Valve Introduces Achievement Sets for Steam Games
Valve has introduced a major new feature for Steam achievements called 'achievement sets', allowing developers to list different groups of achievements for a base game and downloadable content.
Radwan AbdulhadiEditor and technology writer
Splitting Achievements for Base Games and DLCs
Valve is introducing a major new feature for Steam achievements called “achievement sets” that lets developers list different groups of achievements for a base game and DLCs. According to details shared by [The Verge](https://www.theverge.com/games/1012541/valve-steam-achievement-sets), developers with games on Steam can now split achievements from a base game and its downloadable content into distinct sets, each equipped with their own individual progress bars.
This functionality aims to streamline how players navigate extensive achievement lists. Rather than scrolling through one massive, unbroken record, users will find a much cleaner presentation for titles that choose to adopt the system.
How Unlocking and Progress Tracking Work
The mechanics of gameplay remain undisturbed by the new system update. As [Valve says](https://go.skimresources.com/?id=87443X1797501&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fstore.steampowered.com%2Fnews%2Fapp%2F593110%2Fview%2F710037059469839141), "In games that support sets, you still unlock achievements by playing the game as usual."
However, the post-game experience is notably altered. When browsing what has been unlocked afterward, Steam will break the long list of game achievements into the developer-created sets. This design makes it significantly easier to see what has been completed and to find other related objectives that can be unlocked next.
Furthermore, players who manage to finish an entire achievement set will be rewarded with a specialized “set complete” trophy that remains visible on their user profile.
Seasonal and Time-Limited Achievement Sets
Beyond base games and expansions, the update accommodates seasonal formats. Steam will support seasonal achievement sets that developers can also choose to archive when necessary.
Exploring the potential of this temporary system, [Valve says](https://go.skimresources.com/?id=87443X1797501&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fstore.steampowered.com%2Fnews%2Fapp%2F1675200%2Fview%2F687519694976975613), "We think there are a lot of fun ways games can take advantage of the temporary nature this can add, such as adding achievements to season-based games or enabling time-limited holiday achievements."
Steam Client Beta and Page Refresh
Alongside the introduction of achievement sets, the company is refreshing the overall Steam Achievements page. The updated layout is designed to display a summary of overall player progress, progress broken down across each individual achievement set, and detailed views on specific achievements.
A handful of games already support achievement sets per the announcement. Users eager to test out the feature can find the new achievements capabilities included within the latest Steam client beta version.
Sources
- The VergeSteam can now show game achievements in separate ‘sets’
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