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Although grinding in games can be frustrating, the activity can be relaxing in the right circumstances. For those who don’t know, grinding is repeating an action to achieve a desired result. For example, players repeatedly fighting the same enemy to gain levels is grinding. Many games have grinding, though it is generally most prominent in RPGs. Whether trying to get the best gear or over-level your characters, grinding can be one of the most fun parts of these games. Grinding often requires little effort, and simple tasks are perfect for multitasking. For any player looking for some RPGs to grind, here is a list of our personal favorites.
10. Borderlands 2
Of all the titles in the renowned franchise of Borderlands, Borderlands 2 offers one of the best grinding experiences in gaming. In this action-packed FPS, players will take control of a Vault Hunter as they travel through the world of Pandora. For grinding, players will need to focus on gaining levels and finding weapons. Level grinding can be an especially relaxing experience when players get in the swing of it. With 80 levels and tons of special guns to grind for, Borderlands 2 is a great FPS to grind.
9. Warframe
Next up, Warframe is a great game to grind, especially if you like grinding in Borderlands. Warframe is a third-person shooter where players will complete missions for the chance at various rewards. Each completed mission will reward resources and potentially recipes for new Warframes, which function as unique playable characters. Cutting through hordes of enemies while playing the same mission on repeat can be very fun. Though, at times, Warframe has some of the most intense grinding.
8. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
On a less intense note, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is my next recommendation for grinding. In this simulation game, players will be thrust onto a deserted island and tasked with turning it into a paradise. Players need to grind for Bells by selling items, collecting them, and helping villagers. In terms of grinding, Animal Crossing has an easy daily schedule, with many chores to do every day. Anyone looking for a simple game to fit into their mornings, then Animal Crossing is a great fit.
7. Lost Ark
Lost Ark is a great game for players who love grinding for gear. In this MMO-RPG, players must level characters and grind gear to keep up. Additionally, getting gear and resources to level gear is very fun. The ARPG combat is engaging and feels refreshing compared to traditional MMOs. Overall, Lost Ark is a unique MMO and a great choice for grinding fans.
6. Diablo 4
With its recent release and huge success, Diablo 4 is another game we recommend for grind-loving fans. Much like Lost Ark, Diablo 4 has very fun ARPG gameplay and an addictive grinding formula. Although the game is new, there are already multiple things to do grinding-wise. One of the most unique grinding methods is leveling hardcore characters, which will be permanently lost if they die. Overall, Diablo 4 can be an interesting yet challenging grind.
5. Monster Hunter Rise
Next, Monster Hunter Rise is a great RPG that will pit players against massive monsters. Players will need to fight these monsters repeatedly to create new armor and weapons unique to each of the beasts. Grinding each monster can be a cathartic experience, though, at the same time, it can be a fun challenge. Fights in Monster Hunter Rise can take from 20 to 50 mins. However, players looking to slay massive beasts may enjoy grinding in this game.
4. Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is another sim game and the most fun farming game to grind. In this game, players will need to run a farm. Though this sounds simple, there are tons of different activities to grind in this game. Some of these things include fishing, farming, mining, and more. Making progress in any of these will be a wonderful grind for players that enjoy it.
3. Final Fantasy 14
MMOs are perfect games for grinding, and Final Fantasy 14 is no exception. With so much endgame content, players will never run out of things to grind for while playing. Of course, Final Fantasy 14 has much of the standard MMO grinding content, which includes gearing, crafting, and farming. The game does each of these elements extremely well, with huge amounts of grinding coming from the Glamour system. This allows players to change up the look of their gear, which many use for interesting fashion arrangements.
2. World of Warcraft
World of Warcraft has the most fun grinding out of any MMO. Although grinding in this game is fairly standard, its simplicity makes it fairly relaxing. When paired with a YouTube video or podcast, grinding things like Reputation and crafting resources is a great experience. On top of this, Raids and Mythics make for some fun gearing content for players looking for more of an intense grind.
1. Genshin Impact
Finally, players looking for an RPG to grind should check out Genshin Impact. Genshin, overall, has massive amounts of content to explore. The game is an ARPG gacha game that tasks players with using a party of characters to fight against. In the game, there are plenty of daily quests to grind and repeatable content, like Domains and the Spiral Abyss. Plus, farming in this game feels very rewarding, as it provides precious resources that allow players to get more characters and make them stronger.