9 DLC That You Can (& Should) Play Before The Main Game

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DLC, or Downloadable Content, is extra content you can get for a game. It’s often called an ‘add-on,’ which might make you think of it as just a bonus after you’ve finished the main game.

Often, the main story does enhance the downloadable content released afterward. But there are also plenty of separate, complete stories and smaller side adventures that are fun to experience even before you start the main game.

Some elements hint at future events, while others deepen the main story and offer valuable background, creating a richer experience.

Before you start playing that new game, why not try something a little different and have dessert first? It might shock some people, but it could be fun to break the rules!

We’re also looking at downloadable content that can be used on its own, without needing the main game. We’ll also consider content that requires some initial progress in the main game, but players can still quickly focus on unlocking it.

9. Fallout New Vegas

Dead Money

Let’s start with something that might be a bit of a bold choice for some players. If you’re the type who enjoys jumping into a new game and immediately setting the difficulty to hard, then this could be right up your alley.

Okay, so Dead Money for Fallout: New Vegas is seriously amazing, but be warned – it’s rough. It’s a really dark, depressing, and challenging DLC. Honestly, if you want a Fallout experience that feels like a true struggle for survival – like you’re really fighting to live – this is it. It’s the closest I’ve found to that feeling without playing Fallout 4’s survival mode.

I recommend starting with this one because the game will take away all your items anyway, so you’ll only lose your skill points and perks. Playing it early will also prepare you for the challenges ahead.

It will be incredibly difficult, but ultimately worth it. First, focus on reviving the Sierra Madre – don’t even think about Benny until that’s done.

8. Fallout 3

Mothership Zeta

Okay, so as a huge Fallout fan, I have to tell you about something awesome in Fallout 3. You can actually get abducted by aliens early in the game and start the Mothership Zeta DLC. Seriously, do it! It’s a fantastic idea because you get some unbelievably powerful weapons that make almost every fight in the Capital Wasteland super easy. It totally changes the game!

What’s really great is that this downloadable content is so lighthearted and over-the-top, you can enjoy it without needing to know anything about the main story. It’s pure, silly sci-fi fun – almost like a cartoon!

This new addition feels like the rush of getting the Alien Blaster in the original game, except it’s a mini-adventure that gives you a great start for everything else you’ll do. Just try to avoid getting…examined. You’ll definitely want all your parts to rescue Liam Neeson’s character.

7. Infamous 2

Festival of Blood

Ever wish you could instantly be great at a game’s controls, even if you had no idea what was going to happen in the story? That’s exactly what playing Festival of Blood before Infamous 2 feels like. It lets you learn the gameplay without spoiling the main adventure.

Think of Festival of Blood as a separate, unusual adventure starring Cole, much like First Light was essentially a longer preview of Second Son. It’s a self-contained, surreal experience with a vampire twist.

Think of it as a Halloween version of Infamous – you don’t need to know anything about the previous games or the main character to enjoy it. It’s a great way to practice your skills and learn the city before jumping into the full game, making the beginning much easier.

6. Grand Theft Auto IV

Ballad of Gay Tony

Man, GTA4 is a game that really splits people. I know a ton of players who absolutely love how realistic and gritty it is – Liberty City feels so much more lived-in, you know? But then there are others, myself included sometimes, who missed the over-the-top fun and craziness that the older GTA games were known for. It definitely felt like a big shift in tone.

Ballad of Gay Tony felt like a deliberate attempt to recapture the fun, over-the-top spirit of classic open-world games like those on the PlayStation 2. It told its own separate story within the existing game world, and it’s still incredibly popular with players today, just like the fifth installment.

This game isn’t just more visually appealing – the story is fantastic, the characters are incredibly well-developed, and the side missions are much more exciting and over-the-top than what you experience in the main game.

This downloadable content is a good way to get used to the style of GTA4, and some players might even enjoy playing it before starting Niko’s story. And don’t worry about Niko – if you ignore him, he’ll just go bowling!

