More and more, DLC is becoming a key part of the gaming landscape. Many games release DLC, sometimes free, sometimes paid, featuring new stories, characters, gameplay, challenges, and more. DLC can be a great way to introduce something new or simply bring players back to spend more time in a beloved game world. The best DLC stands out from the rest by feeling like worthy additions that truly add something new to the original game rather than just being "more of the same."
2023 was a strong year for DLC. Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty let players see Night City in a whole new way, Resident Evil fans got to re-experience Ada Wong's story in the remade Separate Ways, and Xenoblade Chronicles players finally experienced the trilogy's epic conclusion in Future Redeemed. When it came to DLC in 2023, the best of the best included extra-tricky gameplay, deep stories, and a genuine understanding that players are always looking for a new adventure. Here, in no particular order, are the 12 best video game DLC of 2023.
31 Games With The Best DLC Content, Ranked
As much as some gamers hate downloadable content, there is some really good DLC out there. Sometimes the DLC is even the best part of the game.
Cult of the Lamb: Relics of the Old Faith
Read The Best War Games's Cult of the Lamb Review
This completely free update to the hit title Cult of the Lamb sees the titular Lamb forced once more to slay the four bishops who once planned to sacrifice them. It adds an extensive post-game storyline, refreshes old bosses with new attack patterns, introduces new buildings, followers, follower abilities, and more. In particular, the titular Relics of the Old Faith make the game's combat feel fresh and new, letting the Lamb shower enemies with constant damage from an orbiting eye, gain more hearts or become invincible mid-battle, create storms of lightning, and more. New modes, such as the Boss Rush and Dungeon Gauntlet, will give even the most dedicated Cult of the Lamb players a challenge, while Photo Mode lets players relax and snap some cool pics with their favorite followers.
Cult of the Lamb
- Released
- August 11, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Teen / Blood, Violence.
- Developer(s)
- Massive Monster
- Publisher(s)
- Devolver Digital
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
- Genre(s)
- Roguelite, Indie Games, Simulation
- How Long To Beat
- 15 - 20 Hours
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty
Read The Best War Games's Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty Review
When Cyberpunk 2077 launched in 2020, it received mixed reviews due to bugs, a perceived lack of content, and missing quality-of-life features, among many other reasons. Developer CD Projekt RED has been working on improving the game since launch, and earlier this year, it released a large expansion in the form of the Phantom Liberty DLC. Phantom Liberty takes players to the dangerous Dogtown district as they embark on a mission to save the President of the NUS. It introduces a morally complex story, compelling new characters, especially Game Award-nominated Idris Elba as Solomon Reed, and plenty of new spy-themed cybernetics and other gear for players to equip. Life in Night City has never been more dangerous - or more exhilarating.
Cyberpunk 2077
- Released
- December 10, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world action-adventure from the creators of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, CD Projekt Red.
Set in Night City, a megalopolis obsessed with power, glamour and body modification, you play as V, a mercenary outlaw going after a one-of-a-kind implant that is the key to immortality.
Upgraded with next-gen in mind and featuring free additional content, customize your character and playstyle as you take on jobs, build a reputation, and unlock upgrades.
The relationships you forge and the choices you make will shape the story and the world around you. Legends are made here. What will yours be?
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs and Alcohol
- Developer(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Publisher(s)
- CD Projekt Red
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
Dead Cells: Return to Castlevania
Roguelike game Dead Cells already drew inspiration from the classic Castlevania series, so it was only natural that the Prisoner would eventually get to team up with the cast of Castlevania and visit iconic locations from the series. The Return to Castlevania DLC takes place in Dracula's Castle and introduces Alucard and Richter Belmont as allies for the Prisoner. It adds three new boss fights, including one against the infamous vampire himself. The developers' love and respect for Castlevania is clear in every element of the Dead Cells' biggest DLC yet, from the implementation of familiar weapons like the Holy Water and Vampire Killer to the 20 character outfits and 50+ classic and remastered Castlevania tunes that players can unlock as they progress.
Dead Cells
- Released
- August 7, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
Dead Cells puts you in control of a failed alchemic experiment trying to figure out what's happening on a sprawling, ever-changing and seemingly cursed Island. Tough but fair combat, responsive controls, challenging foes, permadeath and of course, the emergency panic roll to get you out of trouble, make for a demanding, visceral and cathartic action game.
