Grinding is a video game mechanic that some find tedious, while others take pleasure in the repetitive cycle of actions the game offers.
Though it's a very subjective matter (as are most things in gaming) let's look at the good and bad of grinding in video games.
A Quick Recap on Grinding in Video Games
If you're unfamiliar with what this mechanic is, we've got a quick explainer on grinding in video games. Be sure to read that.
However, the one-sentence summary is that grinding is where the player does the same tasks repeatedly, perhaps to gain experience points (XP) or in-game items in order to progress through their game.
So, now that you know what grinding in video games is, let's explore whether it's a good or bad game mechanic.
When Grinding in Video Games Is "Bad"
Let's take a game like Assassin's Creed Odyssey. It's a huge open world action RPG and, as you'd imagine, there's a ton of stuff to do.
However, a lot of the quests can end up being the same thing and the simplified combat system doesn't give much in the way of challenge. Higher difficulties simply turn enemies into damage sponges, which only adds to the grind and artificially lengthens the game.
This can destroy AC Odyssey's pacing, which is fine if you're enjoying what you're doing. But if you're not, you might feel like the game is a slog, completing many filler quests in order to level up and progress the main story.
It seems like Ubisoft knows this as well. You can buy "time savers" with real money, which are essentially XP boosters that minimize the grind.
Other examples of "bad" or excessive grinding include Marvel's Avengers, Destiny, and Warframe.
When Grinding in Video Games Is "Good"
Grinding can be boring, pad out a game, and make you lose all interest in it. But, that's not always the case—grinding can be a rewarding experience.
Take a Soulsborne game, like Dark Souls III. This series excels in challenging gameplay and has a steep learning curve for beginners, intermediates, and… well, almost everyone.
A mechanic in these games is enemies that respawn once you die or rest at a bonfire. Because of this, if you get stuck at any point in the game, you can head to a lower level area, kill the enemies there, collect their "souls" (the in-game XP/currency), rest at a bonfire, and repeat.
This is "soul farming", which players commonly do to gain souls to increase their level or purchase in-game items. While it can be repetitive, soul farming is also a way for you to better understand the game's mechanics. Harder enemies drop more souls, so at some point, you might consider soul farming in those areas.
So, when you eventually revisit the boss or area that was causing you trouble, not only are you a higher level, but you're also better at the game.
Examples of "good" or constructive grinding in video games include Monster Hunter: World and Diablo III.
Each Gamer Will Have Their Own Take on Grinding
Now, you might've read through each of these sections and thought, "but I love Assassin's Creed Odyssey," or "Dark Souls is way too repetitive and boring for me. How is that good?" and that's okay.
That's kind of the point of this section. What makes up "good" or "bad" grinding will be down to you.
If you know that what you're playing is repetitive, joyless, and you're doing it as a means to an end, then grinding can be a boring and crushing process.
But if multiple aspects of a game keep you interested, and you're not aware of repetition, or you enjoy gaming alongside doing something else, then, hey, you're having a great time and you might not even see it as grinding.
Grinding or Not, Play the Games You Love
Grinding can be mindless, it can be constructive, or it can simply a necessary evil to get you from point A to point B. Regardless, your enjoyment when grinding in video games comes down to you and your gameplay experience.
Whether it's the story, level design, or core gameplay loop, if a game keeps you coming back for more, and you're enjoying your time, then grind away.