8 DLC That Raised the Bar for Additional Content in Video Games

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More and more games these days come with downloadable content (DLC) either expected or released alongside their initial launch. The nature of this DLC can range significantly. Some may offer only cosmetic enhancements or fun items, but they won’t alter the core gameplay experience. Other DLCs might add additional missions to the game, allowing you to enjoy the game even without them. Lastly, there are top-tier DLCs that provide a wealth of content or content with great depth, significantly transforming the entire feel of the game.

In simpler terms, not all Downloadable Content (DLC) for games is impressive, but some exceptional ones have significantly raised the bar for what we expect from additional game content. While many recent DLCs have demonstrated their potential for innovation, it’s also important to recognize older DLCs that stand out as truly remarkable enhancements to the original game.

These are the video game expansions and DLC that we think took things to another level.

1) Mass Effect 3: Citadel

The Mass Effect 3: Citadel expansion encapsulates all that’s fantastic about the trilogy. Frequently dubbed as a heartfelt note to players, this downloadable content offers a respite from the game’s weighty missions, allowing you to enjoy time with your teammates instead. While there is a minor narrative thread in the DLC, it centers around encountering a Shepard clone. Once that’s handled, you can unwind at Anderson’s apartment, which he has graciously gifted to Shepard.

After resolving the clone matter, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the Citadel before hosting a celebration with your teammates at your apartment. During this time, you’ll engage in various activities with each teammate, which may delve into their unique relationships with Shepard. It’s not surprising that this emotionally charged expansion is often regarded as one of the series’ highlights.

2) The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine

The expansiveness of Blood and Wine is striking, making it seem like you’re embarking on an entirely new adventure within The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Toussaint, a visually captivating region, offers a delightful backdrop to explore, even if it doesn’t match the base game in terms of quest count. However, Blood and Wine enhances the base game in various aspects and features some of the most enjoyable boss battles in the series.

Furthermore, “Blood and Wine” could boast some of the game’s most memorable cutscenes, particularly appealing to those who appreciate the quirky humor that “The Witcher” series manages to weave convincingly into its in-game world. Notably, players get a chance to witness Geralt experiencing an eccentric fever dream where he perceives Roach as if it’s talking to him.

3) Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

In the tradition of FromSoftware, the additional content for their games is consistently of a superior quality, and this trend holds true with the DLC for Shadow of the Erdtree. The new region where the DLC takes place is vast, stunning, and rich in subtle environmental storytelling reminiscent of the Soulsborne series. It invites you to delve into the methods of acquiring divinity, uncovering the atrocities committed by Marika and her allies during their pursuit of deity status, which they ultimately concealed and used to establish the Golden Order.

Absolutely, one of the standout features of FromSoftware games is their formidable bosses, and Shadow of the Erdtree delivers in spades on that count. In fact, there are a staggering 83 new bosses in this expansion pack, with 12 being main bosses and 3 being crucial to defeating the DLC. The final boss, Promised Consort Radahn, offers a fresh degree of challenge for players accustomed to Elden Ring’s demanding mechanics.

4) Resident Evil Village: Shadows of Rose

Shadows of Rose

The story unfolds several years following the events of Resident Evil Village. Our protagonist, an older Rose Winters, grapples with the supernatural abilities she’s inherited from her mom’s Mold infection and her father, who essentially became a Mold replica. These powers have transformed her into a more potent and stable form of Eveline. However, these unique traits make her feel isolated among ordinary humans. She longs for acceptance and belongingness in society.

When you delve into the DLC of RE Village, you’ll find yourself immersed in a distorted reflection of Ethan’s journey, as Rose navigates through her inner world filled with memories of the ordeals Ethan endured to save her when she was an infant. Along her harrowing path, Rose learns to accept and appreciate her individuality, which introduces unique game mechanics that aren’t present in the main game.

5) Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty

The initial release of Cyberpunk 2077 faced numerous challenges, requiring several updates to make it enjoyable. However, the expansion pack, Phantom Liberty, has been a turning point for CD Projekt Red, serving as something of a comeback. While it wasn’t flawless at launch either, it’s now considered a standout part of the game rather than just an add-on. In essence, Phantom Liberty is highly recommended as an essential part of playing Cyberpunk 2077.

The Phantom Liberty expansion seems to enhance all aspects of Cyberpunk 2077’s core game, offering approximately 20 additional hours of narrative content. Not only is the DLC’s story potentially more captivating than that of the base game, but it also branches off from the main storyline in many aspects. However, your choices in the primary narrative influence the options available to you within the expansion, depending on when you choose to embark on the DLC during your playthrough.

6) Bloodborne: The Old Hunters

In comparison to other DLC offerings on this list, as well as FromSoftware’s previous DLC for Soulsborne games, Bloodborne: The Old Hunters is relatively brief in size. However, much like the rest of Bloodborne, the fresh territories you can traverse in The Old Hunters are filled with an unsettling atmosphere and chilling ambiance. Additionally, you’ll find new tools and weapons at your disposal within these areas.

As a devoted fan, I must confess that The Old Hunters expansion, although compact, can consume a substantial chunk of your gaming time due to the merciless nature of some of its formidable bosses. Yet, the reward is worth the challenge! This DLC boasts what might just be the most thrilling boss battles in the entire series, and Lady Maria’s fight stands out as a particularly stunning spectacle-a beautiful, brutal dance that every hunter should experience.

7) Outer Wilds: Echo of the Eye

Playing Outer Wilds on its own is already a fantastic journey, but adding Echoes of the Eye makes the experience feel more cohesive and complete. If you play only the original game and then experience it with the DLC integrated, you’ll find that the overall narrative feels more rounded off. The clever design allows you to decide when to explore the DLC content, but there are ideal times to do so for maximum enjoyment of the game’s entire tale.

Echoes of the Eye provides you with extra mysteries about our solar system, allowing you to delve deeper into it via an additional exhibit in the museum. You’ll receive approximately 15 hours of additional content that weaves its own tale, yet remains connected to the main narrative. It seems like a worthwhile addition for Outer Wilds, though the core gameplay can be fully enjoyed without the DLC.

8) Xenoblade 2: Torna ~ The Golden Country

In a distinct twist for downloadable content, the storyline of “Torna ~ The Golden Country” unfolds half a millennium prior to the events in “Xenoblade Chronicles 2”. Consequently, you won’t stumble upon it during the main game; instead, you need to choose it from the menu to begin your adventure. Given the considerable time gap, seamlessly blending these narratives might be a bit challenging compared to some other DLC packages, such as “Bloodborne: The Old Hunters”.

Although a significant time difference might typically create a sense of disconnection between a game’s main story and downloadable content (DLC), this isn’t true for the case of Torna. Instead, the main story and the DLC complement each other in terms of emotional resonance. Understanding Torna’s fate makes witnessing its prime all the more poignant, which is exactly the experience the DLC offers you.

Downloadable Content (DLC) can stand alone as a full narrative or serve as a small enhancement, but some creators strive to showcase the possibilities of additional content. Not every DLC is tied directly to the main story; in fact, many exceptional DLCs complement the main story, offering extra insights that enrich it without leaving you confused if you choose not to play them.

Hopefully, these DLC that raised the bar will set a new standard for the industry.

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2025-08-10 20:24