Shadow of the Erdtree and 4 Other Groundbreaking DLC Expansions
DLCs often disappoint players, but a few have even surpassed their base games.
DLCs are getting more popular as the gaming world expands. The more a game becomes popular after its initial release, the more fans start asking for DLCs. Though making a DLC of a game is easier than developing a new game, most DLCs don’t match the expectations of the fans. They generally fail to live up to the hype the original game created.
However, that may be the case with many DLCs, but some expansions not only meet the expectations of the fans but also set a new peak for themselves. Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree can easily be considered one of them. After experiencing it, if you are looking for some of the all-time best DLCs, we are going to give you the top five DLCs that you shouldn’t miss.
Shadow of the Erdtree and 4 Other Groundbreaking DLC Expansions
Good DLCs make players dive into a game once again and explore more about the story. It not only brings back the thrill of the game, but in most cases, it enhances the vibe. Sometimes, DLCs even help players get back experiences that they have missed in the base game.
However, choosing the top five from the thousands of DLCs released over the years is not an easy task. But still, we have prepared a list with some of the best expansions that you must experience once.
5. Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag – Freedom Cry
Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag is one of the most successful installments in the series. Its comprehensive open world is one of the most incredible parts of the game. So, the demand for an expansion was very normal. The developer of the game fulfilled the demand and brought the DLC named Freedom Cry.
While the expectations were high, Freedom Cry didn’t dishearten players. Instead, this DLC proved to be one of the best DLCs ever in the series, with interesting ship combat and exploration, and the environment of the Caribbean. Apart from that, this DLC continues the story of one of the best Black Flag characters, Adéwalé.
4. BioShock 2: Minerva’s Den
BioShock is one of the most popular FPS games ever made, but lots of people think BioShock 2 is the most successful installment in the series. That’s, of course, a bit controversial, but what goes without saying is the popularity of Minerva’s Den. Minerva’s Den is the DLC of Bioshock 2, which features the finest storyline of the game.
Based on the conflict between great minds and The Thinker, this DLC presents players with some essential questions, like the moral use of advanced AI technology. The gameplay of the DLC will examine everything through a human lens and find the answer to this question. With this DLC, the base game gets better.
3. Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare
Red Dead Redemption is one of the highly popular open-world adventure games released in 2010. Therefore, players looking for an expansion of the game are nothing new. Fulfilling their demand, finally, Rockstar brought one of the finest DLCs of all time, Undead Nightmare.
Initially, players expected it to be a brief expansion of the base story, but to everyone’s surprise, Undead Nightmare becomes a zombie-themed horror game with weaponized Holy Water, Sasquatches, and several other pieces of equipment to complete the journey. This DLC shouldn’t be missed if you are a fan of zombie-themed games.
2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Blood and Wine
When talking about the best DLCs of all time, one can’t miss Blood and Wine. The Witcher 3 is one of the most popular among all the installments in the series. Players who have gone through the journey of the base game can’t ever forget the experience it has provided them with.
Later, the developer team added two more DLCs to the base game, and luckily, both are incredibly great. However, among these two, one is Blood and Wine, and this is the most popular The Witcher 3 DLC that players shouldn’t miss. This DLC gives The Witcher 3 a series of endings, and most importantly, all of these endings seem to be appropriate to the game.
1. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
Making a list of the all-time best DLCs can’t be completed without including Shadow of the Erdtree. Undoubtedly, Elden Ring was the biggest game FromSoftware ever made. Therefore, players had high expectations from the DLC of the game. Fortunately, Shadow of the Erdtree not only matched their expectations but has taken it to a new height.
With the introduction of a new realm called Land of Shadow, this DLC has presented players with new regions to explore, bosses to fight, and secrets to unlock. Even before this expansion was released, it had made its place among the top games developed by FromSoftware.
These are the DLCs that players can consider to be the best of all time. Of course, there are several other expansions that players may find extremely impressive, but none of them probably beat the five games we have mentioned. Aside from these, don’t forget to check out the first look of the anime based on Elden Ring.
