10 Best Video Game DLC of All Time

DLC is one of the easiest ways to jump back into a game you already love. They often bring new story moments, fresh characters, and exciting areas to explore, which makes the world feel even more alive. As developers push their ideas further, expansions add extra lore and clever mechanics. At the same time, they introduce fresh twists that make what players already love even better. By the time you’re done, some of these DLCs feel like full adventures all on their own, and honestly, that’s why they land on our list of the 10 best video game DLCs of all time.

10. Elden Ring

Elden Ring has a DLC that expands the story and drops you into a whole new, tough area to explore. Once there, you get to wander the eerie Realm of Shadow and face some of the toughest bosses in the game. Along the way, you’ll want to grab some Scadutree Fragments to get stronger and handle the brutal fights coming your way. With that done, the DLC is packed with crazy boss battles, cool new story bits, and tons of moments you won’t forget. All in all, it’s a must if you’re ready to jump back into Elden Ring, explore the Realm of Shadow, and test your skills against some of the game’s toughest challenges.

9. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Blood and Wine

Blood and Wine is just pure fun. First off, it drops Geralt into Toussaint, a bright, colorful area that feels totally different from the main game. While you’re there, you get a bunch of new quests, meet some crazy characters, fight wild monsters, and even take on a tough boss. On top of that, the story hits hard too, giving Geralt a proper send-off. All in all, it feels like a whole new game packed into one expansion. So, if you love The Witcher 3, you’ve got to play this.

8. The Elder Scrolls IV: The Shivering Isles

You step into the weird, colorful world of Sheogorath in The Shivering Isles, an expansion that adds a ton of new content to Oblivion. Once there, you’ll run into crazy quests, meet quirky characters, and face monsters that will really test you. Along the way, there are tons to explore, secrets to uncover, and weird little surprises around every corner. Even though the core gameplay doesn’t change, the expansion is packed with hours of fun and adventure. At the same time, it delivers those strange, charming vibes that make Oblivion such a classic.

7. Dishonored: The Knife of Dunwall

You play as Daud in The Knife of Dunwall, and it’s a blast. Instead of Corvo, you follow Daud as he faces the guilt of killing Empress Jessamine Kaldwin while also uncovering the truth about Delilah Copperspoon. As you go, you sneak through dark streets, pull off clever assassinations, and see familiar places from an entirely new angle. With all that, the tense stealth, exciting challenges, and fresh perspective on the story make this DLC a whole new way for Dishonored fans to play.

6. XCOM 2: War of the Chosen

War of the Chosen adds what feels like a whole new game to dive into. If you loved the alien-blasting, turn-based action of the base game, this DLC really puts your skills to the test. Along the way, you’ll face a deadly new enemy group called The Chosen, who are out to capture the Commander and will strike when you least expect it. Because they can appear at any moment, your carefully laid plans can go sideways fast. All in all, it’s tense, unpredictable, and a must-play for any XCOM fan.

5. GTA IV: The Ballad of Gay Tony

GTA IV gets even wilder in The Ballad of Gay Tony. You play as Luis, rolling with the flashy Gay Tony, and dive into wild, over-the-top missions. Along the way, you get to mess around with new weapons, drive insane vehicles, and just cause mayhem across the city. The story sneaks in some humor and a bit of heart, too, and the finale? Totally Fast & Furious-level crazy. Honestly, it’s fun, nonstop, and a perfect way to jump back into GTA IV.

4. Shadow of the Erdtree

This DLC for Elden Ring, Shadow of  the Erdtree, feels like a whole new chapter all on its own. First, you get thrown into the mysterious Land of Shadow, a creative map and details that really get you exploring. Next, along the way, you’ll find new weapons, armor sets, and gear that make each fight feel fresh and powerful. On top of that, the expansion comes with new bosses and quests that challenge you every step of the way. Ultimately, it’s more Elden Ring, but turned up a notch. More danger, more discovery, and more of what makes the game amazing.

3. Brave New World

Brave New World really shakes up Civilization V. Right from the start, you get new civilizations, policies, and wonders that make each game feel different. As you play, trade routes, diplomacy, and cultural victories open up in ways the base game didn’t quite hit. On top of that, there are tons of new strategies to try, which keep you thinking about every move. Honestly, it just makes Civilization 5 feel bigger, smarter, and way more replayable. For strategy fans, this one’s an absolute must-play.

2. Left Behind

Left Behind gives you a closer look at Ellie’s past and her friendship with Riley Abel, and honestly, it hits just as hard as the main game. Meanwhile, while you’re helping a wounded Joel, you also get flashbacks that show her first romance and the bond that shaped her. On top of that, the story is emotional, heartbreaking, and beautiful all at once. Beyond just extra gameplay, it adds even more heart to the world. As a result, this makes Ellie and Joel feel even more unforgettable. Overall, Left Behind is an absolute must-play.

1. The Old Hunters: Bloodborne

The Old Hunters; Bloodborne is one of FromSoftware’s best games, and honestly, that’s saying a lot. At first, longtime Souls fans will notice the familiar challenge. At the same time, the game pushes you to try new strategies and think in different ways. Thereafter, the expansion, The Old Hunters, arrived, which many consider one of the best DLCs ever made. Not only does it dive deeper into the game’s lore, but it also adds tons of new weapons, items, and bosses, making them some of the most memorable in the entire series.