Experience a Roguevania, mixing an interconnected world, branching paths and unlockable skills with the constant adrenaline-pumping threat of permadeath. No checkpoints. You either vanquish the final boss in one go, or you try again. However, you keep some of your progress for successive runs; new paths you’ve unlocked, access to new levels, mutations, abilities and weapons.
Speaking of weapons, Dead Cells features a plethora of ways to slay your enemies. A large variety of swords, bows and of course spells, but also whips, grenades and turrets, each one with its own unique twist. Plus, mutations and scrolls allow you to build and customize your character differently with each and every run.
At the end of the day though, it’s YOUR skills as a player that matter most! Roguelites are about constantly sharpening your skills, until what was an insurmountable obstacle becomes a walk in the park. Patience, you’ll get better!… eventually.
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Blood and Gore, Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Motion Twin
- Platform(s)
- Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One
- Genre(s)
- Roguelike
- How Long To Beat
- 15 Hours
The Elder Scrolls Online: Necrom
The Elder Scrolls Online is known for its frequent high-quality updates and expansions, and 2023's Necrom is no exception. Themed around darkness and forbidden knowledge, this DLC sees players visit the mysterious, giant fungus- and monster-filled Telvanni Peninsula and learn secrets from the realms of Apocrypha. It introduces a new class, the Arcanist, two new companions, a large new area to explore, and a new story involving the secrets of the Daedric Prince. In addition to being sold separately, players new to The Elder Scrolls Online can purchase the Necrom Collection, which includes access to Necrom as well as the base game and all previous expansions.
The Elder Scrolls Online
- Released
- April 4, 2014
WHERE TO PLAY
Experience an ever-expanding story across all of Tamriel in The Elder Scrolls Online, an award-winning fantasy RPG. Explore a rich, living world with friends or embark upon a solo adventure. Ultimate freedom—Create your ultimate RPG character, play solo or adventure with friends, and determine your fate in an ever-expanding world. With no level restrictions, go anywhere at any time in a truly open world.
Choose your adventure—Begin your adventure where you like: emerge from Coldharbour in the Base Game, battle Dragons in the Elsweyr Chapter, or get ready to face the Prince of Destruction, Mehrunes Dagon, in Blackwood. All content is accessible for new players, and you can switch adventures whenever you like.
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol, Violence
- Developer(s)
- ZeniMax Online Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Bethesda
- Franchise
- The Elder Scrolls
- Platform(s)
- Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, macOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
- Genre(s)
- MMORPG
- How Long To Beat
- 160+ Hours
Escape Academy: Escape from the Past
On its initial release, Escape Academy captivated escape room fans and newbies alike with its humorous story and fun twist on classic escape room gameplay. In Escape from the Past, the game's second DLC after Escape from Anti-Escape Island, players are sent back to when Escape Academy first opened its doors. When a series of suspicious "accidents" threaten the life of the Academy's headmaster, students Sandra Solange and Eel Barnes must take on five all-new escape rooms while gathering clues and solving the case along the way. This DLC expertly adds a "whodunnit" flair to Escape Academy's gameplay, intriguing players with a larger mystery that is slowly uncovered as each new room is solved. Plus, the five new rooms are tricky, puzzle-filled experiences that will challenge even the most confident of escape room veterans.
Escape Academy
- Released
- July 14, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
You've just arrived at Escape Academy, a school where promising students train to become the ultimate Escape Room Master.
Play over a dozen masterfully hand crafted rooms, designed by experienced experts in the field of REAL LIFE escape rooms.
Experience the entirety of Escape Academy alone in single player OR through two player co-operative play. Available in local or online splitscreen.
Explore the campus of Escape Academy and get to know the faculty, a colorful cast of characters, each an expert in the art of Escape. And some with secrets yet to be uncovered...
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Violence
- Developer(s)
- Coin Crew Games
- Publisher(s)
- iam8bit
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Action-Adventure, Puzzle
Horizon Forbidden West: Burning Shores
Read The Best War Games's Horizon Forbidden West Review
What was once Los Angeles was destroyed by earthquakes and volcanic activity, leaving behind only the treacherous Burning Shores area in its wake. After completing the main quest of Horizon Forbidden West, players can journey to the Burning Shores alongside protagonist Aloy, unlocking a new story tied to this harsh and hostile region. The DLC includes new main and side quests, four new machines to encounter, several new weapons for Aloy to wield and outfits for her to wear, and even new characters who have made this inhospitable area their home. These include Seyka, a new companion and a potential romance option for Aloy. The Burning Shores may be the most dangerous area introduced so far in the Horizon series, but it is still full of hope and life as humanity displays its indomitable will to survive.
