2024 has been a big year for video game DLCs, with expansions like Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree being recognized as one of the best video game DLCs ever made. Ultimately, what it takes for a video game DLC to be considered great is whether it feels essential rather than optional, and plenty of expansions released in 2024 have managed to achieve that.
POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD
2024 has ten standout DLCs, ranging from massive world-building expansions to engaging narratives. Each has contributed something significant to its base game—not just extending playtime but enhancing the overall experience. These DLCs are shining examples of how supplementary content can elevate a game to new heights, whether through deep storytelling, innovative gameplay mechanics, or stunning new environments. Each of the DLCs listed is presented in alphabetical order.
The 15 Best Indie Games Of 2024
Indie games tend to be more innovative than AAA titles, ensuring that the best of each and every year dance to the beat of their own drums.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
When it comes to 2024's best video game DLCs, it's almost impossible not to think of Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. Recognized as the highest-rated video game DLC ever made, there is little doubt that it tops the list of expansions released in 2024. Shadow of the Erdtree takes players beyond the Lands Between to the Realm of Shadow, a new area that is central to the overarching story. It revolves around Miquella, a god-like figure and brother to Malenia, who was introduced in the base game but never fully explored.
What ultimately sets Shadow of the Erdtree apart from other DLCs in 2024 is its amount of content and faithfulness to Elden Ring's formula. At the same time, it innovates on Elden Ring's formula with more verticality in its world than the base game, as well as an increased challenge to level the playing field.
- Released
- June 21, 2024
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Base Game
- Elden Ring
- Developer(s)
- FromSoftware
- Publisher(s)
- Bandai Namco Entertainment, FromSoftware
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer
- Engine
- Proprietary
WHERE TO PLAY
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
Destiny 2: The Final Shape
Read The Best War Games's Review of Destiny 2: The Final Shape
Destiny 2's latest expansion, The Final Shape, was a long time coming ahead of its release, aiming to conclude the decade-long Light and Darkness Saga that the franchise began when the original Destiny launched in 2014. In The Final Shape's campaign, players were brought face-to-face with the Witness in the Traveler’s mysterious Pale Heart, which not only served as a new destination for Destiny 2 but also some of the most creative and captivating world designs the franchise has ever seen. While the player count dwindled just a few weeks after its release, The Final Shape has still been widely recognized as one of Destiny 2's best expansions, so it is more than deserving to be recognized as one of 2024's best video game DLCs.
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
- Franchise
- Destiny
Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred
Due to it belonging to a live-service game, Diablo 4's Vessel of Hatred expansion had a similar story to Destiny 2's Final Shape DLC, in that it started off strong but dwindled shortly after. That being said, Vessel of Hatred did introduce the Spiritborn class to Diablo 4, which was arguably its biggest selling point. The Spiritborn is one of Diablo's most versatile classes to date, considerably increasing the expansion's appeal. Vessel of Hatred also introduced the primal jungle of Nahantu to the game, which brilliantly contrasted the dark world of Sanctuary players had spent time in before. Alongside a new region and class, Diablo 4's Vessel of Hatred expansion brought with it extensive updates to systems like Paragon boards, itemization, and class abilities, reinforcing its position among the best DLCs of 2024.
WHERE TO PLAY
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC
- Franchise
- Diablo
Final Fantasy 16: The Rising Tide
At the heart of Final Fantasy 16's latest DLC, The Rising Tide, is an epic showdown with Leviathan, who has made regular appearances in the Final Fantasy franchise and was therefore highly anticipated ahead of The Rising Tide's release. Set before the final chapter of Final Fantasy 16's main story, The Rising Tide delves into the mystery surrounding Leviathan’s Dominant and its place in Valisthea’s lore. In addition to a climactic and challenging battle against Leviathan, The Rising Tide also introduced a new region, new weapons and skills, and new narrative threads that deepen the beloved protagonist, Clive Rosfield. Arguably topping the DLC that came before it, Echoes of the Fallen, The Rising Tide is worthy of being recognized as one of 2024's best video game DLCs.
Final Fantasy 16
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 87 /100 Critics Rec: 91%
- Released
- June 22, 2023
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Publisher(s)
- Square Enix
- Engine
- Proprietary Engine
- Franchise
- Final Fantasy
WHERE TO PLAY
Alan Wake 2: The Lake House
Alan Wake 2's second DLC, The Lake House, serves as a pivotal narrative bridge between Remedy Entertainment's interconnected universes of Alan Wake and Control, automatically making it worth a play for fans of both franchises. The story shifts focus to Federal Bureau of Control (FBC) Agent Kiran Estevez as she investigates the Lake House, a secret FBC facility located near Cauldron Lake. Players explore how the facility's experiments with the lake's supernatural properties went wrong, unleashing threats and creating new, terrifying enemies called "The Painted." The Lake House combines Alan Wake 2's atmospheric survival horror with Control's unique environmental design to produce one of 2024's best video game DLCs.
