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If you LOVE a good challenge and are looking for a list of the best grinding games on PS4 & PS5, XBOX consoles, PC, or even Nintendo Switch, this is the best place to be.
Grinding in video games is nothing new; millions of players in the world love the rewards they can earn in exchange for their exploration of game worlds and the completion of side quests or challenges.
Particularly seen in shooters and RPGs, video game developers implement rewards to give players a meaningful sense of accomplishment and progression and keep them engaged in their games.
After all, how boring would games be if there weren’t rewards for the time you spent playing them? If you’re the kind of player seeking to grind out games to get those sweet rewards, read on for the best grinding games available.
Top Grinding Games for 2024
Here’s a list of the top grinding games to play across PC, XBOX series X and S, PS4, PS5, and Switch, and most of them have cross-play enabled.
1. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Available on: PC, PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, Nintendo Switch.
Originally released in 2011, Skyrim has spanned multiple console generations and continues to prove its relevance even in today’s gaming climate.
Considering the amount of content in Skyrim, you may spend well over 150 hours completing everything there is to do, and that’s if you’re truly dedicated to the grind.
Enhancing your gameplay can be done through leveling the skills of your character, such as magic skills, thief skills, and combat skills; each of those categories features its own subcategories of skills players can grind to level up.
Skyrim features a plethora of quests and dungeons to explore, and the adventure seemingly never ends, making Skyrim one of the best grinding games.
SKYRIM GUIDES TO EXPLORE:
- What Does Eternal Spirit Do in Skyrim?
- How to Delete Saves in Skyrim
- Where to Catch Pearlfish In Skyrim
- Can You Divorce and Remarry in Skyrim?
- The Lover Stone Location in Skyrim
- Can You Sell Stolen Items in Skyrim?
2. Elden Ring
FromSoftware games can be played in a variety of different ways due to how rich with content they always are.
And if you’ve ever played a Souls game before, then you must know how there are dozens of weapons to collect, many stats to level up, a large amount of gear to find, and very dangerous foes that require a lot of grinds to be killed. And that’s what brings us to this entry.
Elden Ring is easily one of the best most deserving Game of The Year candidates of 2024 due to how amazing of a game it is. The graphics and art style are breathtaking, the gameplay is addictingly fun, the co-op capabilities are competent, and there are so many routes and endings to unlock that it has an insane amount of replayability.
If all of that wasn’t enough, the game features worldbuilding by none other than George R. R. Martin – so that’s an extra point in the atmosphere department. No matter what price or platform you buy this game on, you will receive far more value than you’d expect.
NEW ELDEN RING GUIDES ON GAMESBUSTOP:
- Elden Ring Envoy’s Long Horn Location, Stats & Build
- Elden Ring Greatsword Tier List (Best Swords Ranked)
- Elden Ring Prince of Death’s Staff Location, Stats & Build
- What Focus and Vitality Does in Elden Ring
- Elden Ring Stars Of Ruin Spell Guide
- Elden Ring Divine Fortification (Complete Guide)
- Elden Ring Godskin Prayerbook Location & Uses
- Elden Ring Silver Tear Mask Location (Stats & Build)
- Elden Ring Best Holy Weapons, Ranked
- Elden Ring Fire Monks’ Prayerbook Complete Guide
3. Warframe
Available on: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, Nintendo Switch.
Warframe isn’t for the faint of heart; check out virtually any online forum talking about Warframe and you’ll find plenty of people either loving or hating how much grinding is involved in the game. One thing is for sure, though: if you’re looking to sink an endless number of hours into a game, look no further than Warframe.
Players can grind for weapons, warframes (think playable classes), and there’s a decent amount of lore sprinkled into the game for those that enjoy deeper context.
Perhaps best played with friends or even random players, Warframe is a non-stop grind for better equipment and is arguably one of the best grinding games currently available.
4. Destiny 2
Available on: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X.
Most FPS players are all too familiar with the grind that comes with the Destiny franchise, and Destiny 2 takes shooter grinding to a whole new level. With its strikes, raids, and expansion DLCs, players will find no shortage of grinding to be done.
On top of earning rewards when completing strikes and raids, players will also increase their light level (or power level, same thing), which determines how much damage you can take and how much damage you can deal with your enemies.
Rewards also include weapons, armor, and class items. There’s a fair amount of content packed into Destiny 2, and it’s safe to say it’s one of the best grinding games out there.
5. Monster Hunter Rise
The Monster Hunter games have always been extremely satisfying action RPGs and Rise is no exception. Though originally a Nintendo Switch game, it now has a PC port too and has already received an expansion called Sunbreak too.
The game features a large world and new game mechanics, such as a new animal companion that you can ride and Wirebugs that help you traverse the world faster. And everything from the previous games, like hunting giant monsters, selecting different weapon classes, and smaller details such as cooking food are all here too.
