10 best video game DLCs of all time

In the era of live service games and microtransactions, it’s increasingly uncommon for a game to offer substantial Downloadable Content (DLC). It’s not merely about additional cosmetic or in-game items; we’re referring to DLCs that significantly expand the content of our cherished games.

A fantastic DLC must offer new territories to discover, tales to share, and missions to accomplish; in essence, they could surpass the original game itself.

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

One standout studio consistently delivering top-tier DLC is FromSoftware, a name that might appear on this list multiple times. Elden Ring, their latest creation, can be considered the pinnacle of their new genre they pioneered years ago. Similar to the main game, this DLC offers expansive exploration areas and ancient dungeons reminiscent of the past, complete with challenging obstacles, intriguing new artifacts and incantations, and as expected, a host of demanding Elden Ring bosses for you to conquer.

The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine

CD Projekt Red, another commendable company, continues to uphold quality DLC in today’s era by releasing two expansions for the critically acclaimed open-world RPG, The Witcher 3. While both are exceptional, Blood and Wine truly sets a new standard. It concludes Geralt’s journey elegantly while offering a vast, unexplored region on the map brimming with intricate quests that The Witcher 3 is renowned for.

Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania

The creators of Dead Cells have openly acknowledged that they drew significant inspiration from Castlevania for the gameplay and layout of Dead Cells. Consequently, it’s no wonder they took full advantage of the opportunity to produce a DLC with a Castlevania theme. This additional content invites players to delve into every hidden corner of Dracula’s castle, filled with fresh bosses, interactions, and items. All of this is seamlessly integrated within Dead Cells’ renowned combat system.

Civilization 5: Brave New World/Gods & Kings

When a strategy in your game is similar to the 4X strategy found in Civilization games and you incorporate just one additional feature, it significantly increases the strategic possibilities for each move you make. This is what makes the expansion packs of Civilization so remarkable; they introduce numerous fresh systems that fundamentally alter the gameplay – to such an extent that playing Civilization 5 without the expansions feels like you’re playing a completely different game.

The Elder Scrolls 4 Oblivion: The Shivering Isles

Although Oblivion is infamous for its poor DLC offerings, particularly the controversial horse armor pack, it’s important to remember that it also boasts a fantastic expansion: The Shivering Isles. This expansion offers some of the most memorable quests within Oblivion, allowing players to encounter Sheogorath, the Daedric Prince of Madness, for a series of wild and unforgettable adventures.

XCOM 2: War of the Chosen

In a nutshell, XCOM’s tactical squad play might seem less impactful than Civilization’s grand scale lives, but it doesn’t diminish its depth. The War of the Chosen expansion demonstrates this complexity in spades, elevating an already exceptional tactics game. It extends gameplay, introduces more intricacy across various game elements, and challenges you with fresh, demanding missions against distinctive adversaries.

Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare

Should you find yourself still disappointed that GTA 5 lacked a single-player expansion pack, consider revisiting Rockstar’s past releases for comparable content. Among their DLC offerings, The Ballad of Gay Tony for GTA 4 and Undead Nightmare for Red Dead Redemption often receive high praise. For me, the latter stands as the pinnacle. Undead Nightmare brings the original game’s captivating open world and engaging gunplay to life with a thrilling zombie apocalypse setting, offering endless hours of exhilarating cowboy-themed action.

Bloodborne: The Old Hunters

FromSoftware didn’t just give top-tier expansion treatment to Elden Ring; they also delivered an all-time fan favorite for Bloodborne with its exceptional DLC. Similar to other Souls games, this expansion introduced new zones, bosses, and distinct mechanics that were of outstanding quality. If you ask Bloodborne enthusiasts about their favorite game moments, many will likely mention several from The Old Hunters expansion.

Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed

How might one conclude a trilogy as rich, substantial, and intricate as the Xenoblade series? By satisfying the fans beyond their wildest expectations. From the instant the first teaser revealed fully-grown counterparts of past heroes Shulk and Rex, we were ready for an unforgettable journey, and Future Redeemed certainly delivered. It didn’t just reintroduce familiar faces, but also long-desired locales and gameplay elements, all while encapsulating it in a thought-provoking narrative that rivals the original series in quality and resonance.

Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty

As a dedicated gamer, I can confidently say that Phantom Liberty stands out among the greatest DLC expansions ever created. It’s not just the top-tier quality of the expansion itself that makes it remarkable, but its incredible ability to transform the public’s perception of one of the most ridiculed games in recent times – Cyberpunk 2077. You don’t need me to recount the turbulent launch of this game, but with Phantom Liberty and the simultaneous release of the 2.0 update, Cyberpunk 2077 has been transformed into the game it was always intended to be. And as if that weren’t enough, it also offers a captivating new DLC storyline.

2025-06-20 14:46