Best Open-World Games to Play for Their DLC Story

As a seasoned gamer with over three decades of gaming under my belt, I must say that the DLC expansions for some of these games truly shine in enriching the characters and stories we’ve grown to love.

Ghost of Tsushima’s Iki Island Expansion is a perfect example of this. As someone who has spent countless hours exploring open-world games, I can confidently say that Jin Sakai’s journey into his past on Iki Island was both captivating and emotionally resonant. The way the developers delve deeper into Jin’s character, revealing layers of guilt, fears, and motivations, is nothing short of masterful storytelling.

In a way, it reminded me of my own life experiences, where sometimes it takes a journey back to our roots to truly understand who we are. And just like how I always find a way to make a joke out of any situation, let me say this: I guess you could say that Jin Sakai and I both learned that home isn’t always the place you start in, but the place you return to – even if it’s covered in Mongols.

May your controllers never overheat, your reflexes always be quicker than your enemies, and your gaming sessions filled with joy and camaraderie!

Video games, contrary to what some people who don’t play them might believe, can actually deliver captivating stories. Games such as The Witcher 3, Cyberpunk 2077, and The Last of Us aren’t just enjoyable to experience; they also weave intriguing narratives that keep you glued to your controller. We’re currently in an era where video game storytelling is thriving, and open-world games are particularly impressive as each new console generation rolls out.

Occasionally, these extensive open-world games offer an enhanced experience due to expansions and downloadable content (DLC). These narrative-driven DLCs provide gamers with additional story content they crave. Some of the open-world games boasting outstanding narratives have remarkable story DLC. The games on this list are renowned for their compelling stories, but you’ll need to purchase the DLC if you wish to fully enjoy them.

8. Cyberpunk 2077 – Phantom Liberty

A Spy Thriller That Unlocks a New Ending for V

2077’s Cyberpunk journey towards restoration was finally sealed in 2023 with the unveiling of its eagerly anticipated story expansion, Phantom Liberty. This expansion introduced a fresh district within Night City to discover, primarily Dogtown, and predominantly unfolded as an intriguing solo spy thriller narrative. However, the conclusion of this tale significantly impacted V’s overall narrative arc.

For individuals acquainted with “Cyberpunk 2077”, they would recognize that the initial release featured four primary endings, each involving a different scenario of an assault on Arasaka Tower. Conversely, Phantom Liberty presents a distinct conclusion to V and Johnny’s journey. Upon finishing the DLC’s narrative, V will be given an opportunity to alter her ending if she manages to win the President’s favor. The new option is undergoing a surgical procedure that extracts the chip in V’s head, but this decision would mean giving up the ability to utilize cyberware in the future. While it might not be the finest ending in “Cyberpunk”, one’s preference plays a role in such judgments. Apart from the additional ending, Phantom Liberty expands upon the lore of “Cyberpunk” for those who haven’t delved into the tabletop game.

7. The Witcher 3 – Blood And Wine

An Epilogue to Geralt’s Story That Sees Him Retire

As a dedicated movie buff and gaming enthusiast, I can confidently say that The Witcher 3 was so close to cinematic perfection for many fans like myself, making its DLC highly anticipated. This masterpiece is undoubtedly one of the greatest dark fantasy open-world games ever crafted, with a reputation built on exceptional storytelling and the satisfying resolution it provided for the trilogy. CD Projekt Red’s decision to create Blood and Wine as an epilogue for Geralt’s tale was nothing short of daring, set three years following the base game’s conclusion. This expansion primarily offers a self-contained narrative.

In the course of its playthrough, it makes references to choices players made in the main game, but the DLC primarily tells its own tale. It’s a must-play for those who enjoyed Geralt’s adventures, as Blood and Wine aims to provide Geralt with a fitting conclusion. This could involve him considering retirement from monster hunting to settle down on his own vineyard. In contrast, the main game concluded the story of the Wild Hunt and Geralt’s quest for Ciri, but left Geralt’s personal destiny more unresolved.

6. Fallout 3 – Broken Steel

Fixed The Base Game’s Ending By Allowing the Protagonist to Live

As a passionate cinephile of video games, I can’t help but sing praises for the masterpiece that is “Fallout 3”. It stands tall among the pantheon of post-apocalyptic games, an undeniable testament to its greatness. However, despite its many triumphs, its conclusion left a chill in the hearts of many who ventured into its ruins.

Before its grand unveiling, Bethesda hyped up “Fallout 3” with promises of hundreds of endings. Yet, upon playing it, it became clear that there were only a handful to choose from. Essentially, the choices boiled down to whether the water purifier was destroyed, if players chose self-sacrifice, or if they contaminated the water supply with FEV. Regardless of the path chosen, there was no opportunity to continue the story after the credits finished rolling – a disappointment indeed.

In Fallout 3, the conclusion seemed rather sudden, leaving players craving more gameplay. Broken Steel addressed this by carrying on post-base game events, allowing players to collaborate with the Brotherhood of Steel to combat the malicious Enclave. This additional content skillfully illustrates the repercussions of the player’s decisions at the end of the base game and provides an opportunity for the player to vanquish the game’s strongest evil faction. Most notably, Fallout 3‘s ending was underwhelming, but Broken Steel made amends by enabling players to continue their adventure.

5. Dying Light – The Following

Two New Endings to Further Kyle Crane’s Story

In a different tone, let me express: The initial Dying Light concluded somewhat anticlimactically. The main character, Crane, ultimately chose to depart from the malevolent GRE and collaborate with Dr. Camden to create an antidote for the zombie plague. Regrettably, the game concluded without revealing any advancement on this cure. Fortunately, The Following offered some resolution. Known as one of the top horror game DLCs, The Following appears to be set a few months after the original game’s ending and depicts Crane venturing into the countryside in search of supplies, leaving Harran behind.

