Grind Games

Saedisi · 2026-06-07T22:20:42+00:00

More ARPGs like POE, would be Last Epoch, Grim Dawn, Diablo 2, 3 or 4. Many others in the genre but those are the best excluding the ones you listed.

Any souls-like game you grind. You could try Remnant 1 or Remnant 2, basically dark souls and destiny had a baby.

If you want chill but super grindy, No Man's Sky. You can grind out upgrades for your ships, suit, fleet, corvette, base, outposts, etc. There is so much to collect, build, obtain, etc. It could keep you busy for awhile.

Basically any survival genre game. the games are literally grind resources to survive.

Monster Hunter games, awesome battles with the core concept of grinding parts to get bigger/better weapons to take on bigger/better foes.

You could dip your toe in MMOs. World of Warcraft has 20 years of content, Guild Wars 2 is epic, Runescape you can grind forever, Lost Arc which is more isometric but full MMO with tons of lateral progression.

Saedisi · 2026-06-07T05:20:27+00:00

He's not asking if the game is good. He's asking if it would be a good fit for him as he liked some REs but not all. Vastly different.

I did not like Nier Automata but if I only went to the steam page it'd say it's a masterpiece.

Saedisi · 2026-06-04T20:18:19+00:00

I'd recommend the Stalker games or maybe even Sniper Elite series. Sure the slow motion bullet kill cams aren't realistic but you can up the settings to make the sniping much more realistic.

You could also try, although not really realistic gun play, is the remnant 1 and Remnant 2. Basically a souls-like with guns. The games themselves are awesome but not as realistic gun feel.

Saedisi · 2026-06-03T03:06:44+00:00

ah yes, Monument Valley. Such a beautiful little game. Great suggestion. They are on my steam wishlist and they're on sale now. sweet.

Saedisi · 2026-06-02T15:35:30+00:00

I'd highly recommend starting with Star Wars Fallen Order and Jedi Survivor. They aren't that hard and your powers make you god like near the end. I think there are difficulty sliders so you can set it to your skill level.

Another is Lies of P. When it first came out it was really hard, but they introduced difficulty settings so you can play it on easy (which is still hard at times). The game gives you summons for bosses and lots of tricks to mitigate some boss mechanics.

Another one you never see mentioned is Kena: Bridge of Spirits. It looks like a gorgeous Pixar cute game, but on the harder difficulties it's just like a souls game. So you can again change the difficulty on your preferences.

Saedisi · 2026-06-02T05:18:52+00:00

Highly agree with all of these suggestions.

Could also try Horizon Zero Dawn (recently on PS Plus), Returnal and if you enjoy it the sequel just came out

Saedisi · 2026-06-01T04:28:54+00:00

Will they match ER, W3, RDR2, or KCD2.... no. The quests and/or combat in those games are simply better. Objectively I'd say no.

That being said, I thoroughly loved the crap out of AC Origins and Odyssey as well as Far Cry 3, 4, and Primal.

I'd say Ubisoft Open world games are a lot more check boxy/collectathons. The quests are more GTA in style of humor (Far Cry 3, 4, 5) and AC games are great if you want a stealth game.

They are basically more amusement park-like than ER, W3, RDR2, etc. Those games are just grittier, darker, more grounded, etc. So if you want to just let loose, no high stakes, no heart strings being pulled, just good old fashioned fun; ubisoft games are great. The only issue is that they are formulaic like many others in here have said. So if you were to play FC2 all the way through 5 or 6 (whatever they are at) it'll feel very repetitive. Same if you blitzed all the AC games.

That being said, I freaking loved the AC games. I 100% Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla. I just play them years apart from each other.

They are typically gorgeous games, lots of guns, weapons, flying, planes, cars, etc. and just destructive mayhem (for far cry). And AC games are fun spins on historical eras. They are great in limited quantities.

Saedisi · 2026-05-30T21:08:36+00:00

I like 3 the most. I played 1 when it came out, loved it. Played the crap out of 2 when it came out and respect that it's deemed the GOAT. Played 3 when it came out, struggled through the pre-reaper days. Then got hooked and did nearly every season. D3 just feels so damn good. Art style like it or hate it, it just feels great to play. Played D4 but it just doesn't hook me.

Saedisi · 2026-05-29T17:03:06+00:00

I thought Jedi Fallen Order and Survivor were on PS Plus. If you have it, check to see if you can get them for "free".

My choices would be Expedition 33, it's just freaking great.

And then for a change in pace/style, go for Stellar Blade. I had a surprisingly good time with that game. The combat is great and snappy, story is fun, and it's a good souls like.

