Video game enthusiasts have long debated the best DLC of all time with titles like this one Phantom Liberty extension for Cyberpunk 2077 appear frequently on this list. Released in 2023, Cyberpunk 2077'with Phantom Liberty the update is widely regarded as one of the best expansions in recent years. However, some fans say that claiming the title with the most downloadable content in gaming requires more than critical acclaim and awards.
A 2022 Newzoo study showed the importance of added content to a game's financial success, revealing that “DLC sales accounted for 13% of PC revenue and 7% of console revenue in the US.” Developers have noticed this trend and the number of DLC releases across AAA and indie games has been increasing in recent years. This increase makes it even harder for fans to choose the best of all time from the ever-expanding pool of high-profile expansions. Yet some fans are determined to do just that.
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CD Projekt Red may be the king of DLC, though it has rivals
The debate reignited when a Reddit user known as Open-Advisor6819 asked, “What game has the best DLC ever?” This again sparked the familiar debate. The original poster pointed to Cyberpunk 2077'with Phantom Liberty as the top contender and called it “basically a second [Cyberpunk 2077] a game with 20-30 hours of extra gameplay.” Many agreed, while hundreds more submitted The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt'with Blood and wine as another suitable candidate. Interestingly, both expansions come from CD Projekt Red, leading many players to see the studio as the “king” when it comes to providing top-notch DLC.
Another frequently mentioned developer besides CD Projekt Red is Rockstar, who have delivered several fan expansions over the years. Many players point to Grand Theft Auto 4'with Ballad of Gay Tony and Red Dead Redemption'with An undead nightmare as two of the best DLCs ever made. Meanwhile, Japanese studio FromSoftware is also a favorite in the eyes of fans Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree and Bloodborne: The Old Hunters how to get widespread praise and hundreds of votes.
Is there an official list of the best DLC video games?
The ongoing debate among players about the biggest expansions has led some to question whether there is a more structured way to determine the true “GOAT” DLC. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be any official rating or definitive source to address this question. This means players check user-driven ratings on platforms like Steam, where reviews and ratings offer a clearer picture of which DLCs resonated the most with the community.
When it comes to acknowledging criticism, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has long been considered one of the most respected titles in the field Blood and wine winning Best RPG at The Game Awards 2016. On the user side, the Steam250 ranked Blood and wine top based on fan score, p Resident Evil 4 remake'with Separate ways and Ride out'with Whistleblower close behind.
Of course, accolades and user reviews on one platform may not be enough to definitively crown DLC as the greatest of all time, and the titles mentioned here are far from the only expansions worthy of recognition. However, it is certain that such discussions will remain constant in the gaming industry as long as new DLCs are released.
- Released
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December 10, 2020
- ESRB
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M for Mature: Blood and gore, intense violence, nudity, coarse language, strong sexual content, drug and alcohol use
