Best Single-Player Games That Were Supported For Years

Key Takeaways

Cyberpunk 2077
underwent a three-year journey of free updates to restore fan trust and add new content.
Techland set a new standard with years of consistent, meaningful updates for the
Dying Light
series.
No Man’s Sky
showcases unparalleled post-launch support, setting a new benchmark for the gaming industry.

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the rich tapestry of video game worlds, I can confidently say that the post-launch support for some titles is truly a sight to behold. Take, for instance, the remarkable tale of Hitman 3 – a single-player title that’s been graced with an abundance of free content, from seasonal events to new challenges and even a roguelike mode. It’s a dream come true for any Hitman fan, setting a new standard for the care and attention we hope to see in more games.

In today’s era of ongoing games, where long-standing online favorites are consistently expanded with continuous support, new features, and seasonal overhauls, standalone games can quickly lose their shine shortly after release, dwarfed by the next major debut. Yet, some developers exceed expectations for their audience, regularly providing updates brimming with fresh content for years, frequently without charging additional fees to those who have already purchased the game.

In the independent gaming sphere, it’s often the case that developers continue to support single-player games – games like Stardew Valley, Terraria, Factorio, Dwarf Fortress, and Deep Rock Galactic serve as excellent examples. However, even some big-budget (AAA) game creators have followed suit. At times, this extended support is a strategy to rectify a less than perfect launch, with studios seeking to regain player favor before unveiling their next major project. Here are some well-known single-player games that have received free updates over the years, as a token of appreciation from developers who aim to provide their fans with an exceptional gaming experience.

1 Cyberpunk 2077

Started As Damage Control, But Went Beyond Just Fixing Mistakes

The debut of Cyberpunk 2077 in December 2020 serves as a classic example of how things can go awry, tarnishing CD Projekt Red’s reputation and prompting the removal of the game from console marketplaces due to its unplayable condition. To their credit, they acknowledged their mistakes and swiftly began rectifying the issues, dedicating months to fixing and updating the game. However, that was just the start of a long journey.

After the significant 1.5 update launched in February 2022, Cyberpunk 2077 had greatly improved. However, the development team was not content to rest on their laurels. In anticipation of the Phantom Liberty expansion, the game underwent numerous free updates, introducing new content, missions, items, and refined features. The final major update, version 2.1, released in December 2023, delivered on the promise of a functioning subway system and, along with the extensive 2.0 update, surpassed mere bug fixes. This three-year journey of continuous updates managed to win back the faith of fans and provided the game with a fitting conclusion.

2 Dying Light

A Standout Example Of Long-Term Support

Dying Light marked a significant milestone for Techland and the gaming industry as a whole by showcasing the incredible potential of post-launch support for a single-player game. Over a span of seven years, it received an uninterrupted flow of updates, eventually leading to the launch of Dying Light: Definitive Edition in June 2022. Throughout its life, Dying Light offered six free packs that included blueprints, items, cosmetic skins, new missions, quests, and challenges. Moreover, it received eleven content drops, introducing a fresh location, game mode, new weapons, bounties, and foes.

Techland took things a step further by granting owners of the base game a complimentary upgrade to the Enhanced Edition, which encompassed the Dying Light Year One Season Pass, combining numerous paid expansions. By introducing fresh game modes at no extra cost and consistently delivering substantial updates, Techland developed one of the most comprehensive long-term support systems ever observed for a single-player game.

3 Hitman 3

Bringing An Iconic Franchise To Its Fullest

For over two decades, the Hitman game series has been a go-to choice in gaming, with eight primary installments that have progressively improved the franchise. The latest release, Hitman 3, or what’s also known as World of Assassination, serves as the pinnacle of this series, demonstrating the culmination of IO Interactive’s decades-long expertise. Furthermore, it showcases an excellent example of a single-player game receiving exceptional post-release support.

Over the past two years, developers have continuously enriched the game with free content additions like seasonal celebrations, fresh challenges, outfits, weapons, items, and contracts created by players themselves. The limited, time-sensitive Elusive Target events heighten the game’s tension. One of the standout features of Hitman 3‘s post-release enhancements is the debut of the free roguelike mode, Freelancer. Furthermore, exclusive missions such as The Disruptor (starring Conor McGregor) have rekindled interest in the game. For fans of the Hitman series, Hitman 3 is a long-awaited dream. Its sustained support sets a new standard for single-player games, and players can only wish that more titles will enjoy such comprehensive post-launch care and content.

4 Dying Light 2 Stay Human

Following In The Original’s Footsteps To Great Success

Dying Light 2 Stay Human demonstrates Techland’s exceptional dedication to their projects. Striving to match the high standards set by the initial Dying Light, the developers pledged a minimum of five years of post-release support for the sequel even before its release, and they have consistently upheld this commitment so far.

Ever since Dying Light 2 hit the shelves, its owners have been treated to an abundance of fresh content – from skin packages and special bounty tasks, to unique survivor missions offering exclusive prizes, along with new tunes. The most recent feature added is called Tower Raid, where players eliminate waves of enemies to collect new loot. Given the developer’s pace, Techland might continue in the same vein, potentially offering free expansions as a thank you gesture for their loyal players.

5 No Man’s Sky

A Devotion Players Rarely See In The Industry

As a devoted fan, I can attest that while No Man’s Sky isn’t quite on the level of an AAA title or strictly single-player like Cyberpunk 2077, it did start off in a challenging state, causing a wave of disappointment among players. Yet, what transpired afterward was truly extraordinary. Sean Murray and his team exceeded all expectations, consistently rolling out content updates and patches to bring the game closer to its initial concept. They’ve added a genuine multiplayer mode, enabled galactic exploration with friends, and introduced numerous new features. As a result, No Man’s Sky has broadened its appeal significantly. Its transformation from a troubled launch to an expansive and unique gaming experience sets it apart in a class of its own.

For the past year, the space exploration game, “No Man’s Sky,” has seen numerous significant content upgrades such as “Echoes,” “Omega,” “Orbital,” “Adrift,” and more recently, “Aquarius.” All these updates have been made available at no extra cost to all gamers, positioning the title as one of the most outstanding instances of persistent support and dedication in the gaming world.

2024-09-11 14:36