When choosing the right video game for your computer, sometimes it's not enough to pick a game that will provide hours of initial gameplay. You may want downloadable content (DLC) as well. How can you know which games will offer the best experience? And what are the most popular choices available? In this article, you can learn more about the top DLC video games for PC available today.
Warning: Some of the video games listed below are not suitable for younger viewers. Please use caution and check each game’s ESRB rating before allowing children to play it, especially those rated M for Mature. M-rated video games may contain content that is inappropriate for children and/or unlabeled content that exposes younger viewers to explicit messages and themes.
What is a DLC in gaming?
DLC is short for downloadable content. It comprises any extras you can get for an existing game you have purchased, and it’s made available as a digital add-on. This can include extra levels, gear, playable characters, bonus worlds, and different themes or skins. These add-ons are considered a DLC if you can get them by downloading and not by purchasing a separate physical disc to utilize them.
The more massive pieces of content are almost an entire game in and of themselves. Some people call these more significant add-ons “expansions” or “expansion packs.” They can be used to bridge the gap between the release of sequels or as a way to commemorate an anniversary or company milestone.
DLCs will often cost money that goes beyond the original game, but they’re also sometimes offered as free bonuses to loyal customers. Many game manufacturers also provide new DLC content as part of future product releases, often called “Game of the Year” or “Complete” editions. You can actually save some cash if you wait to buy this version of the game because you’ll get the base game and all the DLC at a lower price.
What are the advantages of DLC games?
Downloadable content games offer excellent value for the money. Even after you've completed the initial game offering, the DLC additions give you new ways to play or advanced levels to achieve. It can take a game you've "beaten" and give it new life. For many, the DLC offers more gameplay than the original game and can be like obtaining a second or even third game for just a bit more money.
Why not just buy a new game? With a DLC, you can experience the features, maneuvers, and skill level needed with the original game - just more of it. You also don’t have to relearn the original gameplay for most DLC content packs, allowing you to jump right back into things.
There is usually a thriving community surrounding many of the popular DLC games as well. The additional content gives these fans ways to continue playing and discuss their experiences with one another. For games that offer multiplayer modes or competitive levels, more content means additional opportunities for players to interact. They can keep games alive for fans well beyond the initial release of the primary game.
What are the top DLC titles?
As with any best game list, personal preference is key. These games have earned high marks from gamers for their original titles and then received even more praise for their DLC expansion packs. Some are new, while others are updates on the classics. There’s a little something for everyone here.
1. Friday the 13th by Gun Media
Note: Rated M for mature.
Everyone’s favorite slasher-film star has his own game, and it’s a favorite among those who like their games gory. The title is a third-person horror game that takes place at Camp Crystal Lake. Choose to play as one of the counselors running for their lives or take on the role of mass-murderer Jason Voorhees himself.
The Friday the 13th game DLC is not as big or as flashy as some other expansion packs, but it’s a lot of fun. You can get wardrobe add-ons, such as the Spring Break 1984 party pack or the costume party counselor clothing pack for a couple of bucks. For those looking for more engaging content options, there are “Kills packs” available. These DLC buys each give you three exclusive kill moves, such as the “Knee Capper” and “Mother’s Favorite,” to make this brutal game even more horrific - in a good way, of course.
2. Fallout 4 by Bethesda
Note: Rate M for mature.
The post-apocalyptic favorite Fallout 4 is a 2015 title available from Bethesda. The open-world game tasks players with scouring a desolate world in search of tools and gear as they piece together what happened in the game’s setting of Boston, Mass. The free-play possibilities are what make this game a favorite among fans, because you can create and build communities in addition to playing through the missions.
It offers several add-ons for users to enjoy alongside the typically low-priced original download. These DLCs include an improved Vault-Tec Workshop, which lets you use pre-war industrial kits and nostalgic environments, as well as conduct endless experiments. Even better, there are the world-expanding DLCs of “Far Harbor” and “Nuka-World,” which make this already-massive game even bigger.
3. Resident Evil 7 by Capcom
Note: This game is rated M for mature.
If survival horror gameplay with creepy atmospherics is your thing, the haunting world of the Resident Evil franchise is a must-play. The series has numerous titles - yes, way more than seven - but the seventh installment has some seriously good DLC opportunities.
Resident Evil 7 developer, Capcom, churned out a bunch of different styles of DLC to keep gamers returning to the creepy bayou mansion setting. There are two “Banned Footage” volumes that include the terrifying escape room-like mini games as well as the completely free “Not a Hero” side mission.
This bite-sized DLC put the player in the shoes of RE series mainstay Chris Redfield and emphasized action over pure survival. And then there’s “End of Zoe,” an equally heartfelt and bonkers DLC that every Resident Evil fan needs to experience.
4. Destiny 2 by Bungie
Note: This game is rated T for teen.
Following Destiny 2’s release in the fall of 2017, the development team at Bungie has delivered on its promises to fans to continue adding to the title with ongoing DLC support. Destiny 2 was originally a partnership between Activision and Bungie but has most recently been taken over solely by Bungie. With that, the team has steadily released new patches and updates along with game-changing DLC.
