Why Some Trophies Are Worth the Grind

11 December 2025

Let’s cut straight to the point: grinding for trophies in video games can feel a lot like trying to lick your elbow—technically possible, but frustrating, weird, and kinda pointless to outsiders. But for those of us who live and breathe gaming, there's something oddly beautiful about it.

So, why do we torture ourselves with dozens (sometimes hundreds) of hours of repetitive gameplay, obscure side quests, or ridiculous difficulty levels just to earn a virtual badge? Are we mad? Delusional? Secret masochists?

Nah. We're trophy hunters—and some trophies are just worth the grind.

The Trophy Addiction: It Starts Innocently

It begins with one little ding. That satisfying sound when your console pops up a notification saying: “You did a thing! Have a shiny digital pat on the back.” The dopamine hits. You smile. You think, “Well that was easy. I’ll get a few more.”

Next thing you know, it’s 3 a.m., you’re knee-deep in a fourth playthrough of a game you thought you were done with last month, and you’re trapped in a loop of “just one more.”

Sound familiar?

The Psychology Behind the Grind

Let’s be real: trophies aren’t real. You can't trade them for Bitcoin. You can't eat them. They won’t get you a job (unless it's a trophy-hunting gig—and if you find one, call me).

So why do we chase them?

1. Achievement (Literally)

We humans are wired to want to complete things. Our brains love goals. That’s why crossing something off a to-do list feels so good. Trophies tap directly into that sensation. They say: “Hey, you did a hard thing. Good job."

2. Bragging Rights

Sure, it’s all digital. But let’s not downplay how amazing it feels to show off that Platinum trophy in Elden Ring. It’s like tattooing “I survived madness” on your gamer ID.

You walk into online lobbies with that trophy and suddenly, you’ve got street cred. People might even respect you more than their actual parents. (Okay maybe not, but you get the idea.)

3. The Joy of Mastery

Trophies often require you to experience every nook and cranny of a game. That means you’re not just finishing the story—you’re mastering it.

Take Ghost of Tsushima, for example. You could blitz through the main story in 15 hours. But if you're going for the Platinum? You’ll be composing haikus, chasing foxes, and collecting flowers like a samurai-turned-florist. And surprisingly—it’s therapeutic.

When the Grind Becomes a Glorious Quest

Now, not all trophies are created equal. Some are lazy. (Looking at you, “Start Game” trophy.) Others? Pure gold. They challenge you, frustrate you, and make you rethink your life choices. But in the end, you cherish them.

Here’s why some trophies are totally worth the grind.

1. The "Skill Showoff" Trophies

Ever beat a Soulsborne game without dying? (No, me neither.) But there are folks who have. And for them, the hard-earned trophy isn’t just a symbol. It’s a declaration of divine gaming ability.

These are the trophies that say, “I didn’t just play the game—I owned it.”

Examples:
- Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice – “Shura” ending. You didn’t just fight side bosses—you betrayed everyone and survived.
- Cuphead – A Perfect Run on Expert Mode? You deserve a medal made of tears.

2. The “You Really Love This Game, Huh?” Trophies

Grinding for hours to collect every single collectible item? Obsessing over hidden journals, enemy types, or map completion percentages?

Yeah, these trophies test your loyalty. They whisper softly, “If you really love me, you’ll do this one ridiculous fetch quest.”

Examples:
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – 900 Korok seeds. NINE. HUNDRED. For what? A golden pile of—wait, is that poop?
- Red Dead Redemption 2 – 100% completion. That means fishing… for every. single. fish.

Totally insane. Totally worth it.

3. The “Unexpected Journey” Trophies

These are my personal favorite. The trophies that lead you down weird paths you wouldn’t normally take.

Like stealth-killing 100 enemies? I guess I’ll stop charging in like a lunatic and try sneaking for once.

Or romancing every character in a BioWare game. (Yes, even the weird alien ones.)

These trophies enrich the game. They force you to experiment, explore different play styles, or just get downright creative.

Examples:
- The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Multiple ending paths require moral ambiguity. You’ll replay just to see what could've been.
- Detroit: Become Human – 40+ endings. And guess what? There’s a trophy for all of them. Time to become an android detective.

The Grind Becomes a Lifestyle

Once you taste the sweet, sweet nectar of a rare Platinum trophy, you change. Suddenly, story mode isn’t enough. You need to know if a game has a challenging trophy list before you even buy it.

You find yourself reading Reddit threads, watching trophy guide videos, and joining toxic Facebook groups full of people arguing over whether AC: Valhalla is “too easy.”

You become… one of them.

But hey, it's not all bad.

Unexpected Perks of Trophy Hunting

Let’s talk real benefits. Not imaginary ones—actual, tangible side effects of grinding for trophies like a beast.

1. Extended Replay Value

One playthrough? That’s for quitters. Trophy lists encourage multiple runs, experimentation, and really… squeezing every drop of content out of a game.

You might even discover whole side stories or features you’d otherwise miss. Best bang-for-your-buck? Absolutely.

2. Improved Skills

You want to get better at games? Start trophy hunting. Seriously.

To get those ultra-rare ones, you're going to need patience, precision, and probably some caffeine. Over time, you'll notice you're aiming better, reacting faster, and thinking more strategically.

3. Stress Relief (Weirdly Enough)

There’s something meditative about certain trophy grinds. Maybe it's fishing in Stardew Valley. Or grinding XP in Final Fantasy. Sometimes, repetitive tasks give your brain a break from real-life chaos.

Trophy hunting can be your digital yoga.

Sometimes, It’s About the Community

Believe it or not, there’s a whole tribe of trophy hunters out there. They share tips, celebrate milestones, and even compete to hit milestones first. It’s like an exclusive club where everyone’s a bit obsessed but super passionate.

Some of the best online friendships I've seen spark not in battle royales—but in discussions about the best route to 100% Hollow Knight.

But Not All That Glitters Is Platinum...

Okay, let’s not romanticize too hard. Some trophies are absolute trash.

We’re talking:
- Glitched trophies that never unlock.
- Multiplayer trophies in dead servers. (You listening, PS3 era?)
- Mind-numbingly boring grinds. (Collect 10,000 feathers? Why, Ubisoft, WHY?)

Sometimes, the grind just isn’t worth it. And that’s okay. The trick is knowing when to walk away.

Remember: You’re hunting trophies, not sacrificing your sanity.

So... Why Is It Worth It?

Because whether it's for competitive pride, digital therapy, or just the thrill of hearing that ding, some trophies mark a deeper connection with a game. They prove you didn’t just visit a world—you explored it, conquered it, and became part of its lore.

They’re not just milestones—they’re memories.

Every hard-won trophy is a digital scar, a badge of honor, and a story you’ll tell (or tweet) for years. So grind on, fellow hunter. Your next Platinum is waiting.

Final Thoughts: Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze?

Absolutely.

Sure, not all trophies are created equal. Some are hot garbage. Others? Pure platinum-coated joy.

But those “worth-it” trophies—those ones that test your mettle, pull you deeper into the game, and make your heart race when they finally pop—they're the ones that make the grind worthwhile.

So embrace the madness. Go for the impossible. And never forget: You’re not just playing games.

You’re making history… one trophy at a time.