20 DLCs That Should Have Been In The Base Game

Extra game content, or DLC, can be a welcome addition if a game feels finished, but sometimes these add-ons seem like they should have been included from the start. The following examples focus on DLC that added key characters, story sections, or gameplay modes that many players anticipated being available on release day. We’ll cover what each add-on included, when it came out, and how it impacted the overall game. Essentially, we’re looking at expansions that felt less like optional extras and more like essential parts of the original game, just released separately.

From Ashes – ‘Mass Effect 3’

The first add-on for the game introduced Javik, the last of the Protheans, as a playable squadmate with his own unique mission on Eden Prime. It also included a new weapon, a biotic stasis ability, and extra conversations with your squad throughout the game. Installing the add-on unlocked new dialogue and lore entries in the game’s database, expanding on the history of the Prothean civilization. It was released in March 2012, but most players had to purchase it separately from the main game.

Epilogue – ‘Prince of Persia’

This chapter continues the story after the 2008 game, taking place in a newly designed underground palace. It introduces new challenges with updated platforming, different enemy types, and enhanced abilities for Elika to help you get around. The update also makes the game harder, with longer chase and escape sequences. It was released as a digital download for consoles in February 2009.

True Ending Episodes – ‘Asura’s Wrath’

Capcom continued the story after the initial game’s cliffhanger by releasing episodes 19-22 as a downloadable pack. This update, which came out a few months after the game launched in 2012, added new boss battles, animated cutscenes, and the final showdown with the main villain. It also included new achievements and artwork to unlock.

Requiem of the Goddess – ‘Final Fantasy XIII 2’

This downloadable content featured Lightning facing off against Caius in a challenging battle gauntlet with a unique new Paradigm system. Successfully completing the battles unlocked special equipment and an exclusive ending that expanded on the game’s story. The pack also included a new music track and arena-style battles for added replay value. It was released as paid DLC in May 2012.

The Battle of Forlì – ‘Assassin’s Creed II’

This downloadable content fills in a missing piece of the story, focusing on Caterina Sforza and the Apple of Eden. It’s set between sequences 11 and 14 in the game and adds several new missions centered around defending the city of Forlì. It also introduces fresh perspectives and collectible items to the area. Once downloaded and installed, players can revisit these story moments through the game’s DNA menu. It was released in January 2010.

Bonfire of the Vanities – ‘Assassin’s Creed II’

This downloadable content continued Ezio’s story, putting him up against the followers of Savonarola in Florence. It included new assassination missions, parkour challenges, and a larger area of Florence to explore. Players who purchased the premium version also gained access to the Palazzo Medici and Santa Maria dei Frari. This content was released in February 2010.

The Stone Prisoner – ‘Dragon Age Origins’

This downloadable content introduced Shale, a golem you could add to your party, and gave her a unique questline in the Honnleath area. It expanded her character with new conversations, combat skills, and special equipment powered by crystals. The pack also added a new shopkeeper and lore entries to deepen the game’s story. Released in 2009 with the original game, it was initially offered for free with new purchases through an online code.

Return to Ostagar – ‘Dragon Age Origins’

As a huge fan, I was so excited when this chapter came out! It picks up right after the beginning of the game and lets you go back to where everything started – the battlefield. We got to recover King Cailan’s armor and really dig into who betrayed him. It wasn’t just story stuff either; they added new enemies, some cool loot to find, and a little questline you could start once you were a decent level into the game. It came out in January 2010, though it was delayed a bit, but it fit right into my game when I got there!

Catwoman Pack – ‘Batman Arkham City’

This downloadable content added four new story missions featuring Catwoman, which players experienced alongside the main game’s story. It also gave Catwoman her own unique gadgets, a separate set of upgrades, and special Riddler trophies to collect. The pack included challenge maps and new character skins for her, and was originally available in 2011 either with new game purchases or as a separate purchase.

Additional Characters Pack – ‘Street Fighter X Tekken’

Originally found on a retail disc, a group of twelve fighters was later released for purchase on consoles. This update also included adjustments to game balance, new challenges, and special items linked to the new characters. Once available, these fighters changed how players competed in tournaments and online matches. They became available for purchase in 2012, after the game’s first release.

