Skip DLC? You’re missing the best part of the game

If you’re the type of person who only focuses on the main story of the game, you may not realize that you’re missing out on some of the best content your favorite games have to offer. Although DLC isn’t game-changing, a lot of it is. Here are some reasons why skipping DLC ​​is a mistake.

Downloadable content (DLC) improves an existing game

When a triple-A game is on the verge of success, and developers see that there is more to explore in the game world, extensive downloadable content (DLC) is sometimes put into development. After all, it’s easier to build on a pre-existing foundation than to develop a whole new game, similar to how PC games work.

Some DLC can completely change your approach to the base game. For example, Skyrim‘s Downgard The DLC allows the player to become a vampire with a massive Vampire Lord form that can be used throughout the entire main game (provided that friendly NPCs don’t make you turn into one).

Embracing vampirism introduces the possibility of additional role-playing elements, such as a weakness to sunlight and the need to stave off hunger by feeding on humans. It also opens up some unique lines of dialogue with some NPCs.

It should be noted that the base game is often patched in anticipation of new DLC, resulting in bug fixes and new features that the game would not have received otherwise. We’ve seen that with all those huge updates to Cyberpunk 2077 Before and after release Illusory freedom.

Update 2.0 The police, perks, and cyberwarfare systems have been completely overhauled, vehicular combat added, and many other small improvements and fixes introduced. Although Cyberpunk 2077Destructive launch, these updates and Illusory freedomA great story that has finally won over audiences.

More experienced developers make better content

Not all gamers realize how difficult it is to create a high-budget game. With so many moving parts and people working on the project, it… miracle That many games exist.

Games are developed using game engines, such as Unreal Engine 5. In most cases, developers can adapt a pre-existing engine and use it to create a new game, although sometimes a new engine must be built from the ground up, which can cost a small fortune .

By the time the final game is finished, the developers will have gained significant experience and familiarity with the engine and game assets. This expertise allows them to create new content more efficiently, freeing up time for the more creative parts of the development process.

This streamlined workflow allows developers to create downloadable content (DLC) that is sometimes much better than the base game, even though it costs less to produce.

Publishers are aware of this phenomenon and are taking advantage of it as much as possible by ordering and planning DLC ​​before the game is out. We’ve seen that with Fallout 4‘s Far Harbor, Battlefield 1‘s They will not passAnd most Assassin’s Creed Downloadable content.

New stories, new characters and revised mechanics

DLC gives developers the opportunity to introduce completely new stories, characters, concepts, gameplay elements, and locations that still fit the main game’s theme and story.

Tucson, location added Blood and wineIt is considered one of the best and most unique settings in all games, not just them Witcher 3. The DLC also adds a cast of fan-favorite characters from The witcher Books, like The Vampire Regis.

Furthermore, DLC gives developers the opportunity to experiment with never-before-seen concepts. This is because, unlike indie game developers, studios that produce Triple-A games are more risk averse. They were given a large budget and expected to make a game with broad appeal, leaving less room for pitfalls, such as unconventional gameplay and narrative mechanics, worlds, or characters.

There are exceptions, such as FromSoftware games that define the genre (eg Al-Din ring and Dark souls series). These games are known for their extreme difficulty and unconventional environmental storytelling. For many other studios, DLC provides the best opportunity to experiment and take risks.

For example, InsultedDownloadable content (DLC). Dunwall knife It puts you in the shoes of David, the assassin who killed the Empress, and is the antagonist you pursue in the base game, effectively flipping the script. Another excellent example is Border areas 2‘s Little Tina’s attack on the Dragon Keep. The DLC combines the main game’s FPS mechanics with many tabletop RPG elements.

Not all DLC is great

While DLC often adds a lot of new content that expands the base game or allows for more replayability, not all aftermarket add-ons are great. In fact, the term “DLC” is sometimes viewed as a dirty word, with some publishers using it for what are essentially microtransactions.

It all started with Notorious Horse Armor Pack to The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Bethesda charges $2.50 for what was essentially a cosmetic piece of horse armor in the single-player game. Although the DLC was mocked at the time, it was Shockingly popularsetting a precedent for low-quality downloadable content (DLC) and microtransactions in triple-A games.

Even if the DLC isn’t a cash grab, it can still be subpar, especially if it’s for a game that hasn’t been polished yet. We’ve seen that recently with Starfield‘s Shattered space The expansion, a modest $29.99 DLC that fails to build on the promise of the original. It seems like Bethesda likely tried to replicate something Cyberpunk 2077 achieved with Illusory freedom In three years, but only one year was spent developing it.

Sometimes, the game receives a bunch of small, meaningless DLC packs that overwhelm players and dampen the experience.

Forza Horizon 5 Somehow I managed to get a couple of great DLCs that add a few hours of original content to the base game, along with a long list of meaningless cars and car packs that few would want to pay for. With hundreds of unlockable cars in the base game, the only people likely to fall victim to these DLCs are whales and virtual car collectors.

How to determine if DLC is worth it

Purchasing DLC ​​is a lot like purchasing the base game: you need to do some research to determine if it’s worth it or not. A great game doesn’t always guarantee great DLC. Fortunately, DLC has separate pages on storefronts like Steam, which means you can check reviews for DLC only. At the same time, many DLC releases are important enough to see full reviews in the game press.

Check the review results and read the top reviews carefully. Pay close attention to how long the DLC takes to beat. Although the length of the game is not an indicator of quality, you may be disappointed if you spend $30 on DLC that you can complete in an afternoon.

If the reviews are mostly positive, and you can’t get enough of the base game, the DLC is likely worth purchasing. Otherwise, wait for a discount or consider choosing a different game entirely.

A well-designed expansion can match and even surpass the quality of the base game, as developers are given a rare opportunity to explore new stories and concepts. Some of the big expansions were so good that you could almost consider them standalone games.

If you’ve never played the popular DLC for your favorite games, now might be the perfect time to check it out, especially if it’s on sale.