In the gaming industry, DLC expansions have become vital to the way titles evolve post-launch. DLC in gaming allows developers to add new stories, characters, and gameplay mechanics, enriching the original game offer.

These expansions can breathe new life into your favorite games, making them even more enjoyable. From adding entire new chapters to introducing fresh gameplay elements, DLCs have proven to be more than just additional content.

They're often essential experiences that complete or enhance the base game, and you can usually get them without spending extra money.

• Release Date : Mar 26, 2007.

•  Developer : Bethesda Game Studios.

•  Publisher : 2K Games, Bethesda Softworks.

•  Platforms : Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360.

•  Metascore : 86.

This expansion pack takes you to exceptional maps full of wonderland madness. Unlike the infamous Horse Armor DLC, often cited as the worst DLC for its lack of substantial content, Shivering Isles offers a rich and immersive experience.

You can explore the realm of Sheogorath, the Daedric Prince of Madness. The environment is split between Mania and Dementia, presenting a unique dual world that challenges and captivates.

I loved this lore because of how great it feels to become a Daedric prince and have ultimate power. Rewards and new perks are also exciting - I could get a sword that changes form and enchantment depending on the time of the day and a few other cool features. For me, this DLC is a standout among expansion packs.

Shivering Isles DLC features:

• New creatures and characters, each reflecting the dual nature of the realm.

• Includes new quests ranging from intriguing puzzles to intense battles.

• New weapons, armor, and magical items tailored to the expansion's theme.

 The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion - Shivering Isles is available for purchase on Steam.

• Release Date : Oct 29, 2009.

•  Developer : Rockstar Games.

•  Publisher : Rockstar Games.

•  Platforms : PlayStation 3, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Xbox 360.

•  Metascore : 89.

The Ballad of Gay Tony DLC for Grand Theft Auto IV brings back the high-energy vibe of Vice City and San Andreas. In this downloadable content, you dive into Liberty City's nightlife as Luis Lopez, working for nightclub mogul Tony Prince. 

You'll experience thrilling missions, parachutes from skyscrapers, and manage clubs. This expansion mixes traditional GTA gameplay with over-the-top antics, making The Ballad of Gay Tony a memorable expansion that stands out for its fun and flamboyant style.

One of my favorite missions was the next one after the intro, which consisted of playing golf. I was shooting balls at a guy tied to a golf cart. Then I had to escape from the mafia, driving another one. It's a really fun one.

The Ballad of Gay Tony DLC features:

• It Introduces high-flying activities like base jumping and helicopter missions.

• New weapons and vehicles.

• The storyline explores themes of loyalty, family, and the pursuit of the American Dream.

 Grand Theft Auto IV GTA - Complete Edition Steam CD Key  holds this DLC and is available for purchase on RoyalCDKeys.

• Release Date : Sep 26, 2023.

•  Developer : CD Projekt.

•  Publisher : CD Projekt.

•  Platforms : PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows. 

•  Metascore : 89.

Phantom Liberty stands out with its significant improvements and new features. Built with the 2.0 update in mind, it feels like a fresh adventure from the original game.

This title is set in a new district of Night City, and you continue the story of V, the protagonist, who pledges allegiance to the New United States in a narrative filled with espionage, intrigue, and betrayal. 

This expansion introduces new characters and deepens the narrative, offering a playground that showcases Cyberpunk's best aspects. In my opinion, SongBird is the best character in Phantom Liberty, someone in a similar situation as V. You won't fully understand her until you play the Reed ending, where she is the one you are fighting for and against.

Cyberpunk 2077 - Phantom Liberty features:

• Includes challenging new missions that test your combat and hacking skills.

• New weapons and cyberware expand the available arsenal.

• Enhanced graphics and performance improvements offer a more immersive experience.

 Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty GOG CD Key  is available for purchase on RoyalCDKeys.

• Release Date : Jul 9, 2013.

•  Developer : Firaxis Games.

•  Publisher : 2K Games.

•  Platforms : Microsoft Windows, MacOS X, Linux.

•  Metascore : 85.

The Brave New World DLC for Civilization V greatly enhances the base game by introducing new civilizations, units, and buildings. It overhauls the cultural and diplomatic aspects, making them more complex and integral to gameplay.

I've been playing Civilization V for a long time, and this is the best expansion I've seen. I could achieve a cultural victory through tourism, influencing other civilizations with my culture - mostly art and music. The World Congress also added a layer of diplomatic strategy, which allowed me to pass resolutions that could affect all civilizations.

