Yes, you can earn the same Steam achievement in multiple sets, but only if the sets are from different games or from separate, distinct achievement lists within the same game. Steam tracks achievements per app ID, so a single game’s achievement set can only be completed once per account, but if a game has multiple achievement sets (e.g., base game and DLC, or separate editions), each set is independent and can be earned separately.
How Steam Achievements Work
Steam achievements are tied to a game’s App ID and a specific achievement schema. When a developer creates a game on Steam, they define a list of achievements. Each achievement has a unique internal name (e.g., ACH_WIN_LEVEL_1) and a display name. When you unlock an achievement, Steam records it on your profile, and it stays unlocked forever. You cannot “re-earn” an achievement in the same game by starting a new save or playing offline—the unlock is permanent.
However, if a game has multiple achievement sets under the same App ID, they are usually treated as separate lists. For example, a game might have a base game achievement list and a separate list for a free update or a DLC. Each list is independent, so you can earn achievements in both lists. But you cannot earn the same achievement twice within the same list.
What Counts as a “Set”?
On Steam, an “achievement set” typically refers to a distinct group of achievements within a single game. Common scenarios:
- Base game vs. DLC: Many games add new achievements when a DLC releases. These are often added to the same list, but some games create a separate DLC achievement list (e.g., Payday 2 had separate lists for each DLC).
- Separate editions: If a game has a standard edition and a deluxe edition, they usually share the same App ID and same achievement list. But if a developer releases a separate “Definitive Edition” with a different App ID, that’s a different game entirely, so achievements are separate.
- Regional or beta versions: Sometimes developers release a beta branch or a separate client for testing. These usually have their own App ID and achievement list, but they may be hidden from your profile.
Can You Earn the Same Achievement in the Base Game and DLC?
It depends on how the developer set it up. If the DLC achievements are added to the same list, then no—you can only earn each achievement once. If the DLC has its own separate list, then yes, you can earn achievements in both lists, but they are different achievements (different internal names). You cannot earn the exact same achievement (same internal name) twice.
For example, The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth has a base game achievement list and a separate list for the Afterbirth DLC. The achievements are different, so you can earn them all. But if a game adds a new achievement to the base list, you can only earn it once.
Multiple Sets in the Same Game (e.g., Remastered Editions)
If a game gets a remastered version on Steam, it usually has a different App ID. For instance, Skyrim and Skyrim Special Edition are separate games on Steam, each with their own achievement list. You can earn achievements in both, even if the achievement names are identical (e.g., “Hero of the People” in both). That’s because they are technically different games in Steam’s database.
Similarly, if a developer releases a “Game of the Year Edition” as a separate App ID, you can earn achievements in both the original and the GOTY edition. However, if they just update the original game with the GOTY content, the achievements remain the same list.
How to Check If a Game Has Multiple Achievement Sets
You can see a game’s achievement list on its Steam store page or in your library. If there are tabs or filters for “DLC” achievements, that indicates separate sets. Alternatively, use third-party sites like SteamDB or Astats, which often show separate achievement lists per app ID. If a game has multiple App IDs (e.g., a demo, beta, or separate edition), each will have its own set.
To see all your achievements for a game, go to your profile > Achievements > select the game. If you see tabs like “Base Game” and “DLC”, those are separate sets. If you only see one list, then all achievements are in one set.
Common Misconceptions
Myth: You can re-earn achievements by playing on a new save. False. Steam achievements are account-wide and permanent. Even if you delete your save file, the achievement remains unlocked.
Myth: Family Sharing lets you earn achievements again. When you family share a game, you can earn achievements on your own account, but if you already earned them on your main account, they won’t unlock again. Family Sharing just lets you play the game; achievements are tied to the account that plays.
Myth: Using Steam Achievement Manager (SAM) re-earns achievements. SAM can unlock achievements, but it doesn’t “re-earn” them—it just sets them as unlocked. It’s against Steam’s ToS and can get you banned from trading or VAC-protected games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I earn the same achievement twice if I buy the game again?
No. If you buy the same game (same App ID) again, it’s the same achievement list. You cannot re-earn achievements. However, if you buy a separate edition with a different App ID (e.g., a remaster), then yes, you can earn them again because it’s a different game.
Do achievements from a demo count toward the full game?
Usually not. Demos have their own App ID and achievement list. If you earn achievements in a demo, they don’t carry over to the full game. The full game has its own list, so you can earn them there too.
Can I earn achievements in a game’s beta branch and then in the main game?
If the beta branch has a separate App ID (which is rare), then yes. Most betas use the same App ID, so achievements are shared. If you unlock an achievement in the beta, it will appear in the main game as well, and you can’t unlock it again.
What about games with “achievement sets” like in the Steam Points Shop?
The Steam Points Shop has “Achievement Sets” as collectible items, but those are not the same as game achievements. They are cosmetic badges you can buy with points. They don’t affect your game achievements.
If a game updates and adds new achievements, can I earn the old ones again?
No. New achievements are added to the same list. Old achievements remain unlocked. You can only earn the new ones.
Conclusion
In summary, you can earn the same achievement in multiple sets only if the sets belong to different App IDs (i.e., different games or separate editions). Within a single game’s achievement list, each achievement can only be unlocked once. Always check if a game has multiple App IDs on SteamDB to know if you can double-dip on achievements.
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