Best Platinums For Gamers On a Budget

If you are a modern gamer who wants to make your money stretch as far as it possibly can, then your buying criteria when it comes to picking a new game might be pretty specific. Especially if you care about the time you invest into each new adventure. You might be on the lookout for games that offer a complex narrative that stretches on for tens of hours. You might be looking for an addictive gameplay loop that can effectively be played forever, or you might be looking for a high-market gaming experience that simply can’t be matched for quality. All these criteria are sensible ones, and if you get a game that can marry them all together in one neat package, then more power to you. However, if you are a gamer who is motivated by a 100% completion status, but equally, are a gamer that has a tight budget to work with. Then you need to be a little more flexible.

There are lots of ways that a gamer can curb the ever-rising costs of modern gaming. One is by simply waiting for your most anticipated games to fall in price after release. Another is by shopping during holiday sales, or buying physical games secondhand. Then most relevantly to Platinum hunters, you can look for games that offer a reasonably easy, and satisfying trophy list but don’t break the bank. Now, don’t get us twisted; this doesn’t relate to ‘Trashinums,’ which are games like My Name is Mayo or Slyde, which provide a chance to get a platinum and very little else. We are referring to games that actually offer stimulating gameplay, great narratives, and much more. You might be thinking, it seems too good to be true, but I assure you, there is more than you might think!

So with that in mind, I thought I would pop around some digital storefronts, sift my way through the indie fodder for hidden gems, and provide you with a comprehensive list of the best platinums for gamers on a budget. Money doesn’t grow on trees, and I know my fellow gamers need help making it stretch as far as possible. I hope this guide helps you all out, and you can stock your gaming library to last! Enjoy!

Selection Criteria

Okay, before we get into proceedings, it’s important to establish what belongs on this list, and what qualifies a game as a worthwhile budget platinum experience. So with that in mind, here are the considerations that I took into account when making this list:

  • All games listed must offer a platinum trophy
  • All games listed must have an aggregate Metacritic score of 65+
  • No Unreasonable & extremely hard to obtain platinums
  • All games listed can be regularly found for $20 or lower
  • No ‘Trashinums’ will be included here

Now that you have been briefed on the upcoming list, it’s time to reveal the bargain bin treasures; let’s go!

#1 – Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order

Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order Best Platinums For Gamers On a Budget
  • Cheapest Possible Price (Sales Included): $15.00
  • Genre: Action RPG

We kick things off with a game that may turn a few heads, as it’s a relatively new game carrying a huge IP, so how can this be a budget title? Well, simply put, EA was at the wheel, and while this is easily one of their best single-player outings they have slapped their name on, it’s still a little rough around the edges. Perhaps take their recent Twitter output as a potential reason why that might be the case.

Putting this to one side, though, there is a lot going for Fallen Order; it’s got a decent story, it looks fantastic, and it’s packed with lots of little details handmade for Star Wars aficionados. The main issues with this game are the persistent bugs, the souls-like gameplay that isn’t actually very souls-like, and the terrible one-way navigation system. However, these things aren’t a dealbreaker, and when this game is on sale, it’s a brilliant option for those looking to work towards a fulfilling and satisfying platinum trophy. 

#2 – Final Fantasy VII

Final Fantasy VII
  • Cheapest Possible Price (Sales Included): $10.00
  • Genre: RPG

One thing I find incredible is that, even with a partial remake, countless sequels and spin-offs, and remaining as a game of cultural significance for a period of over two decades now, some people still haven’t played Final Fantasy VII. Come on, guys, it’s time to set FIFA, Fortnite, or whatever live-service time-sink you are playing down and get some culture. Final Fantasy VII, decades on, still holds up surprisingly well visually, offering a charming retro aesthetic, the gameplay is still as tight and refined as ever, the soundtrack is about as good as chiptune music gets, and if you are looking for value, you’ll easily play 120+ hours to get the platinum here. Oh, and what amazing hours they will be. Plus, you won’t have to swap discs between acts like I did. God, I’m old! 

