PlayStation Trophy Hunting: Strategies for Completing Your Collection

4 March 2025

If you're a PlayStation gamer, chances are you've come across the iconic ding of a trophy unlocking. Admit it — there's something deeply satisfying about seeing that little notification pop up, whether it's a bronze, silver, gold, or the holy grail of all: platinum. Trophy hunting isn’t just about bragging rights; it’s an art, a challenge, and sometimes, a test of your sanity. But hey, that’s what makes it so thrilling, right? So, let’s dive into some tried-and-true strategies to help you complete your collection and make that trophy cabinet shine brighter than ever.

Why Trophy Hunting Matters

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk motivation. Why do we obsess over virtual trophies? For starters, it's an excellent way to squeeze every drop of value from your games. Trophies encourage you to explore side quests, attempt harder difficulties, and discover hidden Easter eggs — things you might’ve otherwise skipped. Plus, that sense of accomplishment? Priceless.

1. Start With Games You Love

Let’s be real: trophy hunting can be a grind. So why torture yourself with a game you’re not into? Start with titles you genuinely enjoy. If you're a big fan of God of War or Horizon Zero Dawn, these games make the process fun, even when the challenges get tough. Loving the gameplay and story will keep you motivated when you’re chasing that last elusive trophy.

2. Understand Trophy Rarity Levels

Not all trophies are created equal. When you check your trophy list, you’ll notice rarity levels: Common, Uncommon, Rare, Very Rare, and Ultra Rare. These indicate how many players have unlocked a particular trophy. Ultra Rare trophies are, obviously, the hardest to snag. They’re the ones people show off like a badge of honor. But here’s the kicker — these often require serious dedication, insane skill, or just sheer luck.

Pro tip? Check the rarity of trophies before you commit to platinum. If 99% of players haven’t touched a certain trophy, it might save you some heartache to skip it (unless you’re a masochist).

3. Read Trophy Guides and Roadmaps

Ever heard the phrase, “work smarter, not harder”? That’s the golden rule of trophy hunting. Before diving into a game, spend some time looking up trophy guides and roadmaps online. These are lifesavers. They give you an overview of what you're getting into, warn you about missable trophies, and help you plan your playthrough efficiently.

The goal is to avoid multiple runs unless absolutely necessary. Why play through a 40-hour RPG three times if you can grab all the trophies in one well-planned go?

4. Start on Easier Difficulties

Here’s the deal: not every game requires you to play on the hardest difficulty for a platinum. Some let you stack difficulty trophies, meaning if you beat the game on, say, "Hard," you'll automatically unlock the "Easy" and "Normal" ones too. However, for games that don’t stack, it’s smarter to start on an easier difficulty to familiarize yourself with the mechanics. Once you’re comfortable, crank up the heat for those tougher challenges.

5. Master the Art of Grinding

Yeah, grinding can feel like the gaming equivalent of chores, but it’s often unavoidable. Whether it’s defeating 1,000 enemies, collecting 300 random items, or replaying sections for RNG-based trophies, you’re going to need patience.

Here’s a tip to keep your sanity intact: break grinding into manageable play sessions. Don’t try to mine 1,000 ores in one sitting; instead, chip away at it over time. Or better yet, pair it with something else. Listening to a podcast or music can make repetitive tasks way less boring.

6. Tackle Multiplayer Trophies Early

Multiplayer trophies are the bane of many trophy hunters. Why? Two reasons: they often rely on other players, and they can become unobtainable if a game’s servers shut down. If a game has online trophies, prioritize them. Even if the multiplayer isn't your thing, knock them out early before the player base dwindles. Trust me, you don’t want to be sitting alone in a dead lobby six months after launch.

7. Missable Trophies: Your Worst Enemy

Missable trophies are the stuff of nightmares. Imagine sinking 50 hours into a game only to realize you missed an early-game collectible or dialogue choice. Ouch. This is where trophy guides or walkthroughs come in handy. If a game has trophies marked as “missable,” stay vigilant. Keep multiple save files, follow detailed instructions, and double-check your progress periodically.

8. Practice Makes Perfect

Some trophies demand pure skill — we're talking perfect parries, speed runs, or no-death playthroughs. These can be frustrating, but don’t let them intimidate you. Practice is your best friend. Focus on one skill-based trophy at a time, and don’t sweat the failures. Each attempt gets you closer to success.

Remember, even the best players failed a dozen (or hundred) times before nailing their epic trophy moments. Think of it like learning to ride a bike — painful at first, but totally worth it once you get it.

9. Utilize Accessibility Options (If Available)

Many modern games are adding accessibility features, and they can be a huge help for trophy hunters. For example, some games allow you to slow down time, disable certain obstacles, or simplify combat mechanics. If a game lets you tweak settings without locking trophies, there's no shame in taking advantage of them. Work smarter, not harder — remember?

10. Join Trophy Hunting Communities

Trophy hunting can sometimes be a lonely road, but it doesn’t have to be. Online communities like Reddit’s r/Trophies or PlayStation forums are packed with fellow hunters who share tips, tricks, and encouragement. Got a tough multiplayer trophy? Someone might help you boost it. Feeling burned out? A trophy-hunting buddy can motivate you to keep going.

Joining a community also turns trophy hunting into a social experience — it’s like having a gym buddy, but for video games.

11. Know When to Take a Break

Let’s keep it real for a second: trophy hunting can be exhausting. If you find yourself rage-quitting or dreading the grind, step away for a bit. The whole point of gaming is to have fun, right? Trophies are cool, but they’re not worth sacrificing your sanity. Take a breather, play something casual, or revisit your hunt when you’re feeling refreshed.

12. Celebrate Your Wins

Finally, don’t forget to celebrate the victories — big or small. Whether it’s nabbing an Ultra Rare trophy, finishing a brutal speed run, or finally getting that elusive platinum, give yourself some credit. After all, trophy hunting isn’t easy. Treat yourself to a snack, post a screenshot, or flex your success on social media. You’ve earned it!

Final Thoughts

Trophy hunting is a journey — one that takes dedication, strategy, and a bit of grit. But at the end of the day, it’s all about enjoying the experience. Whether you’re sweating over a boss fight or laughing at some goofy trophy requirement (looking at you, goat simulator games), remember to have fun. That platinum trophy? It’s just the cherry on top.