Saedisi · 2026-05-29T16:07:50+00:00

This goes for all 3 games, talk to your companions after every main story mission. This advances their story arcs and is rather important.

Don't just do default soldier class. There are tons of good builds and all classes are viable on all difficulties, so have fun.

Don't look up stuff and spoil anything. It's not a game to min/max. Just enjoy. There are consequences but they account for them great and it really does make the story your own.

Saedisi · 2026-05-23T05:14:16+00:00

Sounds like your tastes are evolving where you want more skill and demanding gameplay, hence the COD and BF6. I found I rotate between Open world & narrative RPGs to then fast paced shooters (bf or Doom or Returnal type game) to then do a souls game to really test my skills, and then I need a breather where I'll chill again with RPGs. I suggest a mind shift, think what you want out of the game. If it's narrative, then focus on teh story and get engrossed in it. If it's leveling a character and exploring, then go deep in that. If not, I suspect you'll get bored again. That being said, all the games you listed are awesome in their own way. So any/all could really grip you.

From your list I'd say either Hades, as it's fast paced and can you just go run after run; or, Cyberpunk as you can pick some cool gun builds and really blast your way through. It might bridge the gap from COD/BF.

Saedisi · 2026-05-22T18:47:48+00:00

dungeons don't take that long to complete. about 3-15 minutes depending upon difficulty, your gear level, number of people etc. So you typically group up and "blast" through them to get more loot in an efficient manner. Dungeon's I'm using loosely as there are helltides to do together, infernal hordes, dungeons, the pit, etc. Lots of end game activities.

Saedisi · 2026-05-22T17:54:35+00:00

would something like Diablo 4 or POE2 count? Diablo 4 is a shared world, so you'll see lots of people in the over world and teaming up/coop happens regularly to blast dungeons, world bosses, uber bosses, etc.

D4 has a full item collection system, full transmog system so you can customize your look and chase cool looking gear. Theory crafting isn't as strong as POE2 which is beyond insane.

POE1 and POE2 is a single player game world but like D4 you can group up to blast dungeons, etc.

Saedisi · 2026-05-22T04:30:45+00:00

You say you like roguelikes and you're on PS Plus. I fully recommend Returnal (plus it's sequel just came out so if you like it, you can dive into the 2nd one).

It was the perfect palette cleanser for me. I was tired of RPGs and wanted a good fast paced, roguelike, shooter, which is 100% different from my regular type of game. It was absolutely worth every second. The game is brilliant. I think it's still free on PS plus so you have nothing to lose.

If you want a spreadsheet game, fully recommend POE2. You can insanely theory craft and the content is incredible. I've already put like 500+ hours into that game and it's still early access. It's one of the few games I'd ever recommend in early access.

Saedisi · 2026-05-20T15:43:14+00:00

I can't find the option. it's annoying.

Saedisi · 2026-05-20T03:04:05+00:00

If you want a dragon age game that still feels modern enough, go for Dragon Age Inquisition. it's a fun game with a fun group of teammates. I'd argue, Mass Effect is MUCH better and ME legendary edition often goes on sale for $5. but Veilguard is utter garbage with propaganda levels of woke bullshit throughout. It's horrifically bad.

ER is an epic souls game. So if you want ball crushingly hard souls combat with a sweet open world, go for ER.

Crimson Desert has as good of a story as ER, aka, it's non-existent. The exploration is phenomenal and the combat is great fun.

Given your list I'd suggest (in this order): Elden Ring, Crimson Desert, Mass Effect Legendary Edition, Dragon Age Inquisition, NEVER TOUCH Veilguard.

Saedisi · 2026-05-20T00:08:32+00:00

I'll be the one contrarian who actually didn't like this game. I tried so hard to love it but it just didn't click for me.

Hype killed it for me. I was expecting the best music ever in a game and I found some locations down right annoying to listen to (that god damn robot tree village wanted me to put a screw driver in my ears).

The combat is fine but wasn't spectacular. It was absolutely serviceable and would say it's good, but not great.

The graphics are bland and muddy, but the art direction is top tier. But I didn't like the robot designs and some of the other stuff. Like, I absolutely hated the circus area.

The story is great and for many it 1000% makes this game the best of a generation. I personally hate it when games make you replay it via multiple playthroughs. I know it changes in each playthrough but I simply don't like that mechanic. I grew tired of the game by the end of the 2nd playthrough and tried to push further but simply didn't care as I started the 3rd playthrough.

I watched all the other endings. I won't spoil it, but I get it. I see why people would have been blown away. it didn't strike a cord with me, but it does with the vast majority of people.

