What are Steam achievements and how do I earn them?

Asked 2 years ago
Steam achievements are specific goals or milestones that players can accomplish within a game on the Steam platform. These achievements offer an engaging way to enhance the gaming experience by providing challenges beyond the main objectives of the game. They serve as a form of recognition for players' accomplishments and can range from completing a level, finding hidden items, or performing unique in-game actions. To earn Steam achievements, players usually need to meet certain criteria defined by the game developers. Each game has its own set of achievements, which can often be found in the game’s achievement section on the Steam client or on the game's Steam store page. Achievements may require skill, exploration, or completion of specific tasks, and some may encourage players to try different playstyles or gameplay modes. When you successfully complete the requirements for an achievement, it will be unlocked immediately and a notification will appear, confirming your accomplishment. The earned achievements are then added to your Steam profile, which can be viewed by other users. Players often enjoy comparing their achievement progress with friends or through community leaderboards. In addition to personal satisfaction, some games may reward achievements with in-game items or badges that further enhance the player's experience. For more information about specific achievements in a game, it is always a good idea to check the game’s community page or relevant discussions.
Adam Goldkamp is the editor / author responsible for this content.
Answered Jul 11, 2025

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