Video games can sometimes appear like full-course meals. The gameplay is the star, complemented by an exquisite narrative, with just a dash of side activities or extras as desserts to add a little more richness to the overall experience. And maybe they are perfect just like that, designed to fill the appetite.
But some games deserve a second helping, which players might not know they need. When that follow-up is just as good as the initial experience, it becomes unforgettable. These essential DLCs for modern video games allow players to sink their teeth into familiar territory with the same palate in mind but bold new improvements to the recipe.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Blood and Wine
click to enlarge
+ 6For most gamers, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is the perfect serving of what a video game in the modern age should be. However, CD Projekt Red had a few extra ideas they wanted to try out with The Witcher series. Out of this creativity came some of the most essential DLCs in modern gaming: Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine.
Both are some of gaming's finest creations regarding DLC expansions. While Hearts of Stone deserves all its accolades and more, Blood and Wine enriches the lore and character of the game.
Phantom Liberty - Cyberpunk 2077
click to enlarge + 6Yet another helping of impressive game expansion brimming with creativity, CD Projekt Red proved their commitment to their artistry with this essential modern DLC for Cyberpunk 2077.
While the blunder behind Cyberpunk 2077’s launch won’t easily escape players' memories, their work in Phantom Liberty renews their determination to win back fans by creating one of the best additions in recent video game history. It adds depth to the gameplay, narrative, and central themes, creating some of the most tense and exciting adventures in gaming.
There is just so much to praise about Phantom Liberty. From the performances of its leads, such as Keanu Reeves and Idris Elba, to the atmospheric crime-ridden city of Dogtown, this DLC for Cyberpunk 2077 escalates the tension of the original by including new dramatic stakes within its narrative. After finishing this stellar addition to the Cyberpunk 2077 lore, expect to go through dense self-reflection.
The Old Hunters - Bloodborne
click to enlarge + 6Ready to plunge deep into the veil of dreams, hunter? The nightmare is never-ending, and even then, it might leave more questions than answers, even when the eyes are open. Such is the otherworldly charm of The Old Hunters DLC, one of gaming's finest hours, courtesy of one of FromSoftware's very best titles.
Bloodborne was magnificent on its own, but The Old Hunters DLC took it up a notch by unlocking the potential of its setting and gameplay. The Hunter's Nightmare cultivates an abrasive and sinister environment. While the challenges in the expansion are daunting, the promise of catharsis is certain. The expansion might be unsettling, but it is nearly impossible to ignore.
The Ringed City - Dark Souls III
click to enlarge + 6The Ringed City is another reason why FromSoftware fans eagerly anticipate the Japanese developer's DLCs. The remarkable conclusion to one of gaming's most influential franchises comes to a haunting end. And yet, in true FromSoftware fashion, it will provide no clear answers. Instead, it will leave its players contemplating the endless cycles of sacrifice found in wars for the endless pursuit of peace.
The DLC does not pull any punches on the gameplay side, offering some of the best boss battles FromSoftware has ever produced. The thrilling confrontation against names like Gael the Slave Knight and Darkeater Midir is a welcome challenge to fully experience the magic The Ringed City has to offer its players.
Monster Hunter World: Iceborne
click to enlarge + 6Almost every Monster Hunter released has received a substantial expansion during its lifetime. However, Capcom outdid itself with Iceborne, expanding the wildly successful Monster Hunter World. Their creativity behind the dense frozen environments of the Hoarfrost Reach and the designs of enigmatic, gargantuan beasts escalated to new heights because of the level of detail Capcom crafted it with.
However, what truly cements Iceborne as a legend among essential modern DLCs is Capcom's support for its players. Iceborne churned out exciting content for its players for two years, most of which were free! Franchise favorites like Fatalis and Rajang receive a revitalized overhaul while new monsters like Velkhana prove their worth entering the pantheon of great monsters in video games. It truly is a blessing to be a Monster Hunter fan!
Civilization V - Brave New World
click to enlarge + 6Creating new mechanics for a game like Civilization appears challenging, but leave it to Firaxis to add even more depth to an otherwise established and brilliant game. Like civilizations, Brave New World simulates the paths a society can take when it struggles to grow. This essential DLC for Civilization is a testament to how excellent game design can convey humanity's determination to create a better future.
Essential expansions like these in video games can be a cathartic experience. They prove that the industry can reinvent itself so long as there are solid foundations and profiles to build on.
For more articles like this, take a look at our Features page.