#3 – Untitled Goose Game

Untitled Goose Game
  • Cheapest Possible Price (Sales Included): $10.00
  • Genre: Action Puzzler

HONK! One word, so simple, and yet it describes this game better than I ever could, but I’ll try anyway. Untitled Goose Game is a fun puzzle game set in a lazy English village where you take control of a rogue goose with a thirst for chaos. You’ll wander around compact little areas of the map, checking off silly, obnoxious tasks before moving on to a new patch of the village to cause all new varieties of mayhem.

It’s a game that doesn’t take itself too seriously, offers a ton of sandbox-based enjoyment, and for the completionist, there are extra tasks and time trials to complete, and if you get the platinum, you even get a special in-game reward. No spoilers here, but let me just say that your goose will look extra handsome. This is a great budget platinum and an indie worth its weight in gold! 

#4 – Spyro: Reignited Trilogy 

Spyro: Reignited Trilogy 
  • Cheapest Possible Price (Sales Included): $15.00
  • Genre: Platformer

Hey, what if, instead of one budget game, you got three nostalgic remasters for the price of one? Well, provided you find it on sale, you can usually grab the Spyro Reignited Trilogy for a very low price indeed. This bundle allows you to play through remasters of Spyro The Dragon, Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage, and Spyro 3: Year of the Dragon, all games that I played in excess as a child.

These remasters give the old games a new graphical enhancement, bringing them into the modern age of gaming, while leaving everything you know and love about the games exactly as they were. You can even toggle the soundtrack so that it plays the PS1 classics instead of the reworked modern versions. Then to top it all off, three games means three platinum trophies; now that’s value for money! 

#5 – Ratchet and Clank (2016)

Ratchet and Clank (2016)
  • Cheapest Possible Price (Sales Included): $10.00
  • Genre: Platformer

Let’s keep the platforming Playstation mascot theme going, shall we? Next up, we have Ratchet and Clank. No, not the groundbreaking PS5 title that is still pretty pricy, the 2016 movie-tie-in that also serves as a remake of the original game in the series. Now, because of the underwhelming movie, this game kind of got caught in that media storm, but I assure you, this game is just as good as any Ratchet and Clank adventure you have ever been on. This game manages to stick to the blueprint of the original game, but also makes a lot of interesting narrative changes, gameplay changes, and graphical enhancements to make this worthwhile for returning R&C fans. 

As a platinum, it’s also a fun time that doesn’t ask too much of the player. The only annoying trophy is the one that asks you to make every single type of enemy dance, and if you miss the chance to get them grooving, you may need to do another entire playthrough. So don’t be like me; stay vigilant! 

#6 – Spiritfarer

Spiritfarer
  • Cheapest Possible Price (Sales Included): $10.00
  • Genre: Resource Management 

It’s not often that you can use the terms ‘cozy’ or ‘cute’ to describe a game where the core theme is death. However, Spiritfarer manages to find this perfect balance between charming, lighthearted, and emotive to serve as one of the best indie games ever made, at least in my humble opinion. In this game, you serve as the Spiritfarer, who must pick up souls and transport them to the afterlife. Basically, you are the Grim Reaper, but a really friendly version that will make death as comfortable for everyone as possible.

To do this, you’ll explore distant islands, build homes on your ship for your residents bound for the afterlife, and you’ll aim to keep them as happy as you possibly can by settling scores, cooking them food, and offering regular hugs. Honestly, if this game doesn’t warm your heart, you might be dead inside. Then as far as the platinum goes, there are some missable trophies, most notably ‘Stoked,’ but if you play the game naturally and aim to do all the game has to offer, you should pop this one. Although, it never hurts to use a guide! 

#7 – Undertale

undertale
  • Cheapest Possible Price (Sales Included): $8.00
  • Genre: Action Adventure

Cue the MEGALOVANIA theme! Yes, we are talking about Toby Fox’s breakout indie masterpiece, Undertale. We have already mentioned quite a few unmissable gaming experiences, but this is the first on this list that I would classify as seminal. Undertale is a game heavily inspired by Earthbound/Mother, which sees you take control of a young child that has fallen into a strange underground world full of monsters. Your goal is simple, find a way home. However, as you would expect, it’s not as simple as walking out the first door you see. You will encounter strange characters, intimidating foes, and perilous locales, and your choices will determine just how hostile those lurking underground will be. 

