10 Expansions That Are Better Than The Main Game

It has always been a common practice on PC that games will be released with future content added. DLC. This DLC could be anything from new weapons and armor to entirely new sections of a game world or story. It did not really become popular in the mainstream into the mid-late 2000s.

It is now a mainstay of gaming that post a title's release, and DLC will accompany the game. Some of the most popular games of the last fifteen years have followed this practice. DLC has become so prevalent in the world of gaming that it innately led to the idea of liver service games that have become so common in the industry.

But there are some DLCs (Expansions) that are better than others. That stands on the shoulders of their base game, and in some cases… Surpass it. These are the 10 expansions that were better than the main game.

10. Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare

Red Dead Redemption Undead Nightmare is a DLC that has the most argument as to whether or not it is actually better than the main game. However, with the DLC taking a fun spin on the zombie genre and embracing the B-movie esque horror elements make this DLC an incredibly fun experience that at least matches the main game.

9. Pillars of Eternity: The White March

Pillars Of Eternity already had an incredible story. But The White March built upon the themes and characters of the main game and turned it up to 11. The DLC has the best environments, the toughest enemies, and some of the best companions. The side quests are some of the best in the game, and it is truly a magnificent expansion.

8. Dragon Age Origins: Awakening

RPG players love a few things more than playing 'after the end' of the story. Plenty of games allow players to do that, but it is always fun when games play with the idea and create content designed for after the credits roll. Dragon Age Origins: Awakening does just that. It allows players to experience the consequences of their actions, all the while experiencing an incredible story that not only enhances the main game but also surpasses it.

7. Xcom 2: War of The Chosen

Firaxis always go all out when they make a DLC, and Xcom 2: War of the Chosen is no different. This DLC adds so much more to the game that the base game is almost unplayable without it. New classes, customization options, and more are littered through this expansion, not to mention the main selling point. The Chosen. Three bosses that adapt to your actions in the game and make for some of the most tense and terrifying fights in gaming.

6. Mass Effect 3: Citadel

Mass Effect 3 was released to a turbulent and complicated release, with many fans expressing how unsatisfied they were with the game’s conclusion. The trilogy-ender was said to lack closure and much more.

The Citadel DLC completely fixed this issue. It provided much needed closure for many characters and plots throughout the trilogy and neatly linked it together with some of the wittiest and insanely nostalgic dialogue and narrative seen in Mass Effect. It is undoubtedly the best part of replaying Mass Effect 3.

5. The Elder Scrolls V Skyrim: Dragonborn

There are many reasons as to why Skyrim still stands as one of the best games ever made. Its multiple releases are a testament to the game’s fanbase, which is legions strong and growing with every passing year.

However, while the main game is brilliant, it does not hold a candle to the Dragonborn DLC. The DLC is so many things, a nostalgic ode to The Elder Scrolls III Morrowind, a superior map and world. A story that is intriguing and fascinating. Dragonborn has it all, making it stand above the rest of the game.

4. Bloodborne: The Old Hunters

Despite the release of Elden Ring, I still maintain the confidence that Bloodborne is the best title FromSoftware have ever made. The Old Hunters expansion. Is a massive reason for that. Having 3 of the best boss fights in any souls game ever, The Old Hunters DLC also has one of the best designed worlds FromSoftware have made. Going from crumbling ruins to Swampy towns with Sharkmen, The Old Hunters is the epitome of what makes Bloodborne so great.

3. Fallout 3: The Pitt

Fallout 3 has so many DLCs that could be in this spot on the list. From: Mothership Zeta, Point Lookout, and Broken Steel, there is much to choose from. Ultimately though, the best Fallout 3 DLC and the one that truly goes above and beyond the base game is The Pitt.

The world, the atmosphere, the moral dilemmas, everything about this expansion perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Fallout but with a more gritty edge. The Pitt features less of the quirky humor throughout Fallout and possesses a far more grounded, gritty tone that carries you through the experience.

2. The Elder Scrolls IV Oblivion: The Shivering Isles

One of the greatest expansions ever made. The Shivering Isles from The Elder Scrolls IV Oblivion is a tremendous expansion that goes above and beyond what is expected from a DLC. It has a fantastic game world, interesting characters, and side quests and is riddled with new stuff for players to enjoy.

Not only that, but this DLC is responsible for Sheogorath's revamp into the insane, lovable. Cheese addled mad man that we love so much.

1. The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt: Blood and Wine

This is it. This might be the most incredible DLC ever made, nevermind just beating out the main game. The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt is an incredible game, and yet despite its quality. Blood and Wine is a masterpiece. It surpasses the game in so many ways; from its new gameplay additions, the characters, and the plot, almost everything in Blood and Wine is top notch.

Its best feature may, in fact, be Toussaint itself. A strange contrast to the gritty world of The Witcher as it is almost smashed together with fairy tales and whimsy, creating a fantastic dichotomy that will stand out forever.

 

There will be plenty of expansions that have been missed out; this list was a tough one to narrow down. What would you put on this list? Comment down below what you think.
 

Joshua Burt (@JoshuaBurt123)
Senior Editor, NoobFeed