Alan Wake 2
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 89 /100 Critics Rec: 93%
- Released
- October 27, 2023
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Nudity, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- Remedy Entertainment
- Publisher(s)
- Epic Games
- Engine
- Northlight Engine
- Franchise
- Alan Wake
WHERE TO PLAY
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
- Genre(s)
- Survival Horror
- How Long To Beat
- 17 Hours
- PS Plus Availability
- N/A
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
World of Warcraft: The War Within
Serving as the tenth expansion pack for World of Warcraft, The War Within takes players beneath Azeroth's surface to explore Khaz Algar, where they join Anduin, Jaina, and Thrall to rally the Earthen and other allies to confront Xal'atath and the Void's growing influence. Apart from its engaging narrative, The War Within has been praised for its solo-friendly Delves, as well as its new playable race and new features like Hero Talents. Its deep lore and innovative mechanics make it a standout addition to World of Warcraft and a worthy addition to the list of 2024's best video game DLCs.
- Released
- August 26, 2024
- Base Game
- World of Warcraft
- Developer(s)
- Blizzard
- Publisher(s)
- Blizzard
WHERE TO PLAY
Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail
Final Fantasy 14's Dawntrail expansion is the MMO's fifth expansion, and it takes players to the western continent of Tural, where players determine who will lead this united nation of varied peoples. Along the way, players explore new regions like the verdant Kozama'uka forests and the majestic city of Tuliyollal. While the expansion has proven to be divisive among fans, there is no ignoring the fresh content it adds to the base game, including two new jobs, Viper and Pictomancer, alongside a level cap increase and enhanced graphics, marking the game's first visual overhaul since its initial release. These aspects, as well as updated gameplay systems and innovative content for crafters and gatherers, make it stand out among 2024's best video game DLCs.
- Released
- July 2, 2024
- ESRB
- Teen // Blood, Language, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence
- Base Game
- Final Fantasy 14
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Publisher(s)
- Square Enix
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op
- Engine
- Proprietary
WHERE TO PLAY
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC
- Franchise
- Final Fantasy
- How Long to Beat
- 43.5-60 hours (single-player) // 1625 hours (co-op)
Persona 3 Reload: Episode Aigis
Building upon Atlus' Persona 3 Reload remake, Episode Aigis offers an additional story centered on the robotic SEES member, Aigis. This DLC provides a deeper look at her character's evolution and the challenges she faces in coming to terms with her humanity. The story complements the base game's themes of self-discovery and camaraderie, while introducing new gameplay elements tailored to her unique combat abilities. With rich narrative depth and gameplay enhancements, Episode Aigis is a must-have for fans, adding significant replay value to the already beloved remake.
Persona 3 Reload
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 87 /100 Critics Rec: 94%
- Released
- February 2, 2024
- ESRB
- Mature 17 / Blood, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- P-Studio
WHERE TO PLAY
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 4
- Franchise
- Persona
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch 2, PC
- Genre(s)
- JRPG, RPG, Life Simulation, Strategy
- How Long To Beat
- 65 hours
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
Dead Island 2: SOLA Festival
Dead Island 2 has had robust post-launch support since its April 2023 launch, and that includes the SOLA Festival DLC. SOLA Festival brings players to a chaotic music festival in Los Angeles, where they encounter new zombies and friendly but eccentric NPCs. Ultimately, players are sent there to uncover the truth behind a sinister plot while navigating the festival grounds now filled with dangerous enemies and fresh challenges. While it doesn't necessarily do anything to expand on or resolve the base game's story, Dead Island 2's SOLA Festival does enhance the core game experience with new weapons, skills, and environments.
Dead Island 2
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 75 /100 Critics Rec: 57%
- Released
- April 21, 2023
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Drugs
- Developer(s)
- Dambuster Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Deep Silver
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 4
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op
- Franchise
- Dead Island
WHERE TO PLAY
- Number of Players
- 1-3
- Platform(s)
- PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- How Long To Beat
- 15 Hours
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
- PS Plus Availability
- Extra & Premium
- File Size Xbox Series
- 61 GB (February 2024)
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Vampire Survivors Castlevania DLC
A bit of an unexpected addition to the list of 2024's best video game DLCs is Vampire Survivors' Castlevania DLC, Ode to Castlevania, which effortlessly blends Vampire Survivors' signature pixel-art chaos with iconic gothic elements inspired by the Castlevania series. In the DLC, players battle through dark castles, battle legendary monsters, and acquire new weapons steeped in vampire lore. The DLC expands on the original game’s roguelike gameplay by introducing fresh characters, stages, and abilities, offering a nostalgic yet innovative experience that can appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers. Overall, there are plenty of reasons why it would be considered one of 2024's best DLCs.
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 88 /100 Critics Rec: 98%
- Released
- December 17, 2021
- ESRB
- T For Teen // Blood, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Luca Galante
- Publisher(s)
- Luca Galante
- Engine
- unity
- Multiplayer
- Local Co-Op
- Franchise
- Vampire Survivors
WHERE TO PLAY
- Number of Players
- 1-4
- Split Screen Orientation
- N/A (Shared Screen)
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Verified
- Platform(s)
- Mobile, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
- Genre(s)
- Roguelike
- How Long To Beat
- 6 Hours
- X|S Optimized
- No
- PS Plus Availability
- N/A
- File Size Xbox Series
- 1 GB (November 2023)
- Local Co-Op Support
- 1-4 Players
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty