Steam achievement sets split base-game and DLC progress

Valve is testing Steam Achievement Sets, a new way to separate a game's base achievements from DLC and seasonal content instead of presenting everything as one expanding list.¹

The feature gives each set its own progress bar. Completing a set also adds a dedicated set-complete trophy to the player's profile, while the underlying achievement process remains unchanged: players still unlock achievements by playing normally.¹

A cleaner way to track completion

The change addresses a familiar problem for completionists. A game can feel finished when its original achievements are complete, only for later expansions or events to add a fresh batch to the same list. Achievement Sets let developers group those additions separately, so the base game's progress can remain meaningful without hiding new content.

Valve says seasonal sets can also be archived, opening the door to limited-time holiday or event achievements that do not permanently clutter a game's main progress. Steam is also refreshing the achievements page to show overall progress, progress in each set and details for individual achievements.¹

The beta already includes support in a selection of games, including Against the Storm, Age of Wonders 4, DREDGE, Left 4 Dead 2, Portal 2, PowerWash Simulator 2 and Team Fortress 2. The Verge reports that the feature is available through the latest Steam client beta, while Valve's own notes describe it as a new way to organise, track and complete achievements.¹²

Our opinion

Achievement Sets are a small interface change with a useful consequence: finishing a game can mean something again even after years of DLC and seasonal updates. The system will only work if developers use sensible groupings, but separating permanent base-game goals from later content should make Steam's completion statistics less confusing for everyone who cares about a clean 100 per cent.