This expansion deepens the gameplay, offering new paths to victory and more dynamic interactions between civilizations.

Brave New World DLC features:

• It introduces new policies and ideologies, deepening the game's strategic options.

• Includes eight new wonders that offer powerful bonuses and advantages.

• It enhances the espionage system.

 Sid Meier's Civilization V Complete Edition Steam CD Key  holds this DLC and is available for purchase on RoyalCDKeys.

• Release Date : Dec 7, 2021.

•  Developer : Square Enix.

•  Publisher : Square Enix.

•  Platforms : PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Mac operating systems. 

•  Metascore : 92.

Endwalker, the expansion for Final Fantasy XIV, is a must-play DLC that fans and gamers alike have eagerly awaited. This expansion brings a satisfying conclusion to a long-running saga.

You'll experience the climax of the Hydaelyn and Zodiark saga. The story takes you on a journey to prevent the apocalypse, facing the looming threat of the Final Days, a cataclysmic event prophesied to end all life.

Endwalker DLC invoked that nostalgic feeling of "new world" wonderment I had as a teen. For example, when my character was running around the Eulmore slums with Alphinaud, I wondered what a top-down view-PS1 version of this would look like, even with no voice acting and only text boxes.

The developers have delivered an expansion that respects the base game and enhances the experience with new classes, significant story developments, and engaging content.

Endwalker DLC features:

• It offers new jobs: Sage, a Healer, and a Reaper, a melee DPS.

• Includes a new small-scale PvP mode and updates to the battle system.

• The level cap is increased from 80 to 90, providing new skills and abilities.

 Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker Official website CD Key  is available for purchase on RoyalCDKeys.

• Release Date : Jul 18, 2011.

•  Developer : Obsidian Entertainment.

•  Publisher : Bethesda Softworks.

•  Platforms : Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360.

•  Metascore : 83.

Old World Blues is a standout DLC for Fallout: New Vegas video game, taking you to the Big MT research crater. In this expansion, gamers play through a story of humor and science fiction tropes.

Characters wake up in a bizarre world of mad science, with their brain, hearts, and spine replaced by technological wonders. The DLC offers a mix of exploration, combat, and quirky dialogue with eccentric scientists.

My favorite thing about the DLC has to be the sink appliances. They were hilarious - the toaster wanted to burn the entire world, and he got sad when I told him the world already ended. When I collected them all, whenever I was in the sink, they started yelling and nagging each other, and when I had to leave Big MT, I left them with an infinite community of robot appliances.

Old World Blues is praised for its engaging gameplay, adding depth to the entire series with its unique setting and memorable characters.

Old World Blues DLC features:

• New additional content that blends investigation, combat, and puzzle-solving.

• New enemies and bosses to defeat.

• You can modify your character with cybernetic implants, offering new abilities.

 Fallout: New Vegas - Ultimate Edition EU Steam CD Key  holds this DLC and is available for purchase on RoyalCDKeys.

• Release Date : Aug 23, 2010.

•  Developer : 2K Games.

•  Publisher : 2K Games.

•  Platforms : PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch.

•  Metascore : 82.

This DLC offers an emotionally charged story set in a new location within Rapture. The game's concept concerns Sigma's mission to retrieve the Thinker, a powerful AI controlling much of Rapture's infrastructure.

The narrative delves into themes of memory, identity, and the relationship between man and machine, culminating in a poignant exploration of human emotion and technology's impact on society.

Fans of the video game series praised this additional content for its compelling story, atmospheric setting, and the inclusion of new characters and gameplay elements.

I have played all of Bioshock, and none of the storylines affected me as much as Minerva's Den. It was much shorter than a regular full-game storyline, but they played with my emotions, and the ending was better. It was the most fulfilling for me.

Minerva's Den DLC features:

• Puzzles and environmental storytelling.

• The story culminates in a twist.

• Enhanced security systems, including upgraded bots and turrets.

Bioshock 2 - Minerva's Den is available for purchase on Steam.

• Release Date : Jun 30, 2022.

•  Developer : Studio MDHR.

•  Publisher : Studio MDHR.

•  Platforms : Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Mac operating systems.

•  Metascore : 89.

This DLC for Cuphead is one of the shorter expansions but doesn't skimp on challenges or content. Released to much anticipation, it adds a new island filled with levels that demand mastery of the game's mechanics. It also incorporates a new playable character with unique abilities named Ms. Chalice.