Horizon Forbidden West
- Released
- February 18, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
Join Aloy as she braves a majestic but dangerous new frontier that holds mysterious new threats. This Complete Edition allows you to enjoy the critically acclaimed Horizon Forbidden West on PC in its entirety with bonus content, including the Burning Shores story expansion that picks up after the main game.
Explore distant lands, fight bigger and more awe-inspiring machines, and encounter astonishing new tribes as you return to the far-future, post-apocalyptic world of Horizon.
The land is dying. Vicious storms and an unstoppable blight ravage the scattered remnants of humanity while fearsome new machines prowl their borders, and life on Earth is hurtling toward another extinction.
It's up to Aloy to uncover the secrets behind these threats and restore order and balance to the world. Along the way, she must reunite with old friends, forge alliances with warring new factions and unravel the legacy of the ancient past.
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Blood, Language, Use of Alcohol, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Guerrilla Games
- Publisher(s)
- Sony
- Franchise
- Horizon
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Mario Kart 8 Booster Course Packs
Read The Best War Games's Mario Kart 8 Review
2023 saw the long-awaited completion of the Booster Course set for Mario Kart 8. These new courses and characters were released in six waves over the course of 2022 and 2023, ultimately concluding with 48 new courses, eight new characters, and over a dozen new Mii racing suits. Added racetracks include returning favorites like Rainbow Road and Boo Lake, real-world-inspired "Tour" courses such as Tokyo Blur and Rome Avanti, and all-new experiences including Piranha Plant Cove and Ninja Hideaway. Beloved characters including Pauline, Peachette, and Diddy Kong also return from previous Mario Kart titles as part of Waves 4, 5, and 6 of the Booster Pass. With the Booster packs doubling the number of courses available to race in Mario Kart 8, they definitely stand out as one of 2023's best DLC.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Released
- April 28, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a racing game in the world-renowned racing game series. The game was released in 2017 for Nintendo Switch and was at the time the first Mario game on the platform. It is an improved version of the Wii U game Mario Kart 8. It comes with added characters and changes in Battle Mode.
Burn rubber across Mushroom Kingdom raceways—underwater, in the sky, upside-down in zero-g, and past the finish—for the win! Get revved up for local multiplayer, online in-game tournaments, a revamped battle mode, and more!
Stay fresh in the Mario Kart™ 8 Deluxe game by playing as guest characters Inkling Girl and Inkling Boy! You can use their Splatoon inspired karts on their battle mode stage, Urchin Underpass.
There are also returning items, like Boo, the item-stealing ghost, and the Feather, used exclusively in battle mode. Veterans rejoice—you can hold two items at once! Prove you’re the world’s best racer and battler in online tournaments, or simply race and battle friends online. With many control options and handheld mode, there’s always a way to play on the Nintendo Switch™ system!
- ESRB
- E
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo EAD, Nintendo EPD
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
- Franchise
- Mario Kart
- Platform(s)
- Switch
- Genre(s)
- Racing
Remnant 2: The Awakened King DLC
Read The Best War Games's Remnant 2 Review
Soulslike shooter Remnant 2 launched in July 2023 and not too long after debuted new content in the form of its first DLC, The Awakened King. It centers around the One True King, a legendary figure who had slept for many years but was awakened once more. Unfortunately, the King has been corrupted by the Root, driving him mad and leaving him with only one thought: to seek vengeance on all who wronged him. The Awakened King features a brand-new storyline, many perilous new dungeons to explore, a new archetype called the Ritualist, multiple new weapons, armor, and accessories, and new bosses and enemies - including dangerous creatures who have arisen from the darkest depths of the ocean. Players who wish to stop the One True King from claiming his vengeance will have a difficult but thrilling journey ahead of them.
