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From cosmetic skins to story expansions, downloadable content has become the norm for all games worth their salt.
As commonplace as it is, DLC is a controversial practice in gaming circles. For many gamers, adding new, often overpriced purchasable content to a game post-release is one of the many symptoms of the industry's corporate greed.
When created with the right intentions, however, this extra content can introduce exciting new mechanics and features for players to enjoy while expanding a game's lore. So, let's go through some games that take their DLC content seriously.
Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077 came out with too many technical issues to count, so much so that Sony made the unprecedented decision of removing the game from its PlayStation store. CD Projekt itself had to issue public apologies for the game's sorry state on consoles.
Fast-forward to 2024, and the dust has finally settled. Somewhat miraculously, Cyberpunk 2077 has completed a redemption arc no one could have seen coming, winning over gamers and critics with several patches – and more than a few DLCs.
Overall, 18 DLCs have added new cosmetics and gameplay content. However, this remarkable turnaround was largely driven by the Phantom Liberty expansion. This free spy-thriller expansion features British actor Idris Elba as a cyber-enhanced mercenary exploring the new district of Dogtown within the Pacifica area.
The content did not settle for capitalizing on the actor's star power, overhauling core features like the policing system and introducing new vehicular combat, effectively rewriting Cyberpunk's DNA to make up for its disastrous launch.
Anno 1800
A new Anno game is on its way, fulfilling the dreams of many fans for a Roman-themed city builder. While city-building enthusiasts eagerly await the release of Anno 177: Pax Romana, there is still much to discover in the series' previous title.
Beginning in an Old World inspired by Victorian Britain, Anno 1800 plays out its industrial setting to a tee, introducing the most complex production chains and trade routes to date.
Over the years, multiple DLCs have added new layers to the game and expanded its scope. With over 30 individual packs in four Season Passes, Anno has introduced everything from a new tourist system to skyscrapers and additional regions, from the frostbitten Artcic to the African kingdom of Enbesa.
For those interested in beauty building over min-maxing, dozens of cosmetic packs are available to cover their cities with Ferris wheels, steampunk constructions, and canals.
Fallout: New Vegas
Fallout: New Vegas is often hailed as the best installment in the entire franchise, and this distinction is partly thanks to the game's four brilliant expansions. Now integrated into the Fallout: New Vegas – Ultimate Edition, Dead Money, Honest Hearts, Lonesome Road, and Old World Blues introduce memorable characters like the Mormon missionary Joshua Graham, an all-time favorite among the fandom.
These story add-ons also open new maps, allowing players to roam around the Zion National Park or explore the legendary – if not cursed – Sierra Madre Resort. Arguably the highlight of this private getaway, the casino is equipped with holographic croupiers that make it easy to play blackjack, craps, and slot machines.
These gambling remnants of a pre-nuclear past might even entice gamers to try their luck for real. With a few clicks, they can find a range of free slots with no download and no registration. These options cover a wide array of themes, from ancient mythology to the Wild West – albeit less dystopian than Fallout's take on the American Frontier.
All demo slots available on top websites are mobile-compatible. These can be a solid introduction to the fundamentals of slot gaming, while easing the transition to real-money alternatives.
Cuphead
Evoking the golden age of Hollywood animation, Cuphead melted the hearts of many gamers for its beautifully imperfect hand-drawn art style.
Despite these candid appearances, this creative side-scrolling run-and-gun game is no walk in the park, as its casino-themed bosses can be ridiculously challenging. Instead of toning down the difficulty, The Delicious Last Course DLC brings on a new cast of larger-than-life bosses that prove just as tough as their predecessors – and wackier than ever.
To defeat these fearsome foes, such as the cruel Chef Saltbaker, players can count on the magical charm and unique abilities of a new playable character, Ms. Chalice.
More than just a cherry on top, this DLC is a fun answer to the base game that feels like the perfect continuation of the original story while changing the recipe.