It’s a great investment and you will be busy for hours just exploring everything that Rise’s world has to offer. And if you love grinding, you’ll never run out of things to do.
6. No Man’s Sky
Available on: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X.
You’ve likely heard of the “disastrous” launch No Man’s Sky had in 2016, but thankfully the developers continued to work on the game and push out updates and the game is in much better shape today.
Spanning a seemingly endless universe filled with explorable planets and moons, No Man’s Sky is a game of survival and exploration. There is a story component, though for most players it takes the backseat; the gameplay is where the fun is to be had.
Players can grind for resources to upgrade their tools and their ship, as well as resources that allow them to eventually build their own bases on different planets. If you’re looking to grind it out in a (mostly) laid-back space adventure, look no further than No Man’s Sky.
7. Mortal Kombat 11
Available on: PC, PlayStation consoles, XBOX.
The Mortal Kombat franchise lives on with the release of MK11 back in 2018 and I have to say it’s one of the best co-op grinding games out there to play today and the game’s best installment yet.
You’re looking for a challenge? You’ve got it. From having to play Kombat League every now and then when there’s a season available to grind for new skins, brutalities, gear, and other season rewards to playing story mode to unlock new characters.
Let’s not forget the sweaty Tower modes where you have to play AI to earn rewards. Its levels of difficulties and the practice it’ll take to beat them is also another thing entirely. This game is worth adding to your list.
8. Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact can be easily overlooked due to its anime graphics and characters, but it’s a very enjoyable action RPG that rewards grinding very generously.
The game features a large world for players to explore and there are many missions to be completed, which offer stories, challenging boss fights, and lots of enemy types that are fun to defeat. Then we have side quests which include things like helping NPCs, cooking food, and even fishing.
And there is a lot of variety to be found in the game in every way, whether it’s the characters and their types, the loot that you can find, what activities you partake in, and even the co-op gameplay is entirely optional which is usually rare for an online game.
Plus, even if it’s not appealing to you at first, you grow into the game’s atmospheric world because it’s relaxing and uplifting – which is all that you need sometimes. And with an anime adaption on the way, a large number of new players will install the game in the coming months.
NEW GENSHIN IMPACT GUIDES:
- The Best Genshin Impact Keychains
- Best Genshin Impact Hoodies & Tees
- The Best Genshin Impact Backpacks
- Genshin Impact Serpent Spine Stats & Location
- Genshin Impact: How to Get Diluc
- Genshin Impact: 15 Powerful Female Characters Ranked
9. Tom Clancy’s The Division
Available on: PC, PS4, Xbox One.
Though there are plenty of complaints about grinding in video games in general, Tom Clancy’s Division has endured its fair share of criticism over how “grindy” it can be.
The Division doesn’t necessarily have more grinding than any other loot/progression-based game, and for most, it’s not exceedingly difficult to level up your character and find some decent loot.
One unique aspect of The Division is finding or earning “blueprints” that can be used to craft weapons, tools, and other gear types (provided you have the required materials). It should be noted that The Division is online-only, so be sure you’ve got a solid internet connection before you boot up one of the best grinding games.
10. Borderlands 3
Available on: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X.
It’s hard not to love the Borderlands series with its quirky characters, engaging gameplay, and unique art style.
Following the massive success of the previous entries, Borderlands 3 sports a deep well of weapons to grind for; the wacky kinds of guns only seen in Borderlands are on full display in this entry in the series and are well worth the grind.
With content that can take upwards of 60 hours to complete (if you’re truly determined), Borderlands 3 might just be one of the best (and most entertaining) grinding games.
11. Ark: Survival Evolved
Available on: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch.
If you’re a fan of survival games and dinosaurs, then Ark: Survival Evolved may be the perfect game for you. Set in a world filled to the brim with dinosaurs, players can essentially make that world their oyster.
You can grind resources to be used to craft weapons and items, build bases, and more. You can also tame dinosaurs and literally ride them like a horse. I mean, if that part alone doesn’t sell you on this game, then I don’t know what will.
In all seriousness, Ark can be a little too grindy for the average player but fear not; you can customize the number of resources you collect when you’re scavenging to reduce the amount of time it takes to get what you need.
Survival games make for great grinding games, and Ark: Survival Evolved offers the best of both worlds.
12. Stardew Valley
Available on: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch.
Generally, in games that have a lot of grinding, players can be left feeling as if they’re not making any meaningful progress. Thankfully, that’s not the case with Stardew Valley.
A game in which players are literally just farming (like, you’ve got animals and crops kind of farm), Stardew Valley is a laid-back experience for players that like to grind and feel as if their efforts are actually having an impact on their game.
