Summary
- Almost every game nowadays offers some DLC, but several single-player titles stand out, requiring no additions.
- Baldur's Gate 3 and Disco Elysium represent complete CRPG experiences.
- Action games like God of War, Marvel's Spider-Man 2, and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice offer the exact same content for everyone.
It can be challenging to even pinpoint the roots of downloadable content (DLC) for games, as the idea of selling additional content for games is nothing new. Back in the day, before everyone had access to the internet, almost every successful game received expansion packs or sizable add-ons, often sold separately on discs. In time, more and more companies adopted the idea of selling additional content digitally, resulting in smaller DLC becoming as common as huge story expansions.
Nowadays, almost every single-player or multiplayer game receives similar treatment. Along with various editions for purchase, each coming with its own digital bonuses, such as costumes, weapons, or skins, developers often release additional content over time. From large expansions that can be the size of a full-fledged sequel to smaller additions such as new quests or items, players can expect to find plenty of DLC available for their favorite games.
8 RPGs With Must-Play DLC For The Story
These RPGs have some incredible DLC that bring new or expanded stories to beloved settings.
Below, though, the rules are different, as we'll examine some of the best single-player games that never received any DLC. For clarity, the focus is on relatively recent titles released long after DLC had become the norm.
We won't include any new single-player games released during 2024–2025, as they may still get DLC announcements later. Also, the focus is on original titles, excluding remasters or remakes that may include DLC originally released as separate content.
Baldur's Gate 3
Defying Expectations In More Ways Than One
Baldur's Gate 3
- Released
- August 3, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
One of the most acclaimed games ever, Baldur's Gate 3 almost feels as if it is deliberately ignoring modern RPG trends in more than one way. From the game's confidence in its dice mechanics for every player's action to the wealth of content (all available in the base game, no DLC required), Baldur's Gate 3 is a CRPG dream come true for many, as evidenced by its enduring popularity even two years after launch.
While it's true that the game's patches stretch far beyond technical fixes and QoL improvements, constantly adding new features and even new content such as expanded endings, Larian has never made any addition either paid or separate from the original package. Getting the base game on any platform gives players the same complete treatment — simple as that.
The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom
Doesn't Get Any Bigger Or Bolder Than This
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- Released
- May 12, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Rated E for Everyone 10+ for Fantasy Violence and Mild Suggestive Themes
- Genre(s)
- Adventure, Action, Open-World
Nintendo is known for offering plenty of DLC for its games, which is why it's somewhat surprising that The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom never got any. It's even more curious when considering that DLC is available for its predecessor, Breath of the Wild. In the case of Tears of the Kingdom, it's possible that the base game is already so big and brimming with possibilities that it was hard to offer anything extra.
Best Open-World Games With Endless Replayability
These open-world games are massive even on the first playthrough, but also offer near-endless replay value for fans.
As one of the highest-rated games of recent years, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is also among the longest open-world single-player games on the market, capable of immersing players in its cozy world for hundreds of hours without the need for expansions.
Red Dead Redemption 2
Exceptional Game In Its Fullest Form
Red Dead Redemption 2
- Released
- October 26, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
Following in the footsteps of GTA 5, which never got any single-player DLC despite several having been planned at one point, Red Dead Redemption 2 is a complete day-one experience with no caveats. Aside from some minor bonus items depending on the game's edition, no RDR2 player would miss out on anything the base game has to offer, despite the numerous potential ways Rockstar might have chosen to expand upon it.
Of course, Red Dead Online is an entirely different story, with Rockstar releasing plenty of new content over the years. However, given that it's actually a separate game akin to GTA Online, which players can get separately, the Online mode has absolutely no impact on the story mode. Now, will the same be true for the upcoming GTA 6? Time will tell.
God Of War
New Vision Fully Brought To Life
God of War
- Released
- April 20, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
Easily one of the best game reboots, God of War is a perfect blend of beloved past legacy and an entirely fresh direction. Since 2018, Kratos and Atreus' journey has conquered millions of players and has done so in its day-one package, delivering everything the game has to show and say — a testament to its original vision that required no DLC to be a perfect single-player action game.
12 Highest-Rated Games Of This Generation, Ranked (So Far)
Here are the highest-rated video games of the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S generation released so far, and how their review scores compare.
While releasing DLC and add-ons isn't too common among PlayStation Studios, interestingly, God of War Ragnarök later received the totally unexpected addition of Valhalla. The best part is that Valhalla was released as a free addition for every owner of the game.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
A Full Circle For Wolf
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
- Released
- March 22, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice stands as a rare example in FromSoftware's portfolio of a single-player game that, to this day, has received no DLC, add-ons, or sequel. From day one, Sekiro delivered a complete experience for all owners of the game, wrapping Wolf's entire story on a high note.
It's hard to imagine what could be added here, as Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice accomplishes everything it sets out to do. Packing a unique setting, one-of-a-kind combat system, memorable characters, and an intriguing story with multiple endings, Sekiro rightfully took its place among the best action titles ever created.
Disco Elysium
Debut Project For The Ages
Disco Elysium
- Released
- October 15, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ due to Blood, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Use of Drugs, Violence
- Genre(s)
- RPG
A truly unique RPG unlike any other, Disco Elysium is a paradise for any RPG enthusiast who prefers lots of text, meaningful choices, interactions, and little to no combat. Since its release, Disco Elysium has carved its own niche, constantly appearing on lists of the best RPGs. It has almost no competitors for its unique strengths, which is especially impressive given that it was a debut game for ZA/UM, delivering the full package on release without the need for any DLC.
10 Longest Games Of This Generation So Far, Ranked
When looking for a story-driven game to enjoy for weeks, consider these great titles released during the ninth generation of consoles.
Unlike many other games listed here, Disco Elysium eventually got special treatment with Final Cut, although it had nothing to do with including previously released DLC. Instead, Final Cut added a full voice-over to the game alongside a few extra quests.
Marvel's Spider-Man 2
NYC Has No More Missions For Peter & Miles
Marvel's Spider-Man 2
- Released
- October 20, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen Due To Blood, Drug Reference, Mild Language, Violence
- Genre(s)
- Open-World, Action-Adventure, Superhero
Unlike the original Marvel's Spider-Man, which received several DLC packs known as The City That Never Sleeps, Insomniac took a different approach for Marvel's Spider-Man 2. Despite the game's popularity and the potential high demand for extra content, the decision was made not to expand the game in any way post-launch, so every owner of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 got the same complete experience, aside from just two extra suits released for free (the original got eight).
There were several potential reasons for the studio deciding to move on from Marvel's Spider-Man 2, including leaked data from the studio as well as its quick shift to Marvel's Wolverine development, a project that was probably announced a bit too early.
7 Best RPGs With A Fully Voiced Protagonist
When done right, voiced protagonists can really add flavor to an RPG experience and become memorable, relatable characters.