You'll face off against creatively designed bosses like Glumstone The Giant and The Queen in visually stunning environments, continuing the game's reputation for challenging but fair gameplay. I honestly wish it was more difficult, though. It was harder than Inkwell Isle One yet easier than Inkwell Isle Two. I blew through the whole DLC much faster than I anticipated.

The Delicious Last Course DLC features:

• New weapons and charms to enhance gameplay.

• Delivers hand-drawn style reminiscent of 1930s animation.

• New enemies with unique attack patterns.

The base game  Cuphead Global Steam CD Key is available for purchase on RoyalCDKeys, and you can get the DLC on Steam.

• Release Date : Oct 26, 2010.

•  Developer : Rockstar Games.

•  Publisher : Rockstar.Games.

•  Platforms : Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360.

•  Metascore : 87.

This DLC is a highly acclaimed expansion that transforms the world of Red Dead Redemption into a Zombie apocalypse. In this video game, you take on the role of John Marston as he seeks a cure for a mysterious plague that has turned people into zombies.

The story, released as an addition to the entire game, adds a new dimension to the franchise, offering fans a unique blend of the Wild West and horror genres. Playing through Undead Nightmare involves battling zombies, saving survivors, and uncovering the cause of the outbreak, providing a distinct experience from the base video game.

One of my favorite things about this DLC is the addition of mythical creatures, like the Four Horses of the Apocalypse, unicorns, Sasquatch, and the Chupacabra. I also enjoyed the Bigfoot mission, where I had to decide whether to exterminate or keep them alive.

Undead Nightmare DLC features:

• Adds unique zombie enemies and mythical creatures to battle.

• Incorporates horror elements and dark humor.

• Provides new outfits and character customization options.

Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare is available for purchase on Steam.

• Release Date : Jun 25, 2013.

•  Developer : Gearbox Software.

•  Publisher : 2K Games.

•  Platforms : PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One.

•  Metascore : 86.

This DLC is a fan-favorite one that blends the shoot-and-loot gameplay with fantasy RPG elements reminiscent of the base game. You'll embark on new stories as the same characters from Borderlands 2 within a game-kind of setting led by the imaginative Tiny Tina.

It adds unique game mechanics, humorous dialogues, and thematic music, enriching the main story in a fantasy world created by Tina's imagination.

In my opinion, this DLC might have the hardest puzzles in Borderlands. For example, the crushing ceiling puzzle in the Handsome Sorcerer's Lair. There is no pattern, and whether you get through it is purely luck.

Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep features:

• Adds magical spells and abilities alongside traditional Borderlands weapons.

• It offers quests that parody classic fantasy and RPG tropes.

• Contains emotionally impactful storytelling.

 Borderlands 2 Complete Edition Steam CD Key  holds this DLC and is available for purchase on RoyalCDKeys.

• Release Date : Apr 30, 2013.

•  Developer : Ubisoft Montreal.

•  Publisher : Ubisoft.

•  Platforms : PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Amazon Luna, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Google Stadia.

•  Metascore : 80.

Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon is considered the best DLC of this franchise. It takes you into a retro-futuristic 1980s vision. Playing as Rex Colt, a cyber-commando, you embark on a mission to save the world from a rogue cyborg army.

You're treated to more quests, weapons, and enemies, all wrapped in a satirical take on vintage sci-fi and action movies. For me, this game went from fun to excellent when I unlocked the chain melee kills. Taking down enemy bases went from a slow stealth approach to full 80s action movies. 

I grabbed a jeep, grenades, and a shotgun. I climbed the mega shield tower, shotgunning every enemy, and when surrounded, I used the chained melee kills to stab the entire room dead. These were my most exciting experiences.

Blood Dragon is a great game in its own right, celebrated for its humor, style, and engaging gameplay mechanics.

Blood Dragon DLC features:

• Offers a storyline separated from Far Cry 3's main game.

• There is a variety of collectibles and secrets to discover.

• New enemy types, including cybernetic soldiers and robots.

 Far Cry 3 Deluxe Edition Global Ubisoft Connect CD Key  holds this DLC and is available for purchase on RoyalCDKeys.

• Release Date : Aug 13, 2013.

•  Developer : Arkane Studios.

•  Publisher : Bethesda Softworks.

•  Platforms : PlayStation 3, Windows, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S.

•  Metascore : 81.