With some of the most robust expansions packs in the marketplace, Destiny 2 first offered a massive bundle of DLC gear with its deluxe version of the game upon launch. As time has gone on, new content has been released, and it shows no signs of stopping soon. Bungie offered players the chance to level up with its existing expansions, “Curse of Osiris,” “Warmind,” and the giant “Forsaken.” But those were just the beginning for Destiny 2 fans, who can expect even more content later this year and into 2020.
5. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered by Activision
Note: Rating pending.
The Call of Duty franchise is familiar to just about everyone in the gaming community, and Modern Warfare is one of the warmest memories for fans. This remastered version of the 2007 classic is back and comes loaded with opportunities to craft a unique gaming experience as you play one of the beloved first-person shooters in true high-def fashion.
DLC products include map packs and the chance to own the entire Call of Duty franchise for one discounted price. It’s the perfect pick for new Modern Warfare or Call of Duty fans, and it’s a good time for those who played and loved the original, too.
6. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt by CD Projekt Red
Note: This game is rated M for mature.
Professional monster hunters will get a lot out of the The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’s “Game of the Year” edition, which combines the base game with all of the DLCs included. The “Blood & Wine” and “Hearts of Stone” expansions include new weapons, game modes, quests, cards (for in-game card game Gwent), and a newly-redesigned interface.
It accounts for around 30% of additional gameplay for a game that you already know and love. This award-winning DLC pack gives players 100 hours of visually-stunning gameplay, and the updates are based on community-feedback, so you know it’s fan-service and not just hype.
7. Borderlands 2 by Gearbox
Note: This game is rated M for mature.
Gearbox’s Borderlands franchise is bizarre and wonderful. Shoot, loot, fight bosses, and have a blast doing it all with friends in the comics-like world that looks like no other game. There’s good news for those who already own an original copy of Borderlands 2 or Borderlands: The Handsome Collection.
The latest DLC campaign, "Commander Lilith & the Fight for Sanctuary,” arrived in June 2019 - nearly 7 years after the original game’s release. It’s available for existing base game owners and sets the scene for Borderlands 3, which is due out in September 2019. It’s also one of a handful of other fantastic BL2 DLCs, including fan-favorite “Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon Keep” that some argue is better than the actual game.
8. Dark Souls III by Bandai Namco
Note: This game is rated M for mature.
The award-winning Dark Souls III has long been a favorite for those who enjoy dark scenery paired with some of the most challenging, brutal, and satisfying combat in gaming. It also offers some flexibility for multiplayer. You can either “summon” your friends or random players to help you fight enemies, or you can “invade” another player’s game and challenge them to a duel.
There’s lots of extra content for this popular Bandai Namco game, with the “Ringed City” and “Ashes of Ariandel” DLCs giving you hours and hours of excitement. They also help to bring closure to the story of the Dark Souls series, though longtime fans are no doubt holding out hope for more.
9. Civilization VI by Firaxis Games
Note: This game is rated E for everyone.
Since its release in October 2016, Sid Meier’s Civilization VI has been bolstered by new content that never ceases to amaze. While the base game has its fair share of content, adding on DLC packs will allow you to conquer more of the world in less time.
You can get a discount when you buy the Gold Edition, which features several of the expansions. They include the Civilization and Scenario Packs for the Vikings, Poland, Australia, Persia and Macedon, Nubia Khmer and Indonesia, and the prevalent DLC Rise and Fall. Save big when you bundle over buying each expansion individually.
10. Assassin's Creed Odyssey by Ubisoft
Note: This game is rated M for mature.
There have been many arguments over which of the Assassin’s Creed titles are the best. If we’re talking DLC alone, however, most will agree that Odyssey is a top contender. Get the “Fate of Atlantis” or “Legacy of the First Blade” expansions and dive into new missions, acquire new gear, and reach new levels with your character. If you’re buying the base game, too, choose one of the deluxe bundles and get more for your money.
This ancient Greece-inspired game title is continuing to roll out new updates and patches as well. We may also see some additional DLC yet for AC enthusiasts to enjoy as they continue to fight their way through history.
Consider DLC for added play
Whether you choose to call it “DLC” or “downloadable content,” the premise is the same. After purchasing certain games, you can enjoy new opportunities that come with expansions, new worlds, and add-ons. With the chance to get more out of your favorite titles, it’s easy to see why avid gamers are fans of downloadable content. In fact, you may already be playing some of these extras and not even know it.
DLCs offer opportunities to share experiences with friends, too, including those you haven’t met in real life. The robust community surrounding DLC titles is real and growing all the time. The next time someone asks, "what's a DLC?" you'll have an answer. Whether it’s a classic or something new, these digital enhancements are one of the best parts of gaming today and something to expect from most games released now and in the future.
About the Author: Linsey Knerl is a contributing writer for HP® Tech Takes. Linsey is a Midwest-based author, public speaker, and member of the ASJA. She has a passion for helping consumers and small business owners do more with their resources via the latest tech solutions.
