7 best video game DLCs of all time
A video game DLC (Downloadable content) refers to additional material released by the game's developer after its launch. While the developers concentrate on the base game till its release, a DLC can provide them with an opportunity to take the game in a new creative direction. A video game expansion will usually differ from the base game in one way or another, whether it be the difference in tone, mechanics, art, or plotlines.
While good DLCs can improve upon their base game, great DLCs can make a remarkable game even better. Here's our take on the seven best video game DLCs.
Note: This article is purely subjective and reflects the writer's opinions.
Exploring the 7 greatest video game DLCs of all time
1) Cyberpunk: Phantom Liberty
A video game DLC in a traditional sense, Phantom Liberty is also an expansion pack for the game. The downloadable expansion adds new skills, quickhacks, vehicles, and a full-fledged metro system to the game. The add-on also introduces a new region, filled with its own characters, questlines, and jobs.
The DLC follows V's attempt to protect NUSA President Rosaline Myers from various forces in the lawless district of Dogtown.
2) The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion — Shivering Isles
Elder Scrolls: Oblivion was home to two great story expansions. But its second DLC, Shivering Isles, was praised by almost everyone. The DLC focuses on the protagonist's quest to protect the Shivering Isles from getting destroyed by Jyggalag, the Daedric Apostle of Order.
The expansion introduced the realms of Dementia and Mania, set apart from each other through their art design and visuals, each rife with their own characters, factions, foes, weapons, and lore. The video game DLC also introduced numerous questlines, each filled with witty writing, refreshing quest design, and compelling characterizations.
3) Witcher 3 — Blood and Wine
CD Projekt Red's Witcher 3 is no stranger to accolades, but there is almost universal agreement among gamers that its second story add-on, Blood and Wine, is better than the base game. The expansion follows Geralt of Rivia, as he investigates the appearance of a mysterious beast terrorizing the dukedom of Toussaint.
Blood and Wine received unanimous acclaim due to its excellent writing, remarkable quest design, a more light-hearted tone, and heartfelt farewell to the story of the white-haired Witcher.
4) Marvel's Spider-Man: The City That Never Sleeps
The City that Never Sleeps was an expansion pack added to Insomniac's Spider-Man. Containing three acts, the pack served as a conclusion to the base game's narrative. It adds extra content to the original release, such as additional challenges, side missions, suits, collectibles, and trophies.
The video game DLC also expands upon Peter Parker's Rogues gallery, adding Hammerhead, Walter Hardy, Screwball, and Black Cat to the mix.
5) Bloodborne: The Old Hunters
Bloodborne is considered by numerous fans to be FromSoftware's best Souls-borne game. But the many greatest elements of that game were introduced due to its video game DLC, The Old Hunters. This downloadable add-on introduced many new weapons, outfits, items, enemy types, questlines, and bosses.
While Lady Maria, Ludwig the Holy Blade, and Orphan of Kos annihilate the player to oblivion, weapons like Whirligig Saw, Boom Hammer, Amygdalan Arm, etc. make decimating enemies look extremely badass.
6) Grand Theft Auto IV: Episodes from Liberty City
When it comes to pure numbers, very few franchises can match the Grand Theft Auto brand. Although the series' third installment pioneered the open-world genre, Grand Theft Auto IV polished it to a tee. While Niko's adventures in the base game engaged many audiences, its two episodic add-ons didn't stay behind.
GTA IV: Episodes from Liberty City combines its two story add-ons — The Lost and Damned, and The Ballad of Gay Tony — into one package. Both DLCs were praised for their impeccable characterization and world-building, along with their thorough exploration of Biker culture and LGBTQ themes, respectively.
7) Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
Shadow of the Erdtree was FromSoftware's follow-up to their Game of the Year winning title, Elden Ring. The video game DLC follows the Tarnished, and his quest to prevent Miquella and his consort, Radahn, from becoming the Elden Lords.
The expansion adds in numerous bosses, weapons, armor, magic, enemy types, regions, questlines, characters, and bosses, each containing the signature polish of the studio. It still provides the base game's freedom of exploration, and rewards player curiosity. The game also ups the ante when compared to the difficulty of FromSoft's other ventures.