Expansions and DLCs have become synonymous with modern gaming, with the widespread availability of fast internet connections meaning that most people have no problems with downloading new content for the games they own. It's easy for developers to phone it in and make something that just serves as a mediocre addition to the experience that players already enjoy, but there are times when developers go above and beyond to ensure that players can enjoy an expansion that further enhances the quality of their game.

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In fact, some expansions are so great that they breathe new life into their game, and compel more players to check out the new chapter in a video game they've enjoyed. Whether it be in the form of a major tonal shift, new gameplay mechanics, a noticeable visual overhaul, or anything else along the same lines, these expansion packs deserve their time in the spotlight as DLCs that rejuvinated their games.

5 Minerva's Den

A Story That Rivals The Original Bioshock

Given how much of a phenomenon BioShock was, it was only a matter of time before a sequel to this amazing title would grace the market. While BioShock 2 brought forth some much-needed gameplay improvements, the story was considered by many to be inferior to its predecessor. Ken Levine's absence was palpable, and most people were ready to write off BioShock 2 as nothing more than an unremarkable sequel. However, this perception changed with the release of the Minerva's Den DLC.

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Focusing on a more personal story where players got to control a Big Daddy, Minerva's Den features the same narrative chops that most people saw in the first BioShock game. This DLC doesn't overstay its welcome, and lets players enjoy a great adventure in the city of Rapture, culminating in a plot twist that is genuinely surprising and serves as a great reward for players who stuck with this game as it worked its way toward reaching the same level of storytelling as its predecessor.

4 Blood And Wine

The Region Of Toussaint Is Vibrant And Full Of Unique Activities

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is considered by many to be one of the greatest video games ever made, even if the endgame was noticeably rushed compared to the rest of the experience. Technical limitations and time constraints stopped CD Projekt Red from going all-out in showing the Wild Hunt's damaging presence, and it wasn't until the release of Blood & Wine that the developers became more versatile with REDengine 3, allowing them to craft an expansion that has established a stalwart legacy for itself.

The region of Toussaint features a completely different art style compared to the rest of this dark fantasy world, with the injection of color being very welcome after the events of the base game and Hearts of Stone. The open-world activities were refined to feel less formulaic, and the finale of this DLC allowed players to see the damage caused by rampaging vampires in the city of Beauclair as they tried to stop Dettlaff. It's a masterful expansion pack and the perfect send-off for Geralt and his epic journey.

3 Shadow Of The Erdtree

Introduces A Whole New Level Of Difficulty That Is Grueling Even For High-Level Players

Elden Ring is a game that took the world by storm and made the Soulsborne formula more mainstream than ever before. The open-world structure eased more people into the game and let them enjoy a tough yet fair combat system that rewarded diligence and skill. However, one complaint about the game that has remained constant to this day is how its open-ended nature means that most players became way too overpowered for the vast majority of bosses they encountered later on in this title.

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These issues are addressed in Shadow of the Erdtree, where enemies and bosses hit like a truck and compel players to find as many Scadutree Fragments as possible to bridge the power gap. Even with this knowledge, the DLC is no joke, and will force players to further improve their skills, negating the over-leveling problem of the base game. The Land of Shadow emulates all the strengths of Elden Ring's open-world design, letting players explore more of this amazing world that has helped FromSoftware become one of the biggest names in the video game industry.

2 Blood Dragon

The Neon-Soaked World And Comedic Writing Were A Welcome Change From The Base Game

Far Cry 3 itself rejuvenated the Far Cry franchise after the middling reception to Far Cry 2, establishing a formula that Ubisoft has implemented and improved upon time and time again. Jason Brody's adventures were enthralling at the time of release, and it helped that Michael Mando's portrayal of Vaas made any scene featuring his character a highlight. After this wild ride was over, fans wondered how a DLC would help augment the game's strengths.

The answer was to completely change the setting of the game, abandoning the tropical island setting for a neon-soaked retro 80s vibe with an emphasis on humor. Blood Dragon is one of the most popular and beloved expansion packs of all time, with a ton of people finding this short yet sweet adventure to be an excellent use of Far Cry's gameplay systems. While video game adaptations are becoming more and more common, Blood Dragon is the only video game expansion to receive its own Netflix adaptation with Captain Lazerhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix.

1 Phantom Liberty

Completely Overhauled The Base Game's Mechanics

Cyberpunk 2077 experienced one of the most disastrous video game launches of all time. The amount of bugs and unfulfilled promises in this game was immense, and destroyed much of the hype people had for it before release. It took years and numerous updates for CD Projekt Red to earn back all the goodwill they lost, with the launch of the Edgerunners update being a step in the right direction. However, it wasn't until Update 2.0 and Phantom Liberty's release that the unfulfilled promise of Cyberpunk 2077 was finally achieved.

The tweaked gameplay systems, cyberware overhaul, and improved combat made Cyberpunk 2077 one of the best RPGs available. Meanwhile, Phantom Liberty itself is an amazing story that expands upon the worldbuilding of the base narrative, and gives players an amazing performance by Idris Elba as Solomon Reid. The region of Dogtown is a blast to explore and features more of what makes Cyberpunk 2077 such an amazing experience.

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