Fun grind and addictive progression: these games motivate with more than just the endgame

A truly great game shouldn’t rely solely on endgame rewards to keep players engaged – the journey itself should be just as enjoyable and rewarding. That’s the view shared by Redditor u/VayKote, who recently started a thread titled “Which games have you played that had a really entertaining progression curve or an exciting grind?” In just 10 hours, the post had already attracted around 150 comments, highlighting that a well-designed grind is something many gamers genuinely value.

The thread’s creator highlighted several standout examples of games with satisfying progression, including Elden Ring, Deus Ex: Human Revolution, Subnautica, Metal Gear Solid V and Deathloop. For grind-heavy experiences, they gave special praise to Monster Hunter: World and Tom Clancy’s The Division – the latter despite its mixed reception. Many users joined in, adding a wide variety of other noteworthy titles to the discussion.

Among the most frequently mentioned games are Terraria, praised for its steady sense of progression and wide variety of upgrades, and Satisfactory, which captivates players with its intricate automation systems and expansive tech tree. Vampire Survivors also stands out – despite its simple gameplay, the constant stream of upgrades makes it surprisingly addictive. Other popular picks include Hades, Disgaea, Warframe, Cyberpunk 2077, Black Myth: Wukong and The Last Remnant. Many users share personal stories and discover new games through these recommendations. Even less mainstream opinions, such as praise for The Division or Dynasty Warriors 5, are met with genuine interest and open discussion.

Which game hooked you the most with its progression or grind? Share your pick in the comments!