Undertale is a very reasonably priced game for the laugh-a-minute content on offer, and the unique gameplay mechanics that satirize the gaming industry as a whole. Plus, if you simply play the game all the way through and regularly donate to the Dog Shrines, you’ll have a platinum trophy to add to your collection. What’s not to love? 

#8 – Astro’s Playroom

Astro's Playroom
  • Cheapest Possible Price (Sales Included): Free (With the purchase of PS5)
  • Genre: Platformer

We are back on platformers again, and this time it’s a game that is 100% free, provided you fork out hundreds for a PS5. Okay, so for the budget gamer, this might be a stretch, but here is my reasoning. Let’s say you have bought a PS5, and aside from the games that are free to play, you can’t quite afford something new to platinum. Well, Astro’s Playroom is a free game built into every single system, and it’s one of the best platformers that I have ever played. High praise indeed. In this title, you play as the cute little robot Astro and embark on a quest to uncover artifacts from Playstation’s checkered past. You find remarkable machines like the PS2 and the new PS5, and you’ll also find things that Sony try their best not to remember, like the PS Vita. 

Then as for the platinum, you’ll have to seek out all the collectibles, find all the hidden secrets, and you’ll have to rack up lots of coins to get all the Gacha gifts from the claw machine, along with a few miscellaneous tasks. All in all, a straightforward platformer trophy list. For many, this might have been a placeholder game until something better came along, but for me, it was a very memorable outing.

#9 – Bioshock: The Collection

Bioshock: The Collection
  • Cheapest Possible Price (Sales Included): $10.00
  • Genre: RPG

Hey, remember that sweet deal where you got three platinum for the price of one? Well, here we are again with another batch of incredible titles, and this time, we are taking a trip to Rapture, before ascending to Columbia. The Bioshock series stands as one of the finest franchises to ever grace our screens, with an initial dive to Rapture offering compelling gameplay that asked probing questions about why we were mindless shooting and following orders. This game also had an exquisite story and setting, and Bioshock II, while not as commercially successful, elaborated on the lore, and allowed us to draw the curtain on Rapture. Or so we thought, as Bioshock Infinite would tie everything together in one convoluted and confusing bow, wrapping off the series for now. A paragraph simply isn’t enough space to tell you how sublime these games are, but if you like FPS campaigns, or action RPGs, this is a bunch of games tailored to you. 

As for the platinum trophies, these are some of the harder ones listed, but they are still very attainable provided you are able to stomach playing at greater difficulties and make regular quick saves. Overall, a bargain price for three modern classics with hundreds of hours of content waiting for you. What a deal! 

#10 – Dishonored: The Definitive Edition

Dishonored
  • Cheapest Possible Price (Sales Included): $15.00
  • Genre: Action RPG

Have you been eyeing up Deathloop for a while but can’t quite make your budget stretch quite that far? Then why not cash in on the series that serves as the blueprint for Deathloop, Dishonored? In this title, you play as the Empress’s aid, Corvo, who has been framed for her assassination, and you must, with the aid of The Outsider, find the Empress’s daughter, clear your name and restore Dunwall to its former glory. All the while trying not to get eaten by rats, because, naturally, there is also a plague working its way through the city. Nothing’s ever easy in the world of video games. This is a game that offers incredible stealth and combat options, level design that offers a wide variety of methods to success, and there is also a pretty interesting powers system too. 

Much like our last entry, this is a much tougher platinum trophy to obtain. I might even go out on a limb and say the toughest of the lot, as you’ll need to be one stealthy son of a gun. However, if you take your time, and play smart, you’ll be able to get the platinum here! 

#11 – Horizon Zero Dawn

Horizon Zero Dawn
  • Cheapest Possible Price (Sales Included): $15.00
  • Genre: Action RPG

Horizon: Forbidden West looks great, right? It’s also holding its value pretty well, too, by the looks of it, which means it can be too pricy for some. However, if you are new to the Horizon series, then you might want to start with Horizon Zero Dawn. The initial title has a compelling story filled with mystery as you try to uncover the secrets of a world ravaged by machines. The question is, why are these machines here, where did the humans of the old world go, and why is Sylens such an ass? Oh, come on, it can’t just be me. The title will have you face off against mechanical behemoths and master your craft as a marksman and melee specialist, and if you want to eventually play Forbidden West, I would encourage you to play this one first anyway, as you might feel a little lost otherwise. 

