Question time: What makes a 'good' grind in an MMO?

In recent years, there has been a growing resistance to the notion of grinding in modern MMOs. Many gamers feel like they have less time to dedicate to gaming due to the advent of attunement questlines, and thus, grinds have become less prevalent. However, the question remains: can an MMO truly be entirely grind-free?

A grind, in general terms, refers to a repetitive activity that must be completed multiple times to achieve a specific goal within a role-playing game. While we may not be at the level of EverQuest, where quests were few and far between, grinds have evolved into new forms. These include reward tracks like battle passes, seasonal content, world quests, and even relic weapons in games like Final Fantasy 14.

Recently, the author found themselves in a similar situation, needing to grind for a relic weapon by collecting a certain number of crystal paste from dungeons. Initially, they were not thrilled about the prospect of grinding low-level dungeons to reach their goal. However, once they started, they discovered that grinding could be a mindless activity that allowed them to relax and enjoy their gaming experience.

As they pressed their 1-2-3 rotations and bobbed their head to a playlist, they felt a sense of zen wash over them, leaving them feeling rejuvenated.

While the author does not claim to have developed a newfound tolerance for grinding, they do believe that some grinding in an MMO can be beneficial. Just as one needs fiber in their diet, MMOs might require a certain amount of grinding to maintain the game's balance and provide players with a sense of progression. Ultimately, it is up to individual players to decide whether they enjoy zoning out and increasing meaningless numbers or if the concept of busywork in their MMOs fills them with frustration. Share your thoughts on this matter in the poll below or in the comments section.