There is probably no better feeling as a player than earning one Platinum trophy. This means that the player has done everything the game asked of them, whether it's overcoming their toughest challenges, exploring every corner, or pushing through every optional objective. For many PlayStation fans, it's more than a digital reward; it is a testament to dedication and mastery.
But what happens when a game goes Platinum impossible to earn? Not hard, not time consuming, but officially locked forever. That's the frustrating reality for a number of titles whose online servers have gone dark or whose core systems were tied to now-defunct features. Players can purchase the game and complete all offline content, but one or two online-dependent trophies stand in the way of unlocking platinum.
Call Of Duty: Black Ops 2
Servers have been shut down, online trophies are locked forever
When Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 first released on the PlayStation 3, it was one of the most active online shooters in the world. Its multiplayer Big Leagues defined the series for an entire generation, but as time went on, its online backbone began to crumble.
In 2023, Activision officially pulled the plug on the online servers for the elderly Call of Duty titles on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. This brought in the Platinum trophy Black Ops 2 officially impossible to get. It's really painful too Black Ops 2 is still beloved by fans for its futuristic setting and fast-paced gun battles. It also had one of the best Zombies maps ever made: “Origins.” But nostalgia won't save a player's Platinum dreams here.
Battleborn
Complete game suspension made trophies unobtainable
Battleborn was Gearbox Software's attempt at a hero shooter before that term (and genre) became popular. It combined first-person shooting with MOBA-like gameplay, allowing players to control unique characters with special abilities. At launch it had a full campaign and competitive multiplayer.
The platinum trophy was due to online progression and achievements linked to the game's live service. When Gearbox announced that the server would be shutting down, it wasn't just bad news; that was the end of the whole match. On January 31, 2021, Battleborns servers were taken offline for good, and with them, any hope of unlocking that final trophy.
WWE 2K23
2K's shutdown of online servers ended all access to trophy-related modes
Sports titles such as WWE 2K23 live and die by their online servers. The game allowed players to fight in ranked matches, upload created wrestlers and participate in online events. Many of these activities were linked to specific trophies required to unlock Platinum.
When 2K announced that the servers would be shutting down in early 2025, trophy hunters knew what was coming: Platinum was about to become impossible to unlock. Players can still enjoy offline career modes and exhibition matches, but they don't cover all trophies. The “Online Veteran” and “Acknowledge Me” trophies, among others, require actual matchmaking, which is no longer possible.
The LittleBigPlanet series
The series' online servers no longer exist
The LittleBigPlanet trilogy on PlayStation 3 and PS Vita used to represent all things creative with games. Players could create custom levels, share them online and earn trophies for interacting with the community. Unfortunately, Sony shut down the servers for the elderly LittleBigPlanet game due to ongoing security and maintenance issues.
Even if Little Big Planet 3 still works offline, its online portion, and therefore its platinum claim, remains disconnected. That with LittleBigPlanet is that half the fun comes from exploring other players' creations, and losing that takes a lot of the joy out of the experience.
Portal 2
Server problem
Portal 2 on the PlayStation 3 featured one of the best puzzle experiences in gaming. Players could solve mind-numbing puzzles using teleportation portals, either solo or in co-op. Unfortunately, the PS3 version's online co-op mode was tied to several trophies.
Trophies such as “Professor Portal”, which required completing the co-op calibration course with a friend who has never played before, are now unearned as the matchmaking system is dead. Without the servers, there is no way to invite or connect with another player in the game. Players can still complete the entire story offline, but the Platinum Trophy is still unavailable to anyone who starts over.
Mad Max
Online Leaderboard System disabled
Mad Max
7/10
- Released
-
September 1, 2015
Avalanche Studios Mad Max was an underrated hit when it launched in 2015. The game allows players to roam the wasteland, build their car and fight against raiders across a desolate world. For years, platinum has been attainable with enough grinding. Then the servers that support the online features are shut down silently.
The problem was a single trophy tied to online leaderboards and the “Scrap Crew” system. These features connected to a server that tracked progress and rewards. When that connection was lost, the game couldn't sync that data anymore, and without it, one of the required trophies became permanently locked, making Platinum unearnable.
Killzone: Shadow Fall
Multiplayer servers closed
Killzone: Shadow Fall was one of the earliest games to launch on the PlayStation 4. The campaign showcased the console's graphical power, and its multiplayer mode kept fans busy for years. Unfortunately, Guerrilla Games officially shut down the online servers in August 2022. Several trophies tied to multiplayer matches and ranks became permanently locked.
Players needed to earn kills, complete challenges and reach specific levels in online game modes like Intercept to unlock Platinum. When these servers went offline, these tasks became impossible to complete. While fans can still enjoy the offline single player campaign, the trophy list will remain incomplete forever.
Transformers: Fall Of Cybertron
With servers down, multiplayer trophies that require co-op matches can no longer be earned
Transformers: Fall of Cybertron gave fans a story-driven look at the final days of the Autobots and Decepticons before they came to Earth. The game featured a fun single-player campaign and a multiplayer mode that allowed custom Transformers to battle online. Unfortunately, these online battles are now gone.
Activision shut down the servers for Fall of Cybertron in early 2020, remove access to multiplayer entirely. A number of trophies were tied to the online mode, including leveling up and winning matches. When the servers were taken offline, these trophies became permanently unachievable.
The human being
Technical issues
Amplitude Studios The human being was meant to challenge Civilization by giving players control over entire cultures throughout history. It launched with a mix of single-player and online games, along with Steam and console trophies. However, several of these achievements stopped working properly after updates and the eventual shutdown of online features.
While The human being remain playable, the unattainable trophies have frustrated completionists. It is a technical issue, not a difficulty, that prevents Platinum acquisition.
Friday the 13th: The Game
Locked due to legal issues
Friday the 13th: The Game was one of those horror games where players are being chased, and all they really have to do is run away and survive. The indie game was loved for its chaotic multiplayer moments and solid creepy vibes, but its downfall wasn't just technical; it was legal.
Due to a rights dispute over Friday the 13th license, the developers could not continue to support or update their game. It led to server shutdowns and the removal of online matchmaking. The December 2024 suspension officially ended all chances for new players to earn the Platinum Trophy. Several trophies were dependent on multiplayer sessions and co-op tasks, all of which became unavailable when the servers were down. The good news is that there is an opportunity for a new one Friday the 13th: The Game coming soon
