Valve has introduced Steam Achievement Sets, a new system that separates base-game achievements from downloadable content and seasonal challenges. Available in the Steam client beta since October 15, 2026, the feature gives players a clearer view of their progress. It also addresses a longstanding frustration: losing a game’s 100% completion status when developers release additional achievements.
The update introduces individual progress bars, completion trophies, and improved comparisons with friends. Developers can organzie achievements by game section, while players keep unlocking them through normal gameplay. Valve is also redesigning the achievements page to make completed and unfinished challenges easier to find.
How Steam Achievement Sets Change Completion Tracking
Previously, Steam generally displayed a game’s achievements in one combined list. When developers added achievements through expansions or updates, a player’s completion percentage could drop. This could happen even if someone had already unlocked everything available at the time.
Under the new system Valve announced, developers can divide achievements into separate collections. A game might have individual sets for its campaign, multiplayer modes, character classes, or expansions. Each set has its own progress bar and completion status.
Finishing every achievement in a set awards a completion trophy displayed on the player’s profile. Importantly, that completed status remains recognized even if developers add more achievements later.
Valve distinguishes between two main categories. Base-game achievements appear in blue, while DLC achievements appear in purple. DLC achievements do not affect overall game progress until the player has access to that content.
This gives completion-focused players greater control over their goals. Someone who finishes a game’s original campaign can retain that accomplishment without buying every subsequent expansion.
Seasonal Achievements Can Now Be Archived
Steam Achievement Sets also add tools for temporary, seasonal challenges. Developers can archive individual achievements or entire sets when those objectives are no longer available.
This could help games with limited-time events, holiday activities, or regularly changing seasons. Previously, achievements tied to discontinued events could remain permanently unavailable, preventing some players from reaching full completion.
Under Valve’s new rules, archived achievements no longer block completion progress. Players who earned them before they were removed will keep those accomplishments on their profiles. Those who missed the opportunity will not have the unavailable requirements counted against them.
The change gives developers running live-service games more flexibility. However, developers must implement and maintain these achievement sets. The new system won’t automatically reorganize every existing Steam game’s achievements.
A Redesigned Steam Achievements Page
Valve is also updating how achievements appear throughout Steam. The redesigned page displays overall progress alongside individual sets and their remaining challenges. Players can search achievements and filter results by set or unlock status.
Achievement completion statistics are now accessible through a toggle on the same page. The update also lets players compare progress with up to three friends. Comparisons include rare achievements, completed sets, and progress through downloadable content.
Steam is renaming its Perfect Games tab to Completed. The expanded section includes fully completed games and titles with finished achievement sets. Completed sets can also appear in the Completionist Showcase on player profiles.
Valve’s changes come as other gaming platforms better recognize dedicated players. Microsoft recently introduced Xbox Mythic Achievements, which reward players for completing a game’s original achievement list. Both approaches recognize base-game completion without requiring every later expansion.
Which Games Support Steam Achievement Sets?
The feature is already available in a selection of participating games. Valve’s initial supported titles include Portal 2, Team Fortress 2, Forza Horizon 5, Crusader Kings III, and DREDGE.
Other supported games include American Truck Simulator, Euro Truck Simulator 2, Against the Storm, Victoria 3, and PowerWash Simulator. This variety shows how the system supports different genres, from cooperative games to strategy and simulation titles.
For example, Portal 2 can separate its single-player and cooperative achievements. Other developers can organize their collections around campaigns, expansions, or specific gameplay activities.
More games should gain support as developers adopt the tools. However, Valve has not announced a timetable for every existing game to receive achievement sets.
How to Access the Steam Achievement Sets Beta
Steam Achievement Sets are currently being tested through the Steam client beta. Players interested in trying the feature can follow Valve’s official beta participation instructions.
The redesigned interface and progress tracking are available for supported games. Players using the regular Steam client may need to wait for the wider release. Valve has not confirmed a final public launch date.
Developers can also begin implementing achievement sets through Steamworks. Adoption remains optional so that availability will depend partly on individual studios.
For players who regularly pursue 100% completion, the update addresses a genuine problem with Steam’s existing achievement system. It separates accomplishments from later purchases, recognizes previously completed challenges, and removes barriers created by unavailable seasonal content. Its long-term value will depend on how widely developers adopt it.