Remnant 2
- Released
- July 25, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
REMNANT II® is the sequel to the best-selling game REMNANT: FROM THE ASHES that pits survivors of humanity against new deadly creatures and god-like bosses across terrifying worlds. Play solo or co-op with two other friends to explore the depths of the unknown to stop an evil from destroying reality itself. To succeed, players will need to rely on their own skills and those of their team to overcome the toughest challenges and to stave off humanity’s extinction.
Intense Remnant Combat Experience: A mix of methodical and frenetic ranged/melee combat returns with cunning enemies and large scale boss battles. Choose specific gear and weapons to optimize for the different biomes and battles ahead. Bosses will bring high-level players to team up to overcome the challenge and try to obtain the biggest rewards
New Worlds to Explore: Players can travel alone or with friends as a team through strange new worlds and beyond, overrun by mythical creatures and deadly foes while trying to stay alive. There are multiple worlds to explore with different types of creatures, weapons, and items. Utilize and upgrade discovered items to take on tougher challenges
- ESRB
- M for Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Gunfire Games
- Publisher(s)
- Gearbox Publishing
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Soulslike, Third-Person Shooter
Resident Evil 4: Separate Ways
Read The Best War Games's Resident Evil 4 Separate Ways Review
The remake of Resident Evil 4 earlier in 2023 successfully brought a beloved horror classic into the modern day. Separate Ways is an additional story starring Ada Wong, who has been tasked by Albert Wesker with retrieving a sample of a mysterious substance called "the Amber." The DLC not only features several new stages with thrilling survival horror gameplay, but allows players to delve deeply into Ada's psyche and learn more about her motivations for working with Wesker and her encounters with Leon Kennedy. Separate Ways also adds new twists to gameplay, most notably Ada's grappling hook gun that allows her to traverse long distances and eliminate enemies from afar. The release of Separate Ways also came with the addition of Ada and Wesker as unlockable characters in the remake's The Mercenaries mode.
Resident Evil 4
- Released
- March 24, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
Survival is just the beginning.
Six years have passed since the biological disaster in Raccoon City.
Agent Leon S. Kennedy, one of the survivors of the incident, has been sent to rescue the president's kidnapped daughter. He tracks her to a secluded European village, where there is something terribly wrong with the locals.
And the curtain rises on this story of daring rescue and grueling horror where life and death, terror and catharsis intersect.
Featuring modernized gameplay, a reimagined storyline, and vividly detailed graphics, Resident Evil 4 marks the rebirth of an industry juggernaut.
Relive the nightmare that revolutionized survival horror.
- ESRB
- M for Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Capcom
- Publisher(s)
- Capcom
- Franchise
- Resident Evil
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror
Sea of Thieves: The Legend of Monkey Island
The Monkey Island series features some of the most iconic video game pirates of all time, so it made perfect sense as an addition to the seafaring action-adventure title Sea of Thieves. Told across three "Tall Tale" adventures, The Legend of Monkey Island sees players hunt down legendary pirate Guybrush Threepwood and then team up with him to take down his infamous nemesis, LeChuck. The Tall Tales introduce several new locations for players to sail to, including Melee Island and, of course, the secret-filled Monkey Island itself. Players can soar across ziplines, take on foes with both wits and blade in Insult Sword Fights, and dress in costumes inspired by Guybrush's many adventures as they help the man himself defeat his enemy once and for all.
Sea of Thieves
- Released
- March 20, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
Sea of Thieves offers the essential pirate experience, from sailing and fighting to exploring and looting – everything you need to live the pirate life and become a legend in your own right. With no set roles, you have complete freedom to approach the world, and other players, however you choose. Whether you’re voyaging as a group or sailing solo, you’re bound to encounter other crews in this shared world adventure – but will they be friends or foes, and how will you respond?
A Vast Open World: Explore a vast open world filled with unspoiled islands and underwater kingdoms. Take on quests to hunt for lost loot, forge a reputation with the Trading Companies and battle foes from Phantoms and Ocean Crawlers to Megalodons and the mighty Kraken. Try your hand at fishing, make maps to your own buried treasure or choose from hundreds of other optional goals and side-quests!
Become Legend: On your journey to become a Pirate Legend you’ll amass loot, build a reputation and define a unique personal style with your hard-earned rewards. Adventurer. Explorer. Conqueror. What will your legend be?
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Crude Humor, Use of Alcohol, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Rare
- Publisher(s)
- Microsoft Game Studios
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
- Genre(s)
- Adventure