Key Takeaway
Downloadable content (DLC) refers to additional content that is released for a game after its initial release. This content can include new stories, missions, levels, and even alternate endings. Some DLCs also offer cosmetic items, weapons, armor sets, and gestures.
Downloadable content (DLC) refers to additional content that is released for a game after its initial release. DLC can include new levels, characters, items, and other features that enhance the overall gameplay experience. DLC’s usually cost money, but are occasionally free.
Table Of Contents
Everything You Need To Know About DLCs
DLCs can take various forms. More popular DLCs in gaming history are those that add new missions and expand upon the base game’s story and world. However, some DLCs are also less expansive than these.
Certain DLCs are also merely cosmetic. Some developers will often release new items, weapons, armor sets, skins, or even gestures months after a game’s release. In a lot of cases, these DLCs are worth downloading, but that mainly depends on your priorities as a player.
A lot of developers, especially those who have a lot of future DLCs planned for their games, package them via season passes. When you purchase a season pass, you’re entitled to any future DLCs that are planned to be released for the game, or the DLCs under the umbrella of the season pass.
Season passes are most common in live-service titles and online multiplayer games. Some examples of these games are Fortnight, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Rocket League, and Marvel’s Avengers, among many others.
Here are some of the most popular DLCs to grace gaming platforms. It’s worth noting that these examples are not necessarily the highest-grossing DLCs of all time, but rather are some examples of well-known and highly regarded DLC releases.
- Left Behind – The Last of Us
- Artorias of the Abyss – Dark Souls
- Minerva’s Den – Bioshock 2
- Iceborne – Monster Hunter World
- The Shivering Isles – The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
- The Old Hunters – Bloodborne
Upon the success of a game, it may be repackaged as an “ultimate” edition or remastered version that includes all previous DLC releases. This allows players to fully experience the game by providing access to all available content.
Are DLCs Worth It?
DLCs that offer a significant amount of new content may cost around 20-40% of the base game’s original price. Some DLCs can be well worth the cost as they add meaningful content to the base game. However, this decision ultimately depends on the individual player and their personal preferences.
A lot of DLCs provide more lore details that tie up loose ends from the main game. Otherwise, they add to the overall lore of the game, making its world richer and more immersive. Certain DLCs provide missions and extra content that are sometimes better than the ones from the main game.
Some DLCs, although pricey, provide nothing more than cosmetic changes. Some can provide more powerful weapons, but this is highly damaging in an online environment as it gives those who have enough money to spend an advantage over those who don’t. This is especially unfair if the game isn’t free-to-play.
Overall, it’s up to you to decide if a DLC is worth it. Some DLCs offer a lot of new content and can really enhance your gameplay experience, while others may be less expansive and offer fewer new features. Consider the content and quality of the DLC, the price, and your personal preferences before making a decision.