As a long-time fan of survival horror games, I must say that The Following DLC for Dying Light is, in my humble opinion, a truly outstanding addition to the game. Having played through both the main game and this expansive piece of content, I can confidently assert that it provides a satisfying conclusion to the story of Kyle Crane, the protagonist of Dying Light.

The narrative begins with Crane venturing into the countryside in search of rumors of a cure for the virus that has plagued Harran. Along the way, he stumbles upon a mysterious cult and delves deeper into their dark secrets. The DLC then unfolds, filling in the origins of the virus through the backstory of “The Mother”.

What sets The Following apart from other DLCs is its two possible endings. Players can either choose to transform Crane into a sentient Volatile and infect the rest of the world, or opt for a more destructive ending by nuking both Harran and themselves but halting the virus’s spread. Techland has yet to confirm which ending is canon, but it seems that the upcoming Dying Light 2 spin-off, The Beast, may shed some light on this matter.

Personally, I found The Following to be a fitting conclusion to Crane’s story, offering a sense of closure that was missing from the main game. It was a true testament to the open-world survival horror genre and demonstrated Techland’s commitment to delivering high-quality content for their fans. If you haven’t yet experienced The Following, I highly recommend giving it a try – it’s definitely worth your time!

4. Elden Ring – Shadow Of the Erdtree

Making Elden Ring’s Already Complex Lore Even Deeper

In simpler terms, the narrative style of FromSoftware games, including Elden Ring, tends to be somewhat cryptic or hard to understand. While it received high praise from critics and players alike, many people found it challenging to decipher the game’s story. To put it in layman’s terms, one could say that the story centers around a large, luminescent tree, which seems like a reasonable summary.

The tale woven by Shadow of the Erdtree serves to enrich the main game’s backstory in intriguing manners. It delves into the characters of the Two Fingers and the Greater Will, while offering insights on the enigmatic Empyrean Miquella, a character whose absence was significantly noticeable in the core game. The DLC also touches upon living jars, battling dragons, and the Frenzied Flame. As such, it is an essential addition for players who relish reading item descriptions and are committed to understanding as much as they can about Elden Ring’s lore.
Essentially, Shadow of the Erdtree is Miquella’s narrative, and by revealing his intentions, it brings fresh perspectives to the best endings in the base game.

3. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey – The Fate Of Atlantis

Expands The Isu Mythology

On occasion, additional DLC for a game’s conclusion can be beneficial, either because the initial ending fell short or left gamers yearning for more resolution. For instance, in modern Assassin’s Creed games like Odyssey and Valhalla, supplementary post-game DLC has often piqued interest. However, it may disappoint players to discover that key aspects of Kassandra/Alexios’ stories are hidden within DLC, as these games require significant time investment.

The Odyssey series of downloadable content extends the player’s responsibilities as the guardian of Hermes’ Staff, delving deeply into one of Assassin’s Creed’s most debated (and arguably unifying) elements: the Isu. This narrative thread is meticulously crafted to pique the interest of long-term fans. Furthermore, it serves as a conclusive chapter for the protagonist’s journey, making it essential play for those enamored with Kassandra or Alexios. Additionally, for players captivated by the intricate lore of the franchise, this instalment is indispensable.

2. Fallout New Vegas – Lonesome Road

Turns the Courier Into A Character With Depths and Regrets

A different Fallout title finds its place on this list due to distinct factors. While Broken Steel extends Fallout 3’s conclusion, Lonesome Road offers a unique departure. Unlike the rest of the series, Fallout: New Vegas‘s narrative stands out, yet its protagonist, the Courier, remains relatively uncharted territory. This is altered through the game’s downloadable content (DLC), each offering self-contained tales, but subtly pointing to a larger story encompassing the Courier’s past and an intriguing figure known as Ulysses.

In “Lonesome Road,” the narrative delves into the Courier’s backstory, providing insights into their life before Benny left them for dead. This encounter with Ulysses unveils a mutual past and compels the Courier to reconsider choices made in the past and their impact on the game world. Essentially, “Lonesome Road” represents the peak of the Courier’s personal journey, although it’s important to note that New Vegas’ story encompasses more than just the Courier, despite the Courier being a key figure in some conclusions.

1. Ghost of Tsushima – Iki Island Expansion

Makes Jin Sakai An Even More Interesting Character

As a movie-goer reviewing the “Iki Island Expansion” for the captivating samurai game, “Ghost of Tsushima,” I’d say this add-on can be experienced following Act 1, but for maximum impact, it should ideally be played either just prior to or immediately after the main storyline concludes. The expansion doesn’t alter the game’s ending, but rather provides a profound exploration into Jin Sakai’s past, his connection with his father, and the enduring legacy of his family on Iki Island.

Picture this: Iki Island is a wild, anarchic territory that has fallen prey to a band of Mongols, led by a mysterious figure known as the Eagle. This expansion offers a riveting journey into the lawless world of Iki, where Jin uncovers more about his past, strengthens bonds with his father, and delves deeper into his family’s history on the island.

Via the hallucinations caused by the Eagle’s venom, Jin is compelled to reexperience painful episodes from his past, such as his father’s demise and the violent heritage of the island within his family. Jin often comes across as stoic and taciturn, but this additional content uncovers aspects of his regret, apprehensions, and ambitions. While the narrative of the expansion may not be as potent as the main game’s, it is an essential play for those who appreciate Jin’s character and yearn to delve deeper into him.

2024-12-30 17:34