Best Single-Player Games That Were Supported For Years

In the age of live-service games, where popular online titles constantly evolve with years of support, new updates, and seasonal changes, single-player titles often fade from the spotlight just weeks after launch, soon overshadowed by the next big release. However, a few developers continue to go above and beyond for their fans, releasing regular updates with new content for years, often at no extra cost to those who already own the game.

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While long-term support for single-player games is more common in the indie scene — Stardew Valley, Terraria, Factorio, Dwarf Fortress, and Deep Rock Galactic are prime examples — some AAA developers have also adopted this practice. Sometimes, this extended support is part of an effort to fix a rocky launch, with studios aiming to win back fan goodwill as they prepare for their next big release. Below are some of the most well-known single-player titles that have received free updates over the years, as a gesture of appreciation from developers who strive to deliver the best possible experience for their fans.

1 Cyberpunk 2077

Started As Damage Control, But Went Beyond Just Fixing Mistakes

Cyberpunk 2077's launch in December 2020 is a textbook case of how things can go terribly wrong, damaging a developer's reputation and leading to the game being pulled from console storefronts due to its unplayable state. To CD Projekt Red's credit, they took full responsibility and set to work immediately, spending months fixing and patching the game. But that was only the beginning.

By the time the massive 1.5 update was released in February 2022, Cyberpunk 2077 was in much better shape. Yet, the team wasn't done. In the lead-up to the Phantom Liberty expansion, the game received numerous free updates, including new content, missions, items, and reworked features. The final major update, 2.1, released in December 2023, fulfilled the promise of a working metro system and, alongside the massive 2.0 update, went far beyond mere bug fixes. This three-year journey of constant updates successfully restored fan faith and gave the game the conclusion it deserved. To this day, the developers continue to release regular updates, enhancing the game with each passing month.

2 Dying Light

A Standout Example Of Long-Term Support

Dying Light set a new standard for Techland — and the industry at large — by demonstrating just how extensively a single-player game can be supported post-launch. Over seven years, the game received a continuous stream of updates, culminating in the release of Dying Light: Definitive Edition in June 2022. Throughout its lifespan, Dying Light saw six free bundles featuring blueprints, items, cosmetic skins, new missions, quests, and challenges. Additionally, 11 content drops introduced a brand-new location, game mode, new weapons, bounties, and enemies.

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Techland went even further by offering all base game owners a free upgrade to the Enhanced Edition, which included the Dying Light Year One Season Pass, bundling several paid expansions. By adding new game modes for free and delivering such consistent and meaningful updates, Techland created one of the most extensive long-term support models ever seen for a single-player title.

3 Hitman 3

Bringing An Iconic Franchise To Its Fullest

The Hitman series has been a staple in gaming for 24 years, spanning eight main entries, each gradually refining the franchise. Hitman 3 (also known as World of Assassination) represents the pinnacle of the series, showcasing the culmination of IO Interactive's decades of experience. It also stands as a prime example of a single-player title receiving impressive post-launch support.

For more than two years, the developers have consistently updated the game with free content, including seasonal events, new challenges, suits, weapons, items, and player-curated contracts. The elusive target events, exclusive and time-limited, add a sense of urgency to the game. A major highlight of Hitman 3's post-launch support is the introduction of the free roguelike mode, Freelancer. Additionally, new elusive missions, such as The Disruptor (featuring Conor McGregor), have drawn fresh attention to the game. For Hitman fans, Hitman 3 is a dream come true. Its continued support sets a new benchmark for single-player games, and players can only hope that more titles will receive such long-term care and content.

4 Dying Light 2 Stay Human

Following In The Original's Footsteps To Great Success

Dying Light 2 Stay Human is another textbook example of Techland's exceptional commitment to its creations. Aiming to meet the high bar set by the original Dying Light, the developers pledged at least five years of post-launch support for the sequel before its launch, and so far, they have been keeping that promise.

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Since the game's release, every owner of Dying Light 2 has received plenty of new content, including skin bundles, bounty events, new survivor missions with unique rewards, and even new music. One of the latest additions is a new activity known as Tower Raid, where players clear floors of enemies to obtain new rewards. With the team showing no signs of slowing down, Techland may eventually follow their own precedent, perhaps even giving away paid expansions to players as a token of gratitude.

5 No Man's Sky

A Devotion Players Rarely See In The Industry

While not exactly a AAA title (nor strictly single-player), No Man's Sky shares similarities with Cyberpunk 2077, having launched in a troubled state that led to widespread disappointment. However, what followed was remarkable: Sean Murray's team went above and beyond expectations, regularly delivering content updates and patches to bring the game closer to its original vision. From adding a proper multiplayer mode to enabling galactic exploration with friends to introducing dozens of new features, No Man's Sky has significantly expanded its appeal. Its journey has become so unique that it stands in a league of its own.

Over the past year alone, No Man's Sky has received several major content updates, including Echoes, Omega, Orbital, Adrift, and most recently, Aquarius. Each of these updates has been released for free to all players, making the game one of the most impressive examples of long-term support and devotion in the gaming industry.

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