How to Create a Trophy Hunting Schedule That Works

8 January 2026

If you're a gamer who loves chasing trophies or achievements, you know it’s not just about playing the game—it’s about playing with purpose. But let’s face it: trophy hunting can be overwhelming. Some games have dozens or even hundreds of achievements, and if you're not organized, it's easy to burn out or completely miss your mark.

So how do you create a trophy hunting schedule that actually works—one that keeps you productive, motivated, and maybe even sane? You're about to find out.

Why You Need a Trophy Hunting Schedule in the First Place

Sure, you could just boot up a game, aimlessly grind a few missions, and maybe stumble into some trophies by accident. But if you really want that satisfying 100% completion—whether for bragging rights, personal satisfaction, or just because you're a bit of a perfectionist—a schedule is your best friend.

Think of it like this: trying to platinum a game without a plan is like trying to train for a marathon by randomly jogging different streets every day. Possible? Maybe. Efficient? Not even close.

A well-structured schedule gives you clarity, direction, and keeps the trophy grind from feeling, well... grindy.

Step 1: Start With the Right Game(s)

Not all games are created equal when it comes to trophy hunting.

Pick Games That Fit Your Playstyle

Are you more into story-driven games, fast-paced shooters, or massive open-world RPGs? Don't force yourself to chase trophies in genres you don't enjoy. You'll just end up quitting halfway through.

Know the Difficulty Level

Some trophy lists are notoriously brutal (looking at you, "Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice"), while others are a breeze. Do some research before committing. You’ll find plenty of online communities and websites where players rate the difficulty and time required for each platinum.

Time Commitment Matters

If you only have a few hours a week to play, don’t start with a 200-hour completion like “The Witcher 3.” Choose games that align with your available time.

Step 2: Do Your Homework

Once you’ve picked a game, it’s time to research like a trophy-hunting detective.

Read the Trophy Guide

Websites like PSNProfiles, TrueTrophies, and Steam Achievements are treasure troves of guides. Don’t just skim—read them thoroughly. Understand which trophies are missable, which ones require multiple playthroughs, and any tricky ones that need setup from the start.

Watch Walkthroughs and Speedruns

Video guides can offer a visual roadmap. Sometimes seeing is believing, especially for highly specific or skill-based trophies.

Make Notes

Yes, old-school note-taking still rocks. Use a notebook or a digital doc to jot down key trophy requirements, chapter-specific achievements, and anything you think might trip you up.

Step 3: Break It Down—Game by Game

So, you’ve got your list, and you've done your research. Now let's break the game down into manageable chunks.

Create a Trophy Checklist

A simple checklist helps you track your progress and keeps you motivated. Some trophies are stackable or can be earned simultaneously, so group those logically.

Break trophies into categories like:
- Story progression
- Collectibles
- Multiplayer
- Special feats (e.g., “Beat the boss without taking damage”)

Set Milestones

Don’t try to eat the whole pizza in one bite. Split completion into phases. Maybe Phase 1 is finishing the story, Phase 2 cleaning up collectibles, and Phase 3 tackling the hardest challenges.

Celebrate small wins. Every trophy earned is one step closer to the platinum.

Step 4: Schedule Your Time Like a Pro

Here’s where the magic happens—actually making time for trophy hunting.

Block Out Time in Your Calendar

Treat it like any other commitment. Block out an hour or two a few times a week, depending on your schedule. Be consistent.

Set Realistic Goals

Instead of saying “I’ll finish this entire game this weekend,” try “I'll finish the story by Sunday and grab three collectibles each day.”

Setting realistic goals helps avoid burnout and keeps the grind enjoyable.

Consider Your Energy Levels

Schedule more demanding trophies (like boss challenges or time-based missions) when you’re feeling fresh and alert. Save the casual cleanup (collectibles, side quests) for late evenings or more relaxed sessions.

Step 5: Balance Trophy Hunting With Real Life

This might sound obvious, but it’s important: don't let trophy hunting take over your life. You want to enjoy gaming, not make it feel like a second job.

Take Breaks

If you start getting frustrated or bored, step away. Play a different game for fun, go outside, binge a show—whatever gives your brain a reset.

Avoid Burnout

Mix up your genres. If you just platinumed a heavy RPG, maybe go for a quick platformer next. Keep your gaming life fresh and varied.

Communicate With Your Circle

If you game around friends or family, let them know your schedule. It helps avoid interruptions during boss fights and shows them you're managing your time wisely—not just disappearing into the couch.

Step 6: Join the Trophy Hunting Community

You don’t have to go it alone.

Share Your Wins

Post your progress to trophy forums or Reddit threads. You’ll get encouragement, tips, and maybe a few humble brags.

Ask for Help

Stuck on a multiplayer trophy? Ask others to boost with you. Need advice on a tricky part? Most communities are super willing to help.

Compete—If You’re Into That

Some people are motivated by friendly competition. Set challenges with your friends or join leaderboard rankings to stay pumped.

Step 7: Track and Reflect

Finally, don’t just move from one game to the next without looking back. Reflect on your journey.

Use Trophy Trackers

Apps and websites exist that can sync with your gaming profile and track trophy completion automatically. Seeing your overall stats climb is incredibly motivating.

Evaluate Your Schedule

Every few weeks, look at what’s working and what’s not. Maybe certain days are too crammed for gaming—or maybe you've got more free time than you thought.

Stay Flexible

Life changes. Priorities shift. Be willing to change your plan if needed. Remember, it's okay to abandon a trophy hunt if it’s no longer fun or worth the time.

Bonus Tips and Tricks

Because who doesn’t like a few power-ups?

Keep Spare Saves

Some trophies are missable or have different outcomes. Creating separate save files before key moments can save you hours of replaying.

Use In-Game Tools

Many games have built-in maps, trackers, or logs. Learn to use them to your advantage.

Don’t Be Afraid of Easy Platinums

There’s no shame in padding your trophy count with a few easier titles. Everyone needs a break from hardcore hunts now and then.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s wrap up by avoiding the biggest traps:

- Skipping Research – You’ll waste hours or miss trophies entirely.
- Taking On Too Much – Juggling four trophy hunts at once? That’s a recipe for burnout.
- Chasing Trophies You Hate – If a trophy is sucking the fun out of the game, ask yourself: is it really worth it?
- Neglecting Real Life – It’s great to have goals, but balance comes first.

Final Thoughts

Creating a trophy hunting schedule that works isn’t just about maximizing your time—it’s about making sure your gaming stays fun, focused, and fulfilling. With a little planning, consistency, and the right mindset, you can turn trophy hunting from a chaotic grind into a rewarding journey.

So grab your controller, pick your path, and start stacking those platinums like a pro.