8 Incredible Video Games Featuring Disappointing DLC

The arrival of new content for video games is typically viewed positively, particularly when the original title is exceptional. In numerous instances, expansions and downloadable content (DLC) can enhance the gaming experience, sometimes surpassing the quality of the base game. However, this is not universal; history has shown that certain DLC can fall short, with some even detracting from the overall enjoyment of the game.

While games like Borderlands 2 with its “Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keep” and Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty present prime examples of effective expansions, several titles unfortunately illustrate the pitfalls of poorly executed DLC. Let’s review some well-known games that suffered markedly from their downloadable content.

1 The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

Horse Armor

An armored horse in Elder Scrolls IV Oblivion

Could there be a more notorious DLC than The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion’s Horse Armor? This infamous add-on has become emblematic of poorly valued content, priced at nearly a fifth of the full game for an item that offers minimal utility. Why invest heavily in such a trivial enhancement?

Moreover, Oblivion’s DLC catalog included other expansions like The Orrery, which received similar backlash for their lack of substance. Nonetheless, Oblivion also featured some remarkable expansions, notably The Shivering Isles, which arguably eclipsed the base game.

2 Borderlands

Mad Moxxi’s Underdome Riot

While Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands has been criticized for its shortcomings, the original Borderlands also delivered a less-than-stellar DLC, namely Mad Moxxi’s Underdome Riot. Players are tasked with facing off against enemies they have already encountered, making the experience feel monotonous and tedious.

This expansion lacks the unique loot and engaging narrative that make the game compelling, reducing gameplay to a repetitive grind. For players who enjoy such mindless challenges, it might hold some enjoyment, but at a $10 price point, its value is questionable.

3 Battlefield 4

Pay Not To Play

For fans of tactical shooters, Battlefield 4 is well-regarded; however, the Shortcut bundles—the DLC in question—are contentious. These purchases allow players to quickly unlock already available items, sidestepping the rewarding progression system that enhances gameplay.

This scenario raises the question: why pay to bypass elements of the game you should experience? While they may meet the criteria for DLC, many consider these bundles to be more an annoyance than an enhancement.

4 Europa Universalis IV

Leviathan

Europa Universalis IV is renowned for its intricate gameplay; however, not all expansions live up to this standard. The Leviathan DLC launched with severe issues, including broken features and unbalanced content modifications, frustrating many players.

Initial reviews reflected widespread disappointment, with the expansion even earning a negative rating on Steam. Thankfully, subsequent updates resolved many of its issues, but the initial launch tarnished its reputation.

5 Saints Row 2

Every Single DLC

Saints Row 2 shines as a standout game, even successfully competing with Grand Theft Auto. However, the DLC offerings were markedly underwhelming. Apart from a free cosmetic pack, the paid expansions consisted of only three missions each, taking approximately an hour to complete.

Considering the base game offers over twenty hours of gameplay, the pricing of DLCs—especially with cliffhanger endings that were never resolved—felt unjustified to many players.

6 Rainbow Six Siege

Gold Weapons Skin Pack

The era of mid-2010s gaming saw a trend toward pre-orders and associated bonuses, often resulting in content that felt more like a marketing tactic than genuine addition. The Gold Weapons Skin Pack for Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege typifies this practice.

Released as a pre-order incentive, it has been criticized for lacking any real content and could be dismissed as mere cosmetic filler. This practice casts a shadow on the game’s quality, even if Siege remains popular a decade later amidst concerns about its supplementary content.

7 The Saboteur

The Midnight Show

The Saboteur is an underrated, open-world title celebrated for its unique style and engaging narrative. However, its DLC, The Midnight Show, sparked controversy. This content offered in-game nudity as its primary selling point, which many regarded as questionable.

With an additional mini-game and unlockable vehicle, it barely elevates above the level of Horse Armor, especially given that it seemed to repackage content that should have been included in the base game.

8 Gran Turismo 7

$200 Cars

Microtransactions are often viewed unfavorably across the gaming community, and Gran Turismo 7 exemplifies the dissatisfaction. Despite its accolades as a showcase for the PS5, the game’s credit system requires substantial grinding.

Players can bypass this grind with microtransactions, spending $19.99 for 2, 000, 000 credits. This practice is particularly egregious, as some cars cost up to 20, 000, 000 credits, equating to a staggering $200 per car. Such monetization strategies often feel exploitative rather than genuinely adding value to the game.

Fortunately, Gran Turismo 7 also features updates that introduce new cars at reasonable prices, providing some redemption for its approach to DLC.

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