If there are any aspects of Role Playing games that have the potential to polarize their players grinding is likely to top that list. Some gamers soak up ever ounce of it while others cringe at the mere thought. One thing is certain though - if you want to get anywhere in an RPG you will have to grind.


Before even looking at how this gameplay mechanic is used it is important to understand the meaning of the term in question. To grind can be defined as sharpening by abrasion, but could also refer to being oppressed, tormented, and crushed. Two totally different meanings, but they are both so appropriate to describe a Role Playing game staple. By looking at the definition alone one can see where the polarization occurs. Repetitively battling enemies to gain new items and levels both hones the skills of the character while tormenting the player with a seemingly endless chore.

When looking at Western RPGs and their Japanese counterparts it becomes apparent that both treat grinding differently and implement it for unique reasons. Western Role Playing games, for the most part, and most notably, Skyrim, utilize this gameplay element as a reason to explore the game's world and mythology. In doing so the player can completely bypass the main plot in order to gain full freedom to discover hidden items peppered throughout the land that colour the game's lore. Grinding is absolutely optional but is in fact an added incentive for the player to try to enhance their gaming experience. In this case the act of grinding becomes synonymous with discovery. The treasure is out there should the player choose to seek it. This ultimately contributes to greater immersion by offering players the uncover the game's secrets.


Japanese RPGs, on the other hand, exploit level grinding in a very different manner. The role which grinding plays becomes a critical component of the game and the development of characters' statistics. This is all well and good on the surface, but it can have deleterious effects on the player's view of the game as a whole. By forcing a player to repetitively perform the same task, be it battling or playing a mini-game, he or she can actually lose sight of the plot and the primary objective of the game. This will usually result in forgotten plot points or even player resignation leaving the game to never be played again.

While leveling up in such a way often feels like a chore the tedious act does have underlying benefits. Evening out the playing field, especially in preparation for boss battles, gives the player a chance to develop skills - both strategic concepts that can be used in-game and improved character techniques - that allow spikes in difficulty to be overcome with less frustration. The same can be said for grinding in multiplayer online RPGs as well. By level grinding the player can keep up with fellow gamers and gain access to once unattainable areas or items. However, in typical Japanese fashion, grinding is not just a shallow game mechanic. It ties into a state of mind which is associated with overcoming life's hurtles.


The way JRPGs use grinding adequately reflects both meanings of the word. The honing of one's talent will translate into the dominance of oppressive barriers. Much like studying or training the body, grinding carries a special philosophical weight along with it. Father of the Japanese RPG Yuji Horii claims:

In this way level grinding reassures the player that their time and hard work will pay off. Be it the acquisition of superior items, the improved statistics, or the pleasure of defeating more powerful enemies, this gameplay mechanic in fact teaches players to not lose hope in their endevours, more importantly, that with persistence and determination any goal is achievable. Despite being very taxing on the player, grinding levels and equipment is a backbone of the RPG genre. It is implemented in many games and in as many unique ways, but its philosophical teachings and in-game rewards make the experience so much greater. So keep trying, keep climbing those mountains because whether the experience comes in the form of points or fond memories, nothing comes without effort.

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