DLC is often the supplementary content for a much larger game and is not necessary to enjoy the base game. But sometimes They are so good that they can even knock the original out of the water.
Whether you like them or not, DLCS provides opportunities to link questions that may have been left unanswered, or to plot threads. Or extending pieces of lore and world building that will make fans crave more from the world they fell in love with.
I’ll take a look A game with a DLC that is better than or improves it is a considerable reason to go through the base game.
We only consider one game per franchise.
Spoiler warning: Some entries may contain spoilers. This is because these DLCs often take place after the main story.
10
BioShock Infinite
Burial at the sea
Bioshock Infinite has brought the franchise out of joy into Colombia’s rising city. Still, DLC burial at sea brings us back to Rapture, albeit in a completely different situation.
It will be held again in the Rapture on another timeline Through another lens thanks to some Wibbly Wobbly Timey Wimey’s, Sea Retells Booker, and burials in Elizabeth’s stories.
DLC is a standalone story that doesn’t often add to the main game, It reveals some interesting lore little things about the previous game, and gives you a glimpse into the joy before its collapse.
DLC also has two separate episodes. One will play as Booker and the other as Elizabeth. The combat and plasmids remain roughly the same, Elizabeth’s playstyle takes a much more stealthy approach, I’m back with memories of her astonishing partner in the base game.
9
Far Cry 6
Vaas: Madness, Pagan: Control, Joseph: Prophecy
Despite Far Cry 6 There’s a somewhat memorable storyline, which makes up for it with a wide range of weapons, exhilarating gameplay and memorable villains The role is played by the iconic Giancarlo Esposito.
Above all, the biggest part of Far Cry The franchise has always been the villain. And Yaran’s dictators wore a huge amount of shoes to fill in the vast amount of shoes compared to the previous villains of the franchise.
To remind you of why you love the franchise so much, Far Cry 6 It came with a DLC pack centered around three of the franchise’s most iconic villains: Vaas, Pagan Min, and Joseph Seed.
These DLCs placed us in their perspective to explore their backstory and trauma that drove them into the monsters that became inevitable.
These stories humanized villains that we hated. Fight through a mindscape that takes the form of logelite.
Perhaps the most memorable one is Vaas: Insanity. Vaas coincides with his downfall, his abusive relationship with Citra, and his beef with Jason.
8
Red Dead Repayment
Undead’s Nightmare
Red Dead Redemption is already a very great game and is one of Rockstar’s best games. There is an incredibly large sandbox that places us in the rapidly evolving Wild West. It is a grounded experience that tells a powerful story of betrayal and dedication.
But what happens if I add a zombie?
Red Dead Redemption’s base game has a rather strict moral system, so DLC Undead nightmares will indulge you in the sandbox Kill a horde of zombies Ascend to annoy many towns you are tasked with saving.
It’s an incredibly refreshing experience that you won’t be afraid to be a bit fun, especially the zombie-obsessed trend that pop culture had in the 2010s. It is also considered one of the best DLCs.
7
Fallout 4
Automatron, Far Harbor, Nuka World
Fallout 4 is a solid game with a vast open world, basic management mechanics and a great RPG experience. There are so many settlements that we can help before everything gets monotonous.
Fallout 4 has plenty of DLCs that add a lot to the base game. You can customize your robot companions with Automatron, and the Vault-Tec workshop will allow you to create the perfect vault settlement.
Fallout 4 There were strong candidates for excellent DLC, Far Harbor is far the best and most memorable of the franchise as a whole.
This wet, misty DLC takes you to Maine’s honorable island and adds a brand new story, new enemies to fight, new areas to conquer, and first-rate gear with a unique ocean-related aesthetic.
moreover, Dima was probably one of my favorite synth characters in the game.
6
Mass Effect 3
Citadel
Mass-Effect-3-Citadel-Party-Characters
Mass Effect 3, It was considered one of the better games of the franchise, Notoriously criticised for lack of proper closure, The game’s overwhelming ending allows you to choose the universe’s fate, with only three options.
To make up for the inactive ending, Bioware released Citadel DLC as a heartfelt “love letter” of the series.
DLC allows you to spend meaningful time with all the key members of the cast in all three games Explore new areas and attractions in the prestigious hub area.
DLC’s story, dialogue and general atmosphere are greatly appreciated. More easy-to-focused comedy, You can unlock and create more memories before the inevitable ending.
