After finishing a game, players often feel an urge for more adventures set in the same universe. This sentiment is precisely where standalone downloadable content (DLC) excels, offering fresh experiences within beloved worlds. These expansions provide bite-sized escapades that maintain the joy of the original while introducing unique twists.
In fact, many standalone DLC titles on this list surpass some full games, showcasing hidden gems that deliver experiences that can rival mainstream AAA releases. Below is a curated selection of the best standalone DLCs that have made a lasting impact on the gaming community.
10. Dishonored: Death of the Outsider
Eliminating a Deity
Step back into the shadows with Dishonored: Death of the Outsider, a standalone expansion that retains the rich narrative depth and quality of the Dishonored franchise. Players assume the role of Billie Lurk, a character with a complicated past, as they explore new supernatural abilities and intriguing gadgets.
This DLC reimagines familiar gameplay elements while encouraging players to experiment with their approach. It not only enriches the lore but also serves as a compelling standalone narrative.
9. Alan Wake: American Nightmare
Rewrite Your Story
Fans of classic horror will appreciate Alan Wake: American Nightmare, which draws inspiration from Stephen King and the Twilight Zone. Released two years post-original, this DLC carves its own narrative while respecting the unsettling themes that defined its predecessor.
Set against the haunting backdrop of Arizona, players confront the eerie doppelganger, Mr. Scratch, while wielding iconic weapons like Wake’s flashlight and firearms. The inclusion of live-action cutscenes adds an extra layer of depth, immersing players in a cinematic horror experience.
8. Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare
Zombies in the West
Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare twists John Marston’s ordinary western escapades into a nightmare as an undead army corrupts his world. This horror-infused experience rejuvenates the gameplay with inventiveness and humor, proving to be a defining aspect of Rockstar’s legacy.
The opportunity to tame four horses of the apocalypse adds to the appeal. Unlike a simple reskin, this DLC carves its niche within the series, delivering an unforgettable experience that expands the Red Dead universe.
7. Infamous: First Light
Neon-Infused Thrill Ride
Infamous: First Light shifts the spotlight to Abigail “Fetch” Walker, showcasing her journey and enhancing the narrative significantly compared to its predecessor. Fetch’s neon abilities create a visually stunning experience as she battles her demons and explores her gritty backstory against the DUP.
6. Uncharted: Lost Legacy
Spinoff Treasure Hunt
After Nathan Drake’s saga concluded in Uncharted 4, many fans felt a sense of loss. Enter Uncharted: Lost Legacy, a standalone adventure that introduces protagonists Chloe Frazer and Nadine Ross. This game retains the series’ beloved mechanics while adding fresh character development and thrilling action sequences.
5. XCOM: Enemy Within
New Threats, New Toys
XCOM: Enemy Within enhances the already outstanding XCOM: Enemy Unknown by introducing fresh tactical elements, including a new enemy faction called EXALT. In addition to the extraterrestrial threats, players can now leverage powerful new mech suits and genetic engineering enhancements.
This expansion elevates tactical gameplay with new maps and mission types, ensuring every strategic decision carries weight in your quest against the alien menace.
4. Wolfenstein: The Old Blood
Blast from the Past
Wolfenstein: The Old Blood serves as a thrilling prequel to The New Order, plunging players into Wulfsburg where the action is intense and relentless. Combining visceral combat with stealth gameplay and occult elements, this expansion captures the essence of the series while deepening its lore.
3. Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon
80s Nostalgia Overload
Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon embraces an over-the-top homage to 80s action films, providing players with a neon-soaked, synth-heavy experience. The thrilling gameplay, coupled with cheesy one-liners, transports players to a retro-inspired universe where hilarity and excitement abound.
2. Grand Theft Auto: Episodes From Liberty City
Two Chaotic Stories, One Wild Ride
GTA: Episodes From Liberty City exemplifies how stories can elevate a game, offering two distinct narratives that capture the chaos of its predecessors. The Lost and Damned delves into the darker aspects of biker life, while The Ballad of Gay Tony offers a colorful, extravagant experience filled with unforgettable characters and wild crime scenarios.
1. The Last of Us: Left Behind
A Heartbreaking Masterpiece
In Left Behind, Naughty Dog masterfully delivers an emotional experience that rivals its main title, The Last of Us. This prequel enriches Ellie’s story, showcasing her relationships and motivations in a poigant and deeply resonant manner.
The brief but impactful narrative, along with stellar voice acting, cements Left Behind as a testament to what standalone DLC can achieve in storytelling.
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