Most fans of the game will tell you that even when they’re grinding, it’s so fun and relaxing for them that it doesn’t feel like a chore, a common feeling amongst other games that have a lot to grind for.
Players can level up skills such as mining, farming, and fishing, which can be done through earning experience completing tasks, or fighting enemies. Different seasons bring different resources to collect and ensure the game doesn’t become monotonous.
NEW STARDEW VALLEY GUIDES:
- Stardew Valley Red Mushroom Location & Uses
- How to Get Clay In Stardew Valley
- Topaz Stardew Valley Location And Uses
- Stardew Valley Golden Walnut Location (Uses)
- Dragon Tooth Stardew Valley Location
- Stardew Valley Ginger Island Guide
- Stardew Valley Best Fishing Spots For Every Season (Updated)
13. Fallout 76
Fallout 76 had a rocky launch, but like most Bethesda games, it has been polished over the years into a very entertaining game. It features all of the action RPG elements that we’ve seen in the franchise before but throws in online multiplayer which is very fun with friends.
There’s a large open world to explore and you can party up with up to three others. You will run into other players and either choose to work with them or against them, and there is a lot of grinding to be done in the large Wasteland that is presented to you.
Character attributes, skill trees, passive abilities, gear, quests, and settlements will take up most of your time, while other things such as nuclear weapons can be unlocked for eventful moments. It’s a game that will keep you and your friends busy for quite a while and manages to capture the feeling of single-player Fallout games very well.
As an honorable mention, you can try out Fallout Shelter too, which is a pretty different game but also rewards grinding.
MORE FALLOUT 76 GUIDES:
- Fallout 76 Aluminum Locations Revealed
- Fallout 76 Ballistic Fiber Farming Locations
- Fallout 76 Cryptids: How to Kill Them
- The Best Weapons Fallout 76 Weapons Ranked
14. Hades
Hades is an excellent roguelike game with dungeon crawling as its primary structure. And it took the world by a storm when it was released due to its addicting hack ‘n slash gameplay, attractive art style, fun characters, and replay value.
Players control the son of Hades and each run features challenging rooms filled with enemies and rewards. You unlock new a lot of new things throughout different runs and grind to become stronger, and it’s only after 10 successful runs that you get to see the ending.
But that’s not where it ends, you have to spend many hours further to get the true Epilogue. But it’s not remotely repetitive or boring as the game mixes things up at every turn and the character relationships are very fun to witness. So, by the end you’re truly ‘done’, you’d have something around 40 to 70 hours into the game.
The game was nominated for many Game of the Year awards and even won some of them – so that should give you an idea of how good it is.
15. Yakuza (franchise)
Yakuza (also known as Like a Dragon) is a very large franchise that includes 8 mainline games and plenty of spin-offs – with more to come. Though the first two games were on the PlayStation 2, they have been remade in modern-day graphics and the others received remasters too, so it’s a very accessible franchise to get into.
One of the best things about Yakuza is that you don’t have to grind too much if you don’t want to. However, if you do, then there are hundreds of hours’ worth of content that you can indulge yourself in.
There is a long skill tree that you can work your way through, many side quests, tons of side activities like fight clubs, and there are entire sub-sections of the game that have their own unique mechanics such as Cabaret Clubs and Real Estate agencies.
It’s a very unique blend of a beat ‘em up game, a dramatic storyline, and simulation elements in a single franchise – and you’ll have a great time going through all of them and seeing how the world changes around you over the years. Preferably, start with Yakuza 0, then play Kiwami 1 and 2 before you go over to Yakuza 3 and onward.
16. World of Warcraft
Available on: PC.
It’s hard to believe that a game that was released in 2004 is still alive and well, but World of Warcraft continues to hold strong in today’s gaming world thanks to its diehard fanbase and consistent expansion releases.
As with most RPGs, players grind for levels and reputation, as well as for loot. For some, the grinding doesn’t seem to stop, as there are several focus areas in which players can decide to grind after maxing out their levels, like armor, mounts, and weapons.
There’s also an ample amount of lore in the game for players that enjoy fully immersing themselves in the games they play.
17. Outriders
Available on: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X.
Released in April 2021, Outriders is a new entry into the “looter shooter” genre. Players can choose one of four playable classes which can’t be changed, so be sure to choose wisely.
Playing through the story and side missions rewards players with a plethora of items such as gear and mods for their weapons. As with most games in this genre, the class you choose comes with skills that can be upgraded.
Outriders boast some flashy gameplay and stunning visuals, and generally, the grind is less noticeable when you’re distracted by what’s happening on screen. As gaming continues to evolve, Outriders is a welcome addition to the world of grinding games.
That’s it for our list of the 17 best grinding games that you can play now, both alone and with your friends. We hope that you found this helpful guide, and while you’re still here, make sure to check out many of our other updated gaming lists!
