What game has too many collectibles?

When it comes to modern gaming, collectibles have become an integral part of many titles. These collectibles often range from simple items like coins or trinkets to more intricate and elaborate pieces, such as lore items, rare artifacts, or even character skins. For some games, the sheer number of collectibles can be overwhelming, and players might find themselves constantly hunting for one more item to complete their collection. But which game takes the prize for having “too many” collectibles? Let’s explore some of the most notable titles that have an excessive amount of collectibles.

1. Assassin's Creed Series

The Assassin’s Creed franchise is well-known for its open-world exploration and treasure hunts, but it has also earned a reputation for offering an overwhelming number of collectibles in each installment. Players are tasked with finding everything from flags, feathers, and treasure chests to more obscure items like glyphs and artifacts. In later titles like Assassin's Creed: Odyssey and Assassin's Creed: Valhalla, the number of collectibles reaches astronomical proportions, sometimes requiring hours of scavenging to locate even a fraction of them.

For example, Assassin's Creed: Odyssey has over 200 collectibles just in the form of historical documents, treasure chests, and other miscellaneous items. Add in the various side quests, achievements, and hidden collectibles, and it's easy to see how players can become lost in a never-ending hunt for these items. Many players appreciate the challenge, but others feel that the sheer volume of collectibles detracts from the overall experience.

2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

While The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is often hailed as one of the greatest RPGs of all time, its world is packed with an overwhelming number of collectibles. Players are encouraged to find monster trophies, alchemy ingredients, Gwent cards, and even rare crafting materials to upgrade Geralt’s equipment. On top of these, there are countless side quests, hidden treasures, and contracts to complete, adding even more collectibles to the mix.

What makes The Witcher 3 particularly overwhelming is the sheer variety of items you can collect, from Witcher Gear and diagrams to lore books and monster trophies. While it adds to the richness of the world and the gameplay experience, it can also feel like there’s an endless amount of content to track down.

3. Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V)

Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto V is another game where the number of collectibles is astonishing. From the moment you step into the game’s sprawling open world, you’re introduced to dozens of different collectible types, such as spaceship parts, letter scraps, action figures, and hidden treasures. There are over 50 unique collectibles to find scattered throughout Los Santos, each requiring meticulous exploration and attention to detail.

While some players love the challenge of finding every collectible, others find it a bit excessive and distracting, especially when paired with the game’s complex story and missions. The inclusion of online multiplayer and constant updates only adds to the mass of content, making it feel like there’s no end to the collectibles waiting to be found.

4. Spider-Man (PS4) and Spider-Man: Miles Morales

Both of the Spider-Man games for the PS4 (and PS5) offer an abundance of collectibles for players to hunt down. In Spider-Man (2018), there are over 200 collectibles, including backpacks, landmarks, hidden items, and crime tokens. While these collectibles are often rewarding in terms of the story and upgrades, they can become overwhelming for players who want to focus on the main campaign.

The sequel, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, continues this trend with similar collectible types, adding even more collectibles to the already packed list. While some players enjoy the hunt, others may find the process of collecting every item detracts from the excitement of web-slinging and combat.

5. Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2 is a masterpiece in terms of storytelling and world-building, but its collectible system is so extensive that it can feel like an entirely separate game. Players are encouraged to collect animal skins, rare artifacts, cigarette cards, and various treasures as they traverse the wild west. Red Dead Redemption 2 also includes a staggering amount of optional quests related to collectibles, such as legendary animals and rare plants.

Though the collectibles serve a purpose in upgrading your character and providing lore, many players find the hunt for every item to be a bit overwhelming. For some, the excessive number of collectibles can take away from the core experience of living the life of an outlaw.

6. Destiny 2

In Destiny 2, collectibles come in the form of weapons, armor, ships, emblems, and lore items. Each expansion or season introduces a new set of collectibles that can sometimes feel like a never-ending grind. With more than a dozen expansions, special events, and limited-time rewards, the number of collectibles can quickly pile up.

What’s particularly notable about Destiny 2 is how frequently the game’s content is updated, adding even more limited-time collectibles for players to chase. This constant influx of new items can be exhilarating for some, but it can feel like an overwhelming grind for others who are trying to keep up.

7. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one of the most beloved games of all time, but it’s also known for the enormous number of collectibles it offers. From Korok seeds scattered across the map to ancient materials and rare armor sets, there is no shortage of things to collect. The Korok seeds alone are a major collectible, and there are 900 of them hidden throughout Hyrule.

The vast amount of collectibles in Breath of the Wild is often seen as a fun and rewarding part of the exploration, but it can also feel like a daunting task to find them all. For players who enjoy completionist challenges, it’s a dream come true; for others, it can seem like a bit too much.

Conclusion

Games that offer excessive amounts of collectibles often require a significant time investment, and they can sometimes overwhelm players who are looking for a more streamlined experience. While collectibles can enhance a game by offering rewards, lore, and new challenges, too many can turn the experience into a never-ending grind. Whether it’s collecting items for completionist reasons, upgrading your character, or simply enjoying the satisfaction of finding hidden treasures, it’s clear that the presence of collectibles is here to stay. But for players who prefer a more focused experience, games with fewer collectibles might be a more manageable choice.

If you're a completionist, these games are perfect for you. If not, it’s important to balance your pursuit of collectibles with the core experience the game has to offer. Happy collecting!