Do You Still Get Achievements If You Borrow A Game

Do You Still Get Achievements If You Borrow a Game? A Gamer's Guide to Achievement Hunting

So, you've got your eye on a game, but you're hesitant to commit to a full purchase. Maybe you're only interested in a specific aspect, or perhaps you're just trying to save some cash. Borrowing a game from a friend or library sounds like a great alternative. But what about those sweet, sweet achievements? Do borrowed games still unlock achievements? The answer, unfortunately, isn't a simple yes or no. It depends.

This article will delve into the complexities of achievement unlocking across different platforms and borrowing methods, giving you a clear understanding before you borrow your next gaming adventure.

Achievements and Game Saves: A Platform-Specific Breakdown

The core issue revolves around how game saves and achievements are handled. Each platform – Xbox, PlayStation, PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, etc.) – has its own system.

• Xbox: On Xbox consoles, achievements are tied to your gamertag and profile. Regardless of whether you own or borrow the game, as long as you're signed in with your account, you'll earn and track achievements. This holds true whether you're playing from a disc or a digital copy. Borrowing a physical copy will unlock achievements as long as it's properly installed and you're logged in.

• PlayStation: Similar to Xbox, PlayStation achievements (trophies) are linked to your PSN profile. Playing a borrowed game, either physical or digital, will unlock trophies provided you are signed in with your account. The game's ownership doesn't affect your trophy progress. Borrowing a game on PlayStation will also unlock achievements.

• PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, etc.): On PC, the situation is slightly more nuanced. Achievements on platforms like Steam and the Epic Games Store are linked to your account, just like consoles. However, you usually need to own the game on that platform in order for the achievements to track properly. Borrowing a physical copy won't work, and neither will simply using a friend's account. You'll need to purchase the game digitally or have your own account associated with the game to achieve and save your progress.

Game Sharing and Family Sharing: Does it Affect Achievements?

Many platforms now offer family sharing or game sharing features. These options usually allow multiple users on the same console or account to play the same game. Generally, achievements will unlock for each individual user who plays the game, regardless of who owns it (provided they're signed in on their profile). This is a different situation than borrowing from a friend completely.

What about Game Pass and Similar Subscription Services?

Subscription services like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus often provide access to a library of games. In these cases, you don't own the game, but you still have access to earn achievements. Achievements earned through subscription services are permanently linked to your profile. This is treated no differently than if you owned the game.

Conclusion: Can You Borrow Your Way to 100%?

The short answer is often yes, but with caveats. For console gamers (Xbox and PlayStation), borrowing physical games is generally fine for achievement hunting. PC gamers, however, will need to own the game digitally via platforms like Steam or Epic. Always ensure you're signed in with your personal account to track your progress. Remember to respect the game's owner and return it in good condition! Whether borrowing a game is worthwhile depends on individual circumstances. Understanding how achievements are linked to your account will help you decide if those coveted gamer points are worth the risk!