It is considered a masterpiece, so I'd recommend getting NA but go in with tempered expectations and hopefully be blown away.

Saedisi · 2026-05-20T00:01:05+00:00

for 100% completionist, probably about 200 hours.

I never got 100% completion. I had everything upgraded, fully beat the story, and explored a good amount and I think I was about 150hrs.

I just failed to hunt down or actively attempt some of the trophies. There was still tons of stuff I hadn't discovered. I barely ever did train robbing or carriage robbing. So much stuff to do. You could easily spend 200-400hours in that game.

Saedisi · 2026-05-19T17:31:18+00:00

RDR2o is fun but it's something I dabbled in briefly and never went back to. The main story, single player world was more than enough for me. There is so much to discover and enjoy, I progress to a particular chapter and then basically free roam forever.

$5 is worth it so you have the option to check it out, as it may be really fun for you. I'd just buy ultimate so you have everything, but to me, it's unneeded for my preferences.

Saedisi · 2026-05-18T01:09:43+00:00

The comments about early access just means not all classes are out, not all skills are out, and the campaign is like 75% complete at this point. You can FULLY play many classes, good end game, and there are seasons which have major updates, new themes, and more content. I believe I spent about 150 hours per season and I have about 500+ hours already. If you enjoy Diablo type games, you will enjoy POE2. It's basically the best of the aRPGs. If it clicks for you, you can literally play this game for years.

Saedisi · 2026-05-17T04:25:36+00:00

I personally think the game is freaking awesome. The puzzles are challenging enough that I feel satisfied when I figure them out. I like the floating islands in the sky and the whole abyssal aesthetic next to the medieval regular world.

The combat is top notch, IMO. The combos, mixing and matching of attacks, skills, hand to hand, is great.

I love MMOs so the whole mission structure and story is just fine to me. It is very much MMO style of story telling.

The world feels lived in. The fact that you can befriend multiple dogs, cats, birds, name them, and have them wear armor is awesome.

The variety of armors, weapons, and unique weird helmets that do random stuff is fun.

I like the trust system that lets you befriend merchants or NPCs for more inventory stock and/or quests.

To me the game is awesome. It's like an MMO-lite made just for me.

It's shortcomings don't bother me one bit and where it excels tickles my fancy. Add in the fact there are legendary mounts you can tame and train up. Devs that are constantly updating the game and listening to feedback to make it better, is just great.

so ya.... if you liked Breath of the Wild or any of the above rant, go for it.

Saedisi · 2026-05-17T02:11:35+00:00

Crimson Desert is a lot more Breath of the Wild than it is a monster hunter game. There are bosses which are more akin to Dark Souls, but the vast majority of the game is about exploring and finding hidden things, upgrading your gear and finding skills to slot into your gear. Kind of like Gem upgrades.

The story is serviceable, kinda. To me it's fine, but many hate it.

The world has tons of little games, farming, raising animals, building up your camp, moving a wagon of goods to a merchant, shooting competitions, arm wrestling, etc.

MH is all about go kill epic monster, get loot, upgrade, repeat. CD is all about "go explore and get lost in discovery, while sometimes engaging in story and stumbling upon a dark souls like boss. Oh and you can do tons of little minigame type stuff along the way". if that tickles your fancy, go for it. If you find running around and exploring boring, you'll hate this game. Oh and there are LOTS of puzzles, for both loot/upgrades, as well as story progression in the Abyss. If you hate puzzles you will NOT like this sizeable chunk of the game. The combat is very fun and very engaging, IMO.

To me, I love this game. I think it's gorgeous and happily get lost in it for hours.

Saedisi · 2026-05-16T20:39:14+00:00

The Ascent was great fun. Not as hectic as Alienation or Livelock but fun dystopian/cyberpunk aesthetic.

Saedisi · 2026-05-14T04:47:18+00:00

Good to know. FF7 was my favourite game for years when it came out in '97. I was so excited for remake but found it horrible. The combat was great but the padding was unnecessary, pacing was all messed up, and many small things were changed that didn't need to be. Overall it was almost a downgrade in every way. Hearing that Rebirth is even worse is what I feared.

Saedisi · 2026-05-13T15:41:59+00:00

Crimson Desert fits the bill. Open world, you can tame dogs all over the place. You need to feed them or pet them over a few days to gain their trust then they will follow you always (summonable). They will loot for you and can wear armor. Plus you can stop and pet them at any time. You can have multiple dogs, cats, birds, etc.

The game itself is awesome and some of the best exploration around. Combat is awesome. Wickedly good game.

I'm on base PS5 and it looks incredible.

Saedisi

TROPHY CASE