Valve has pushed a significant update to the Steam client beta that fundamentally changes how achievements are tracked and displayed. The overhaul introduces distinct achievement sets for downloadable content (DLC) and seasonal events, ensuring that base game completion rates remain stable regardless of additional content releases. The update also adds a new feature allowing users to compare their progress directly with up to three friends on a single screen.
Separating Base Game from DLC Progress
Previously, unlocking all achievements in a base game resulted in a clean 100% completion badge. However, if the developer released DLC containing new achievements, that percentage would immediately drop, even if the player had no intention of purchasing or playing the expansion. This mechanic often frustrated completionists who wanted to retain their bragging rights for the core experience.
The new system resolves this by creating separate achievement sets. Developers can now categorize achievements into specific groups, such as those tied to a single player campaign or a particular character class. Base game achievements are kept distinct from DLC sets. This means a player who finishes the main story will retain their 100% status for the base game, unaffected by the addition of new content.
Seasonal Content and Direct Comparisons
The update also addresses seasonal content, which is increasingly common in live-service games and battle passes. Valve provided an example of a “Halloween Event Achievements” set that is valid only for a specific period. These seasonal achievements do not impact the overall completion count of the base game. Players can skip a season without penalizing their base game stats.
Alongside these structural changes, Valve has refreshed the achievements interface. Most progress information is now consolidated onto a single page, showing both overall completion and individual achievement status. A key addition is the ability to compare achievements with up to three friends simultaneously. This feature, which has been available on PlayStation consoles for some time, allows users to see how their progress stacks up against their social circle at a glance.
Not every title on Steam has implemented the new system immediately. The changes are currently available in the Steam Client Beta. Valve typically runs beta tests for about a month before rolling out features to the general public. Users can opt into the beta to test the new functionality now or wait for the wider release.
Source: PC Gamer
