Best Game DLC Worth Buying 2026 – Expansions That Are Actually Good
DLC ranges from essential expansions to cosmetic cash grabs. Here are the DLCs that genuinely enhance their base games.
RPG Expansions
The Witcher 3: Blood and Wine
- Base Game: The Witcher 3
- Price: $19.99 (often $5 on sale)
- Content: 30+ hours, entire new region (Toussaint)
- Verdict: Basically a full game. Toussaint is one of gaming's most beautiful settings.
Baldur's Gate 3: (Future DLC)
- Status: Announced but not yet released
- Why Watch: Larian's track record with D:OS2 DLC was excellent
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
- Price: $39.99
- Content: Massive new map, 8+ bosses, 100+ weapons
- Verdict: The largest Soulsborne DLC ever. Could be a standalone game.
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
- Price: $29.99
- Content: New district, main story (15-20 hrs), Idris Elba
- Verdict: Transformed the game. Best DLC alongside Blood and Wine.
Strategy & Simulation
Civilization VI: All Expansions
- Price: $49.99 (bundle, often $15 on sale)
- Content: Rise and Fall + Gathering Storm + New Frontier Pass
- Verdict: These expansions transform Civ VI from good to one of the best strategy games ever.
Cities: Skylines DLC Essentials
Not all CS DLC is equal. The must-haves:
- After Dark – Night cycle, tourism
- Industries – Production chains
- Mass Transit – Transport options Priority: Buy during sales for $2-5 each.
Stellaris DLC
Stellaris has many DLCs. The essentials:
- Utopia – Megastructures, ascension
- Federations – Diplomacy overhaul
- Overlord – Vassal systems Buy others as they go on sale.
Action & Adventure
Dark Souls III: The Ringed City
- Price: $14.99
- Content: 10+ hours, best bosses in the series
- Verdict: Slave Knight Gael is arguably the best boss in Soulsborne history.
Hollow Knight: All DLC (FREE)
- Price: FREE (included in base game)
- Content: Grimm Troupe, Godmaster, Lifeblood
- Verdict: Team Cherry released all DLC for free. Buy the base game.
Monster Hunter: World – Iceborne
- Price: $39.99 (often $15 on sale)
- Content: Doubles the game content with Master Rank
- Verdict: Essential for Monster Hunter fans. Massive expansion.
DLC Buying Strategy
When to Buy DLC
| Scenario | Strategy |
|---|---|
| Love the base game | Buy DLC next sale |
| Haven't finished base game | Wait until you do |
| DLC is cosmetic-only | Skip unless you love the game |
| "Season Pass" before reviews | Never preorder DLC passes |
| GOTY/Complete edition exists | Buy that instead |
The GOTY Edition Rule
If a game has been out 1+ years with multiple DLCs, check if a GOTY/Complete edition exists. It's almost always cheaper than base game + DLC separately.
DLC Red Flags
- Day-one DLC that feels cut from the base game
- Cosmetic-only packs priced at $10+
- Season passes with no confirmed content
- "Definitive Edition" that costs more than original + DLC
Cost-Effective DLC Buying
- Wait for sales – DLC discounts match or exceed base game discounts
- Buy bundles – Steam often bundles all DLC together at a discount
- Check Complete Editions – Often cheaper than buying piece by piece
- Prioritize content DLC – Story/gameplay DLC > cosmetic DLC
- Read reviews first – Some DLC is universally panned despite a great base game
FAQ
Q: Should I buy the season pass or individual DLC? A: Wait for the first DLC to release and check reviews. If it's good, the pass is usually cheaper.
Q: Is it worth buying DLC for an old game? A: If you loved the base game, absolutely. Good DLC breathes new life into familiar games.
Q: Do DLC go on sale as much as base games? A: Usually yes, but discounts may be slightly smaller for newer DLC.