Dawnguard, Hearthfire, Dragonborn
Skyrim base game Despite the plot that was not a sensation, there was solid gameplay and beautiful scenery. Thankfully, that DLC added a lot to the game, and I would even argue that DLC is essential to playing Skyrim.
While Dawnguard and Dragonborn gave us an incredible story and a new place, Hearthfire is an amazingly underrated DLC That’s not talked about much.
You can become a homeowner of Skyrim (no nasty HOA), but Hearthfire DLC will allow you Buy 3 lands that allow you to fully customize the interior of your home And calms down after an adventure life.
All three properties have their own draws, Falkrees Lakeview Manor switches between Windstud Manor and Heljarchen Hall. Although there were no great views, it was the most customizable and peaceful home of the three. This was perfect for Dragonborn, who just wanted to live a quiet life after beating Alduin.
4
Border Zone 2
Tina’s attack on the dragon
Borderlands The franchise is always known for its unique theme DLC. And while Borderlands 2 is undoubtedly the best game in the series, its DLC is probably the best in the franchise, including many other DLCs, including Captain Scarlett, Sir Hammerlock’s big game hunt, and more.
But the most memorable DLC for me must be a little Tina attack on the Dragon Keep. You play the Banker and Wadders Campaign, no less than little Tina herself.
The campaign is run by young, unhin demolition experts, so there is an insane hijink that follows. But without ruining anything else, this DLC is more than just a sight to be found, digging deep into the 13-year-old spirit and tenaciously grasping her sanity.
DLC was so popular that I got a standalone game. Little Tina’s Wonderland leaps heavily towards fantasy settings by replacing hand rena bullets with spells, adding dedicated melee weapons, and adding fully customizable characters instead of named vault hunters.
3
Destiny 2
Final shape
Aside from personal bias, The Destiny franchise has gone through so much, and its ups and downs are notoriously infamous in its quality. Neither the first fate nor the sequel had a great storyline in the base game, but sometimes the expansion doesn’t work, so we’re going back to an unpaid cycle.
Destiny has Taken King, bringing you a new supermarket and a great campaign. Destiny 2 The Abandoned Witch Queen both gave us plenty of new content, unforgettable stories and revelations of lore.
But none of them could be compared The final shape is undoubtedly the best extension of the entire franchise. But that’s because it’s the ending of a decade of light and dark story.
In addition to the unexpected return of the fan favorite Cayde-6, we got it too Prism, a completely new subclass that blends our bright and dark forces, A new patrol zone of travelers’ pale hearts, and a final battle with witnesses. It’s nothing more than celebrating the 10th anniversary of the franchise and the beginning of a new era.
2
Elden Ring
Erdtree’s Shadow
Though considered to be one of the Soulsborne Games, Elden Ring is already extremely difficult thanks to its insanely tough bosses and relentless battles. They step into the shadow realm, You will be greeted by an even more merciless hidden world in Erdtree’s DLC shadow.
Adding countless new weapons and a completely new open world Erdtree’s shadow recontextualizes many established lore In the base game, which includes Mad Fire, Marika’s ascension, it expands further on the mysterious Michela. There’s a lot to do in Shadow of the Erdtree.
The open world is much more compact, with quality locations and much better level of design. Elden Ring It was the first proper soulbone game I played, and the bosses were easy to manage, but Eldtree Shadows bumped up to 11 difficulty, making certain bosses even more challenging than Marenia himself.
Shadow of the Erdtree was so good that it even won a Game of the Year nomination in 2024. If the title is mostly reserved for a fully released game, there has been a debate as to whether the DLC should be a candidate.
1
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Blood and wine
The Witcher 3 has a special place in my heart, and there are also two very well-written DLCs that I will never forget to this day. Hearts of Stone leaning against the elements of fear by introducing demons like Gaunter O’Dimm. Blood and Wine was the best DLC.
In blood and wine, Geralt moves to Toussaint, which has a dramatically brighter idyllic colour compared to other parts of the continent. These reflect the inspiration and apparent French look of the Principality’s fairy tale.
Brad and Wine have a great story that not only introduces the interesting mysteries behind the new characters and vampires, but also introduces a series of murders. One of my favorite parts of blood and wine is Regis is the beloved character in the book. He is also a redundant vampire and a longtime friend of Geralt.
Once Geralt has his final adventure, he hangs up the Witcher gear and settles in Toussaint’s vineyard with his loved ones, so blood and wine can be thought of as standard linking Geralt’s stories across the franchise.
