Summary
- Expanding games no longer require new titles with DLC.
- Not all DLC needs full game content; lore, expansions, or adventures suffice.
- Ideal DLC offers fresh experiences, great for on-the-go gaming.
What constituted a full game used to depend on its amount of content and playtime length. In previous years, expanding games forced developers to make new games like Dot Hack and Digital Devil Saga. Now, it’s easier to make new content for an existing game with DLC expansions.
With how much DLC has developed, it can be confusing whether some content counts as just DLC or its own game. Not every DLC expansion has to include full game-length content. They can range from clarifying the world’s lore, giving characters more screen time, new challenging adventures, or others. The most ideal DLC also gives such a fresh, memorable experience for players to enjoy, which is great for taking on the go for Nintendo Switch.
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10 Side Order (Splatoon 3)
What Could Have Been
Splatoon 3
- Released
- September 9, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
Side Order features a separate single-player campaign within a different version of Inkopolis Square. Agent Eight returns for another challenging adventure, though this time going up through the Spire Of Order.
The game functions like a rogue-like with levels offering different challenges and an overwhelming army of enemies. Agent Eight can equip different weapons with preferred upgrades for each run. Completing each floor will reward chips for better benefits like damage or ink coverage. It's very replayable, as the game encourages the player to travel up the tall tower with every weapon.
9 Fantastic Four: Shadow of Doom (Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order)
Doomed Finale
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order
- Released
- July 19, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Team Ninja, Koei Tecmo
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
- Franchise
- Marvel
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- Platform(s)
- Switch
Fantastic Four: Shadow of Doom takes place after the main story with a new threat appearing for the infinity stones. Doctor Doom invades Wakanda to take the soul stone for his goal of becoming the ultimate being, forcing the Marvel alliance to gather once again to stop him.
The chase for Doctor Doom has led the Alliance to The Fantastic Four, who eagerly join the mission to stop their villain. They’re not only available to thwart Doom's plans, but for many other missions.
8 Repaint Your Heart (Persona 5 Tactica)
Artistic Thieves
Persona 5 Tactica
- Released
- November 17, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- P-Studio
- Publisher(s)
- Atlus
- Franchise
- Persona
- Genre(s)
- Tactical
- Platform(s)
- PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, Switch
Repaint Your Heart lets Joker team up with his latest Phantom thieves on a new journey. When they suddenly fall into a new dimension, they’re caught amid a dangerous one-sided paint war.
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The DLC still plays like the main game, though adds a unique rule that's reminiscent of Splatoon. Paint is a new mechanic that requires high environmental awareness for benefits. Certain paint under a character can provide different rewards or consequences, widening the strategic depth with positioning.
7 Delicious Last Course (Cuphead)
Sweet Isle
Cuphead
- Released
- September 29, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
The Delicious Last Course brings the young brothers to a new isle where the Chef asks them for ingredients to make a special dish. This dish is said to revive their ghostly companion, which the boys agree to complete. This quest isn’t easy, as the new enemies holding the items aren’t willing to give them up without a fight.
With newer bosses come newer weapons and charms, including the help of Ms. Chalice. She plays very differently compared to the brothers with her parry dash and invincible dodge roll. Getting new charms and powers isn't locked to the new isle, expanding the main party's options throughout both adventures.
6 Mask Of Darkness (Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown)
Mental Platforming
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
- Released
- January 18, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Ubisoft Montpellier
- Publisher(s)
- Ubisoft
- Franchise
- Prince of Persia
- Genre(s)
- Action, Platformer, 2D
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One
Mask Of Darkness offers an expansive side quest that lets Sargon face one of the Immortals. What's different about this soldier is her ability to trap the protagonist in her Mind Palace, an alternate dimension over which her dark powers reign.
Although most of his powers were taken thanks to his enemy's magic, Sargon is controlled the same way. He still has his dual swords and bow to face the new monsters and bosses roaming the decrepit mental realm. This quest forces him to rely on his platforming skills to overcome the challenging landscape areas full of traps and obstacles.
5 Rayman In The Phantom Show (Mario + Rabbids Sparks Of Hope)
Theatrical Performance
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
- Released
- October 20, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
Rayman In The Phantom Show is a separate adventure from the base game. Not only does Ubisoft's iconic platformer return, but one of Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle's special villains makes a comeback as well. Despite their past differences, Rayman teams up with Rabbid Peach and Rabbid Mario to challenge several theatrical scenes by the Phantom.
Rayman follows the same rules as he does in the base game, though he uses different transformations, like Rocket, to his advantage rather than the Sparks. This journey is enjoyable for players who favor the base game's formula since it remains very familiar. What’s best about this new adventure is experiencing the new humor, puzzles, music, and interactions with the beloved Rayman.
4 The Ancient Gods Part 2 (DOOM Eternal)
The Hellish Finale
DOOM Eternal
- Released
- March 20, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- id Software
- Publisher(s)
- Bethesda
- Franchise
- DOOM
- Platform(s)
- Xbox One, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Nintendo Switch
The Ancient Gods Part 2 makes Doomguy continue his hunt to eliminate the demons once and for all by challenging the Dark Lord. This final act allows Doomguy to use the sentinel hammer, which makes demonic crowds easier to handle.
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Doomguy depends on his usual rip-and-tear tactics with his previous arsenal, which forces the demons to bring new recruits to battle. These new foes, like the Armored Barons and Screechers, force Doomguy to use certain guns to break their weak points for damage. Despite their growing numbers, Doomguy is encouraged to annihilate their existence.
3 The 23rd World Tournament (Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot)
Dragon Ball Storm
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot
- Released
- January 16, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- CyberConnect2
- Publisher(s)
- Bandai Namco Entertainment
- Franchise
- Dragon Ball
- Platform(s)
- Stadia, PS4, Switch, Xbox One, PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
The 23rd World Tournament is a rare experience that other Dragon Ball games haven't ever covered. It offers the perspective of teen Goku, who prepares for the 23rd World tournament. This competition lets him meet several familiar faces and strong opponents, including younger Bulma, assassins, and the son of Demon King Piccolo.
The game shifts its combat to become less like Dragon Ball Xenoverse with its aerial fighting style. Since it's earlier Dragon Ball, the fights are more grounded like Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm. Outside of combat, Goku can explore the original Dragon Ball world to participate in activities like fighting crime, fishing, eating, or taking a view of the skies.
2 Cindered Shadows (Fire Emblem: Three Houses)
Story In Depths
Fire Emblem: Three Houses
- Released
- July 26, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Intelligent Systems
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
- Franchise
- Fire Emblem
- Genre(s)
- Strategy, RPG
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch
Cindered Shadows is a separate journey in which the professor and three houselords explore the infamous abyss. This quest shines a spotlight on the rumored fourth house that was left below the Garreg Mach Monastery.
The particular quest is played like the base game, from its strategic combat to socializing with students and soldiers. Completing this campaign will offer usable rewards in the main game, like more recruitment opportunities and class certifications.
1 Future Redeemed (Xenoblade Chronicles 3)
The Future For The Series
Xenoblade Chronicles 3
- Released
- July 29, 2022
WHERE TO PLAY
Future Redeemed takes place before the events of Xenoblade Chronicles. A powerful entity is threatening Aionios, which forces the protagonists of Xenoblade Chronicles predecessors to team up with the antagonist of Xenoblade Chronicles 3. Their battle did end, though their overall conflict continues with ominous beings invading Aionios.
Aionios is filled with many activities, like building camps, finding survivors, discovering super bosses, and much more. The combat is very similar to the base game with several tweaks like customizable arts and Ouroborous effects.
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