These 5 DLCs completely change the gameplay of their base games and for many are the example to follow

At first we were hostile, but we gradually got used to what DLC means for a video game. We prefer free content updatesbut we understand that it may not always be that way if there is extra effort behind it.

In fact, wonders like Phantom Liberty (Cyberpunk 2077), Shadow of the Erdtree (Elden Ring) or Blood and Wine (The Witcher 3) show that a good DLC can offer even more than a sequel.

Typically, DLCs expand the story of their respective base games, although other times incorporate new mechanics which, in certain cases, can even change the way you enjoy that title.

The first example that comes to mind is Avatar: Pandora’s Frontierswhich will receive an update with a third-person view next December. It’s amazing, because looks like a new game.

Games like Gran Turismo 7, Pokémon ZA Legends or Elden Ring: Nightreign have announced that they will receive DLCs soon, but they certainly won’t be as revolutionary as the following.

Let’s review the DLCs (and expansions) that completely changed the way their respective base games were played.

Avatar: Pandora’s Frontiers

Enjoying the premiere of Avatar: Fire and AshUbisoft will launch on December 5th a very comprehensive update to Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, two years after the game’s release.

It’s not a DLC as such, but update makes Frontiers of Pandora feel like a new gameas it incorporates new animations, gestures, controls, sounds and technical details to take advantage of the third-person camera.

This is how many fans wanted the title to be from the beginning. This update also includes New game + and will arrive shortly before the launch of From the Ashes DLC. Come on, now is the best time to return to Pandora… or discover it for the first time.

Outer Wilds: Echoes of the Eye

If you’ve already explored the far reaches of space in Outer Wilds, you should give the Echoes of the Eye expansion a try, as it’s a DLC that practically makes it a different gameboth in tone (it feels like a survival horror) and mechanics.

Echoes of the Eye takes us to a hidden solar system, with some alien ruins on the Moon, the dark secret of the planet Dark Bramble and other mysteries, all accompanied by an infinite loop.

This DLC builds on many mechanics from the base game, but with a continuous search for the truth behind these strange events, and that makes it something unique. It’s really worth it, especially for the price of 14.99 euros.

Prey: Mooncrash

One of the most underrated single player shooters of the last generation, which also has a very special DLC that moves away from the basic game experience. We can also say that it inspired later successes, such as Returnal itself.

Prey: Mooncrash picks up right after the base game, but this time as Peter, a hacker who is sent to a TranStar moon base. For some strange reason, communications have been cut off and our duty is to find out why.

This DLC radically changes the rules of Prey, as it is a crazy hybrid between FPS and roguelite with 5 characters, lots of variety of weaponsand the threat of typhoon lurking around every corner.

Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare

One of the best DLCs of all time. If Red Dead Redemption is already a gem, with Undead Nightmare it finds a great connection with the zombie genre with a new story, new weapons and news like the 4 Horses of the Apocalypse.

John Marston now takes over A journey through the Wild West to find a cure for a zombie invasion. The dead emerge from cemeteries, but also fantastic creatures (such as unicorns) and zombified animals.

Undead Nightmare also includes new multiplayer characters, new modes (such as Zombie Apocalypse) and exclusive cosmetics. It costs 9.99 euros and will soon be available for current consoles and mobile phones.

Tiny Tina invades the dragon dungeon

This DLC for Borderlands 2 was so good that it gave rise to an independent adventure (available for 9.99 euros) and even its own full AAA, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands. And its magic lies in the fact that it is a hybrid between looter-shooter and tabletop RPG.

Tina Chiquitina Attacks the Dragon Dungeon Gifts 6 search for cameraseach with their own skills, which They follow the orders of Tina (the Camera Master) to save a kingdom from destruction.

Through forests, fortresses and crypts, this expansion of the famous 2012 shooter brings the Borderlands experience to a great tabletop RPG that captivates from the first minute. It’s as hilarious as it is irresistible.

These DLCs dared change the way your basic titles playBut that doesn’t mean they’re the best. You should take a look at the 15 best DLCs and expansions of all time.

And, although we left some examples aside, it’s worth remembering that some DLCs grew so much that they ended up becoming complete games, like Far Cry 3 Blood Dragon or Dying Light: The Beast.

Have you ever played these DLCs ​​that change the focus of the base game? We recommend you give it a try, as they are practically disguised sequels that expand the original experience with new mechanics, and sometimes even for free.