5. The Last of Us

Left Behind

The great thing about getting into a popular game a little late is that by the time you start, all the extra content (DLC) is usually available. This means you can experience everything – the main game and all the additions – whenever you want, and in any order you choose.

This is especially useful for players new to The Last of Us, letting them experience the prequel, Left Behind. This story provides important background on Ellie, explaining her history and how she developed immunity to the cordyceps virus.

I’ve seen people say that getting emotionally invested in the main game will make Left Behind hit even harder, but honestly, I think it works better the other way around. Playing Left Behind first actually made me appreciate the main story so much more when I got back to it. It just added a whole new layer of depth.

Regardless of how you approach it, you’re in for a complete and amazing story – a unique blend of playful innocence and heartbreaking disaster. If that sounds good, go ahead and start watching, but be careful of the Clickers!

4. Red Dead Redemption

Undead Nightmare

While the first Red Dead Redemption is starting to show its age compared to newer open-world games, it still delivers a powerful and unforgettable experience. Its story is full of memorable moments and truly heartbreaking events – and that emotional weight is what makes it so special.

If you’re looking for cowboy action without a heavy story, Undead Nightmare is the perfect choice. It’s a fun, zombie-filled adventure that lets you skip the main game’s more emotional parts.

Okay, so this game is like a really fun, goofy sandbox where you get to experience a different take on John Marston’s story. Don’t worry, it won’t ruin the main game at all! It’s a great way to practice being a cowboy and get comfortable with the world before jumping into the real adventure – just without the zombies, thankfully.

3. Bioshock 2

Minerva’s Den

To be honest, it doesn’t really matter if you play the main Bioshock 2 story or the Minerva’s Den DLC first – they’re pretty separate and won’t spoil anything in the other. However, if you want a more focused and polished experience, I’d recommend starting with Minerva’s Den.

Okay, so BioShock 2 gets a lot of flak for not really feeling like the first BioShock, which is fair. But honestly, the Minerva’s Den DLC? It fixes so many of the things people didn’t like about the main game. It’s a seriously good addition.

This game boasts a compelling story with deeper themes, told in a concise and engaging way. The action is more refined and well-balanced, and the levels are thoughtfully designed. Unlike some games, it focuses on a single, impactful ending that perfectly concludes a truly excellent experience.

This downloadable content is essentially a director’s cut, showing what BioShock 2 could have achieved. If you’re eager to experience the best this sequel has to offer, play this content first.

2. The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion

The Shivering Isles


I often replay The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, and the remastered version makes it even better on newer computers. No matter which version I’m playing, though, I always rush straight to Bravil to get to the entrance to The Shivering Isles.

Sheogorath’s realm of madness feels incredibly enchanting and unique, making it more captivating than the rest of the game. The main game is still excellent, but this expansion is truly special and stands out as a wonderful experience.

What’s great about Oblivion is that you can start playing at any level – the game adjusts its difficulty to match your progress. However, waiting too long to begin can actually make the game much harder, so it’s best to jump in when you’re ready!

Sheogorath represents joyful madness, unpredictability, and a playful absurdity – qualities I believe make for truly great games. To experience this, seek out the Strange Door, complete a few tasks for Haskill, and embrace the delightful chaos.

1. Farcry 3

Blood Dragon

The Blood Dragon DLC feels completely different from the rest of Far Cry 3. While the main game is a realistic and intense survival story, Blood Dragon is over-the-top and comedic – like a playful class clown within the series.

Just to be clear, Blood Dragon is a fantastic, high-energy experience overflowing with 80s nostalgia and bright neon lights. It’s actually a great way to prepare for the main game, helping you become accurate with shooting and learn the essential gameplay skills.

It embraces all the over-the-top tropes of 80’s action films, but does so with a playful self-awareness, constantly poking fun at itself and the genre.

This is a quick, action-packed preview of what’s to come with the main story and characters like Vaas. Enjoy the stylish visuals and don’t hold back – just dive right into the action!

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2025-10-31 18:12