Can gout attacks be fairly mild?

Reason I ask: I had a bad flare up (so far I think the only) flare up about 3 years ago.

A few night ago my left wrist starting aching, and I noticed I was losing strength in iti. It wasn't so much painful as uncomfortable: a constant ache but without inflammation or swelling.

It peaked overnight, and I couldn't sleep as there was no position I could get comfortable in. Again, not painful - not like the experience 3 years ago when it felt like my foot was being folded in half - just discomfort enough to keep me awake.

I thought "Oh f*ck, here we go" but over the course of the next day it gradually got better.

Do you think gout attacks can be that "mild" or are they always the whole thing?