Versus Mode – ‘Resident Evil 5’

This premium mode added competitive multiplayer options inspired by the Mercenaries style of gameplay. Players competed for points in Deathmatch and Team Survivor modes, while also fighting off computer-controlled enemies. It reused existing game maps but included new rules, ways to find matches, and online leaderboards. This mode was released as downloadable content (DLC) in 2009, soon after the game launched.

Awakened – ‘Dead Space 3’

Continuing the story after the main events, this chapter followed Isaac and Carver as they tackled new challenges on Terra Nova and at the Marker sites. It featured more difficult enemies, strange and dreamlike scenes, and allowed players to create new weapon upgrades. The chapter also explained what the Church of Unitology planned to do next. It was released as a downloadable expansion in March 2013 for all platforms.

House of Valor – ‘Kingdoms of Amalur Reckoning’

As a fan, I was so excited when this content dropped! It opened up a whole seven-part questline focused around an arena in Idilla. We could keep going back for new combat challenges, and there were awesome, unique armor sets to earn. Plus, there were special vendors who sold items you couldn’t get anywhere else. You needed an online code to access it – it came with new copies of the game, but if you didn’t get a new copy, you had to buy the code separately. It was available right when the game launched back in 2012.

Episode Ignis – ‘Final Fantasy XV’

This downloadable content takes place during the Altissia storyline and lets you play as Ignis, featuring a new fighting style with spell-infused daggers and strategic Overwhelm abilities. The episode offers multiple different endings, a challenging difficulty setting, and a score-based attack mode to encourage players to return. Completing it unlocks accessories and music that can be used in the main game. It was first released in December 2017.

Episode Ardyn – ‘Final Fantasy XV’

This additional story explored Ardyn’s history in the city of Insomnia, introducing new ways to play with the Shadowstep and Daemonify abilities. It featured cutscenes that explained the story of the royal Lucian family and how the Astrals contributed to Ardyn’s downfall. The pack also included extra challenges, character outfits, and a collection of music from the game. Released in March 2019, it marked the last piece of downloadable content for the game.

Rogue One Scarif – ‘Star Wars Battlefront’

The Scarif expansion brought the beach maps from the movie to life with the Walker Assault and Infiltration game modes. It introduced Jyn Erso and Orson Krennic as playable characters, along with new weapons and Star Cards. Released in December 2016, this pack came out later in the game’s lifespan and needed both the original game and the latest updates to play. It followed other content released through the season pass.

Hunting Season Pass – ‘Evolve’

A new pass added several playable characters and a monster to the game, along with special skins for players who purchased it early. These additions shook up how players formed teams and how the game matched them with others. The content was first released around the game’s launch and continued with early updates, becoming available for purchase separately in 2015.

The Dark Below – ‘Destiny’

As a longtime fan, I was so excited when this expansion dropped in December 2014! It was the first big one for the game, and it really changed things up. We finally got a higher level cap, which was awesome, and Crota’s End raid was an instant classic. Plus, they added new strikes on Earth and the Moon, giving us more to do. I spent hours grinding for the new, higher-tier gear, and loved the new quests Eris Morn gave us. Even just checking the vendors in the Tower felt fresh because they had so much more loot! It really felt like a huge step forward for the game.

Zaeed The Price of Revenge – ‘Mass Effect 2’

This downloadable content introduced Zaeed Massani as a new squadmate, complete with a mission to recruit and gain his loyalty, and was connected to the Blue Suns faction. It also added a powerful new weapon, unique conversations with the squad, and made Zaeed appear in important locations throughout the game. Players could access it either through the Cerberus Network or by purchasing it separately, and it was released in 2010.

Episode INTERmission – ‘Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade’

The June 2021 update, released with the PlayStation 5 version, centered around Yuffie and brought her to Midgar. It introduced a new combat system where she teams up with Sonon, plus a minigame called Fort Condor, a new summon, and tough battles in the Shinra Combat Simulator. Completing Yuffie’s story unlocked items and materia that could be used in existing save files after upgrading.

Share your pick for a DLC that felt essential to the launch experience in the comments.

2025-11-21 05:18