Valve introduces Steam Achievement Sets to separate base games from DLC

Valve has introduced a major overhaul to the Steam achievement system through a new feature called ‘Achievement Sets’, currently available in the Steam Client beta. This update is designed to solve a long-standing issue for completionists where adding new downloadable content (DLC) or seasonal updates would lower a player’s previously achieved 100% completion status.

With Achievement Sets, developers can group achievements into distinct categories such as the base game, DLC, multiplayer modes, or seasonal events. Each set features its own independent progress bar. Base game achievements are displayed in blue, while DLC achievements appear in purple. This separation ensures that players can maintain a 100% completion rating for the core game without needing to purchase additional expansions.

Completing an entire set will grant a special trophy to the player’s profile. Furthermore, if developers add new achievements to an existing set later, the previously earned completion status will be preserved. The update also allows developers to archive achievements that are no longer obtainable due to expired events or discontinued game modes, preventing them from negatively impacting a player's overall progress. Approximately 17 titles, including Portal 2 and Team Fortress 2, are already reported to support this new system.