With regards to the platinum, it’s fairly straightforward, like a Ubisoft game but without the open-world fatigue. You’ll need to beat the story, do all the time trials, max out your level, get all the upgrades, do all the side quests, and get all the collectibles. Basically, if there is a marker on the map, go find it and do what is asked of you, plain and simple. I’ve always seen this as a gateway game into the world of open-world RPGs; it certainly proved that way for my wife. So if you are on the fence, I urge you to give it a try. 

#12 – Bloodborne

Bloodborne
  • Cheapest Possible Price (Sales Included): $15.00
  • Genre: Soulsborne

Soulsborne game? An attainable platinum trophy? Are you having me on, Cal? No, actually, this game has an average platinum percentage of 16%, making it one of the most accessible souls games ever. So if you were ever looking for a way into the genre, this (or possibly Elden Ring) would be it. Bloodborne takes place in Yharnham, a terrifying and unsettling gothic city, during the night of the hunt. Most are locked indoors, but you being a hunter, can do no such thing. You must take to the streets, fight fellow hunters and grotesque monsters alike, and decide the fate of this troubled city. As far as gameplay goes, it’s much more fast-paced than other Souls titles, and it asks the player to be much more reactive. So if that sounds more in line with your playstyle, maybe try it out, especially if you can get it at a low price!

The platinum is far from easy, but once you master the mechanics of the game, learn how to parry, analyze all the monster attack patterns, and create a character build that works for you, we reckon it won’t feel like too much of a slog. However, it is one that I would consider consulting a guide regularly when completing. 

#13 – Ape Escape

Ape Escape
  • Cheapest Possible Price (Sales Included): $5.00
  • Genre: Puzzle

This one is perhaps a little out of place amongst these big hitters, but I’ve included it for three reasons. One, it’s very cheap; two, it now has trophy support which wasn’t the case when it was ported as a PS Classic; and three, because Ape Escape is Playstation royalty, and in my eyes, this is a big hitter. This is a port of the PS1 classic where you would have to run around various zones and capture Apes on the loose. In terms of gameplay, it’s quite similar to Super Mario 64 in a lot of ways, and while the camera and strange control bindings can take a minute to get used to, it’s still a phenomenal experience, even with the scrutiny that 2022 brings. 

Platinum-wise, this game is really straightforward. Just get out there and gather up those missing monkeys, play all the minigames, use all the gadgets, and grab tonnes of collectibles while you do so. Plus, with the new PS Classics rewind feature, you can get this done in record time. So if you haven’t ever played this classic, now is the ideal time! 

#14 – God of War (2018)

God of war
  • Cheapest Possible Price (Sales Included): $15.00
  • Genre: Action RPG

Okay, back to the traditional ‘big hitters.’ When you think of God of War, many will think of games that require excessive button mashing to dismember deities. However, in 2018, Santa Monica Studios did the unthinkable and gave Kratos depth. By casting him as a paternal figure and giving him other emotions apart from rage, God of War 2018 manages to tell an incredible story steeped in Greek mythology, and with incredible gameplay to boot. The puzzles are challenging without being frustrating, the combat is tough, but not too tough, and the world is tailor-made for exploration without ever feeling overwhelming. All in all, God of War is a modern masterpiece, and for a very fair price, you can make this one yours too! 

As for the platinum, you’ll have to complete the game’s main story, and you’ll have to seek out all of the extras too. This includes all favors and all the purple chests, and you’ll also have to upgrade the vast majority of your stats. Simply put, clear what’s on your plate and the platinum trophy is yours. 

