FromSoftware has established itself as a titan in the gaming industry, particularly noted for its exceptional expansions.
Their acclaimed titles—from Dark Souls to Elden Ring—have seen downloadable content (DLC) that frequently matches or even outshines the main games themselves.
In honor of over a decade of outstanding expansions, we present the finest Soulsborne DLCs ranked.
8 Ashes of Ariandel
A Memorable Boss with Limited Content
|
Game |
Dark Souls 3 |
|
Bosses |
Sister Friede; Champion’s Gravetender |
|
Playtime |
4 hours |
Among FromSoftware’s various expansions, Ashes of Ariandel stands as the least captivating. Despite introducing one of the game’s most captivating bosses, the overall content feels sparse.
The areas lack complexity, often featuring repetitive enemies, while the sole additional boss is somewhat underwhelming. Key elements like the Painter and the Corvians could have benefited from deeper lore and development.
Overall, while it’s not a poor expansion, Ashes of Ariandel fails to meet the high expectations set by other DLCs.
7 Crown of the Sunken King
An Underrated Gem
|
Game |
Dark Souls 2 |
|
Bosses |
Elana, Squalid Queen; Sinh, the Slumbering Dragon; Graverobber Varg, and Cerah |
|
Playtime |
4 hours |
As a dedicated fan of Dark Souls 2, I appreciate how the expansions rectify many of the original game’s shortcomings, particularly with Crown of the Sunken King.
This DLC features a co-op boss that pushes the boundaries of creativity, while the vibrant environment of Shulva, Sanctum City invigorates the game’s overall simplicity.
Admittedly, players may find the frequent poison mechanics and reliance on bows to traverse certain areas less enjoyable; however, Crown of the Sunken King introduces remarkable concepts that warrant further exploration in future titles.
6 Crown of the Ivory King
A Noteworthy Expansion
|
Game |
Dark Souls 2 |
|
Bosses |
Aava, the King’s Pet; Burnt Ivory King; Lud and Zallen, the King’s Pets |
|
Playtime |
6 hours |
Crown of the Ivory King elevates the DLC experience, embracing both innovative elements and sticking points from previous expansions.
While the co-op area may not be as engaging, this DLC offers some of the toughest and most well-designed bosses in Dark Souls 2.
The challenging enemies and relentless blizzards can frustrate players, yet Crown of the Ivory King illustrates FromSoftware’s unparalleled creativity and commitment to a grueling gameplay experience.
The rich lore of Eleum Loyce and the fierce battles leave lasting impressions, despite the tougher elements.
5 Crown of the Old Iron King
The Top Sovereign
|
Game |
Dark Souls 2 |
|
Bosses |
Fume Knight; Sir Alonne; Smelter Demon |
|
Playtime |
5 hours |
Crown of the Old Iron King seamlessly continues the exploration of new ideas, enhancing the overall gameplay of Dark Souls 2.
The Blue Smelter Demon may disappoint in the co-op zone, yet the fearsome Fume Knight and Sir Alonne elevate this expansion’s prestige.
Moreover, the greater verticality and intricate level designs amplify the sense of exploration and tension, creating a uniquely unpredictable experience.
Walking through the chains of Brume Tower for the first time is a memory etched in my mind; FromSoftware crafts set pieces like no other.
4 Artorias of the Abyss
Timeless Excellence
|
Game |
Dark Souls |
|
Bosses |
Sanctuary Guardian; Knight Artorias; Manus, Father of the Abyss; Black Dragon Kalameet |
|
Playtime |
6 hours |
Even after a decade since my first encounter with Artorias of the Abyss, this DLC continues to impress. Notably, it’s FromSoftware’s inaugural expansion and has displayed remarkable staying power.
Despite being plagued by tedious runbacks, this expansion excels in delivering quality bosses and enriching lore.
The legendary foes—Artorias, Manus, Kalameet, and the Sanctuary Guardian—collectively form an unforgettable roster that outweighs any drawbacks.
The narrative intricacies and NPC dynamics elevate Dark Souls‘ universe extensively, setting a benchmark for subsequent expansions.
3 The Ringed City
|
Game |
Dark Souls 3 |
|
Bosses |
Demon in Pain & Demon from Below; Halflight, Spear of the Church; Slave Knight Gael; Darkeater Midir |
|
Playtime |
7 hours |
With The Ringed City, FromSoftware delivers a fitting farewell to a timeless trilogy. The narrative conclusion is magnificently executed, melding perfectly with some of the toughest bosses
The epic battles against the likes of Darkeater Midir and Slave Knight Gael offer experiences that are both exhilarating and unforgettable, allowing players to immerse deeply into Dark Souls lore.
The final revelations about Gwyn and his progeny, coupled with the nostalgic reunion with the Painter, make the experience even more special. It’s a shame there were rough patches, particularly with Halflight, yet the overall impact of this expansion is profound, leaving players craving its inclusion in the base game for Game of The Year consideration.
2 Shadow of the Erdtree
A Strong Contender for GOTY
|
Game |
Ring of Fire |
|
Bosses |
Divine Beast Dancing Lion; Rellana, Twin Moon Knight; Commander Gaius; Scadutree Avatar; Putrescent Knight; Messmer The Impaler; Romina, Saint of The Bud; Bayle The Dread; Midra, Lord of Frenzied Flame; Metyr, Mother of Fingers; Promised Consort Radahn |
|
Playtime |
25 hours |
Receiving a Game of the Year nomination marks a historic achievement for Shadow of the Erdtree. This expansion expands upon its predecessor’s already incredible framework.
Transporting players back to the world of Elden Ring, this DLC fortifies the impact of the base game, blending immersive gameplay with stunning artistic direction.
The captivating new bosses, combined with brilliant audio and visuals, present a unique experience that’s unlikely to be replicated again. Shadow of the Erdtree stands apart and raises the bar for future expansions.
1 The Old Hunters
The Definitive Best DLC
|
Game |
Bloodborne |
|
Bosses |
Ludwig, The Holy Blade; Living Failures; Lady Maria of the Astral Clocktower; Orphan of Kos; Laurence, the First Vicar |
|
Playtime |
8 hours |
While Shadow of the Erdtree redefines perfection, The Old Hunters revitalizes Bloodborne, transforming it into a masterpiece.
This expansion adds layers of depth that enhance the base game, presenting incredible bosses and recontextualizing the storyline of Yharnam in unforgettable ways.
This DLC is integral to the essence of Bloodborne, making it challenging to distinguish between the two top positions on this list. Nonetheless, the absence of The Old Hunters would undeniably alter the identity of Bloodborne, solidifying its place as a top contender.
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