In The Brigmore Witches DLC, you continue the story of Daud, the Assassin of the Empress, delving deeper into his quest for redemption. I could use the saved data from Knife of Dunwall DLC to import my chaos, bone charms, etc, but you can start from scratch.

Daud learns of a coven of powerful witches led by Delilah Copperspoon, who plots a dark ritual at Brigmore Manor that could have disastrous consequences.

This expansion enriches the base game with more characters and ties into later games, offering fresh insights. You navigate through a series of compelling missions against the backdrop of the Brigmore Witches, employing new powers and facing enhanced challenges.

The DLC content extends the idea of choice and consequence, making it a pivotal addition to the series.

The Brigmore Witches DLC features:

• Adds new magical powers and gadgets for Daud to use.

• Multiple choices impact the ending, enhancing replayability.

• It integrates seamlessly with the Knife of Dunwall DLC, continuing the story.

 Dishonored Definitive Edition Steam CD Key  holds this DLC and is available for purchase on RoyalCDKeys.

• Release Date : Aug 29, 2017.

•  Developer : Firaxis Games.

•  Publisher : 2K Games.

•  Platforms : Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, macOS.

•  Metascore : 88.

War of the Chosen adds a new layer of depth to the main game, making consoles and PCs showcase their full potential. This expansion introduces The Chosen, three powerful alien operatives tasked by the Elders to capture the Commander of XCOM.

You'll face these new enemies alongside additional content like new factions, missions, and game mechanics. Character development is enriched, offering more strategic forms to combat and interact with the base game with content that feels essential, not additional.

This DLC is mostly considered difficult. I think War Of The Chosen is slightly harder in the beginning and even easier later in the game than it already is. Especially the Assassin campaign as the first chosen can be a difficult spike if you're unprepared.

War Of The Chosen DLC features:

• New resistance factions: Reapers, Skirmishers, and Templars.

• New equipment, abilities, and customization options for soldiers.

• Offers enhanced soldier bonding and relationships for deeper strategy.

 XCOM 2: War of the Chosen Global Steam CD Key  i s available for purchase on RoyalCDKeys.

• Release Date : Apr 23, 2019.

•  Developer : Ubisoft Quebec.

•  Publisher : Ubisoft.

•  Platforms : PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia.

•  Metascore : N/A.

The Fate of Atlantis DLC is a standout expansion in the entire series, where you, as either Alexios or Kassandra, explore mythical realms, uncover Isu secrets, and face legendary figures, delving into themes of power and destiny within the Assassin's lore.

I'm currently on my first play-through of Atlantis. It's visually stunning, and being amongst the gods feels epic. It also has excellent maps to play around in and explore. My favorite region so far was the Royal Mountain of Poseidon.

This new content enriches the game's ending and expands the world significantly, providing a vibrant and atmospheric setting that ties up loose ends from the base game.

The Fate Of Atlantis DLC features:

• Introduces new mythical creatures and enemies to battle.

• Your decisions impact the narrative's outcome.

• Offers new abilities and gear inspired by the Isu technology.

 Assassin's Creed: Odyssey Ultimate Edition Ubisoft Connect CD Key  holds this DLC and is available for purchase on RoyalCDKeys.

• Release Date : Dec 18, 2010.

•  Developer : DICE.

•  Publisher : Electronic Arts.

•  Platforms : PlayStation 3, Windows, Xbox 360.

•  Metascore : 88.

The Vietnam DLC for Battlefield Bad Company 2 is recognized for its intense multiplayer FPS experiences, often hailed as the series' finest expansion. This DLC content transports you to the Vietnam War era, offering a complete thematic shift from the base game.

You engage in combat across new maps that boast exceptional design and atmosphere, and you can use new weapons and vehicles authentic to the Vietnam War period. While playing Squad Deathmatch, I tried every gun to decide which is my favorite, definitely being the M16A1.

Vietnam DLC features:

• Integrates new voiceovers and dialogue to enhance the wartime atmosphere.

• Immersive soundtrack with music from the 1960s.

• Offers new character skins representing US and Viet Cong forces.

Battlefield Bad Company 2: Vietnam is available for purchase on Steam.

For most people - including me - DLC expansions are the cherry on top of their favorite games, offering new adventures and challenges in familiar worlds. These expansion packs range from adding significant story arcs to introducing quirky side missions, each bringing something unique.

Whether exploring mythical realms, battling zombies in the Wild West, or diving into retro-futuristic 1980s cities, DLCs are allowing players to relive better stories without having to download a new game.

Try them all!