#15 – Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk
  • Cheapest Possible Price (Sales Included): $10.00
  • Genre: RPG

Then lastly, we have Cyberpunk 2077, a game that had a rough launch but has clawed its way back from the brink. It’s not quite a redemption story akin to No Man’s Sky, but it’s admirable nonetheless. Now, the price may seem a little off, but due to the catastrophic launch, CD Projekt Red regularly drop the price significantly to try and get those they scorned onboard, so it’s not a misprint, I swear. This title sees you play as V, a mercenary for hire who bites off way more than they can chew as they aim to build a new life for themselves in Night City. Long story short, you die, but you don’t die, because Johnny Silverhand, played by Keanu Reeves, now shares your psyche. There’s a lot to keep up with in the early stages, but I assure you, it all culminates in offering a compelling narrative, and while the gameplay and visuals aren’t perfect, when they shine, they really shine. If you can catch this one at a low price, it’s well worth investing your time in 2022. 

Then for the platinum, I will admit, without a guide, this one will feel a little unattainable as there are some missables and a lot of moving parts. That’s just the nature of an open-world game. However, with a guide in hand, this will never feel difficult or out of reach. Just be prepared to sink a lot of hours into exploring Night City. 

Honorable Mentions

Burnout Paradise

Here are some brilliant bargains that didn’t make the list but absolutely deserve a mention: 

  • Donut County
  • When the Past was Around
  • Burnout Paradise
  • Assassin’s Creed: The Ezio Collection
  • Tacoma
  • Outer Wilds
  • Unpacking
  • The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim
  • Fallout 4
  • Carrion
  • TOEM
  • Wolfenstein: The New Order
  • Gravity Rush II
  • Days Gone
  • Infamous: Second Son
  • Concrete Genie

Bonus Section: The Best Things In Life are Free! 

Brawlhala 

But wait, there’s more! What if you are a gamer who has literally not a dollar to your name but still wants to get platinum trophies and brag about your gaming proficiency? Well, don’t you sweat it, buddy! I have a list of free-to-play games that offer a platinum trophy, provided you are willing to work a little harder to get it. I will admit that these games don’t have particularly obtainable platinum at times, but that’s the trade-off with zero investment, I guess. Oh, and also, I will only be covering free-to-play’s in the EU and North America, so there may be some Asia-only platinum trophies I miss. Okay, here we go: 

  • Armored Warfare
  • Brawlhala 
  • Destiny II
  • Fallout Shelter 
  • Fantasy Strike
  • Multiversus
  • Path of Exile 
  • Pox Nora
  • Realm Royale 
  • Skyforge
  • SMITE
  • World of Tanks
  • World of Warships: Legends

Bargain Bin Brilliance

As you can see from the list of excellent, yet affordable titles, there is something for every completionist, regardless of your financial situation or budget. Everyone who loves games out there should have access to amazing gaming experiences, and I hope through this list, you have discovered some hidden gems with a perfect price point, or better yet, a few free-to-play games that are just as good as the paid titles on the market. Just remember to credit me when you rack up all those trophies! As always, thank you for reading Avid Achievers!

FAQ Section

Question: What’s The Best Way To Find Cheap Games? 

Answer: If you want to be a savvy gamer and play as many games as possible while spending as little as you can, then there are a few tactics you can employ: 
Be patient; games drop in value pretty dramatically after a few months (unless it’s a Nintendo game), so just wait it out and buy at a fraction of the launch price.
Buy physical copies, as you can sell these after you finish them for a return, which can then be invested into other games.
Shop in the sale; you can get some real bargains if you use the right filters.
Never pre-order a game; it’s a scam employed by marketing strategists. Wait until the game releases and read some reviews. 
Utilize subscriptions like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus Extra to get more bang for your buck

Question: What is a Trashinum?

Answer: It’s an important distinction to be made, as a cheap game can be a well-made one, but a trashinum is almost always a game that is made with the sole purpose of awarding a player with a platinum trophy for minimum time and effort. I could go into the detail, but why tell you when I can show you some examples of trashinums, and just to be clear, I have platinumed a few of these, so I am not knocking them; I’m just not endorsing them either. Check it out: 
My Name Is Mayo
Slyde
Spectrewoods
Mr. Massagy
Arrog
Foxyland 

Question: What Makes a Game Worth Buying?

Answer: It can come down to so many factors, and every player will have a different viewpoint on this. However, in the broadest sense, it will always come down to the factors listed below:
Price point
Narrative
Graphics
Audio
Gameplay
UI
Replayability
Accessibility 
Co-op Functionality
Competing games on release

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