophy list sparkle like new.

You've got this.