Video game enthusiasts have long debated the best DLC of all time, with titles like the Phantom Liberty expansion for Cyberpunk 2077 often appearing on that list. Released in 2023, Cyberpunk 2077‘s Phantom Liberty update is widely regarded as one of the best expansions in recent years. However, some fans say claiming the title of greatest downloadable content in gaming takes more than just critical acclaim and awards.
A 2022 study by Newzoo showed the importance of added content in 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 taken notice of this trend, and the number of DLC releases across both AAA and indie games has grown in recent years. That surge makes it even harder for fans to single out the best of all time from an ever-expanding pool of high-profile expansions. Even so, some fans remain determined to do exactly that.
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CD Projekt Red May Be the King of DLCs, Though It Has Rivals
The discussion picked up again when a Reddit user known as Open-Advisor6819 asked, “What game has the best DLC of all time?” This sparked the familiar debate once more. The original poster pointed to Cyberpunk 2077‘s Phantom Liberty as a top contender, calling it “basically a second [Cyberpunk 2077] game with 20–30 extra hours of playtime.” Many agreed with that take, while hundreds of others put forward The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt‘s Blood and Wine as another fitting candidate. Interestingly, both expansions come from CD Projekt Red, leading many players to view the studio as “the king” when it comes to delivering top-tier DLC.
Another developer frequently mentioned alongside CD Projekt Red is Rockstar, which has delivered several fan-favorite expansions over the years. Many players point to Grand Theft Auto 4‘s The Ballad of Gay Tony and Red Dead Redemption‘s Undead Nightmare as two of the best DLCs ever made. Meanwhile, Japanese studio FromSoftware is also a favorite in the eyes of fans, with Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree and Bloodborne: The Old Hunters both receiving widespread praise and hundreds of votes.
Is There an Official List of the Best Video Game DLCs?
Gamers’ ongoing debates about the greatest expansions have led some to wonder if there is a more structured way to determine the true “GOAT” of DLCs. Unfortunately, there seems to be no official ranking or definitive source that settles the question. That said, players check user-driven rankings on platforms like Steam, where reviews and ratings offer a clearer picture of which DLCs have resonated most with the community.
In terms of critical acclaim, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has long been regarded as one of the industry’s most respected titles, with Blood and Wine winning Best RPG at The Game Awards 2016. On the user side, Steam250’s rankings place Blood and Wine at the top based on fan scores, with Resident Evil 4 Remake‘s Separate Ways and Outlast‘s Whistleblower close behind.
Of course, awards and user reviews on a single platform may not be enough to definitively crown a DLC as the greatest of all time, and the titles mentioned here are far from the only expansions worthy of recognition. What is certain, however, is that discussions like this will remain a constant in the gaming industry as long as new DLC continues to hit the market.
- Released
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December 10, 2020
- ESRB
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M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
