10 GREAT DLCs Released for FREE

10 Great DLCs Released for Free

Welcome to MojoPlays, and today we’re looking at incredible DLCs, updates, or expansions that were given to players free of charge.

“Not a Hero”

“Resident Evil VII: Biohazard” (2017)

Credited for breathing new life into the series, “Resident Evil VII” ends with new protagonist Ethan and his wife, Mia, making it to safety. However, the freely released ‘Not a Hero’ DLC picks up directly where the game left off, following franchise mainstay Chris Redfield as he hunts one of the remaining Baker family members. It was great to be back in control of Chris, especially in a far creepier setting than we’d last seen him. While it was still a bit more combat heavy, turning some players away who had enjoyed the series’ return to its roots, it was a strong blend of both worlds. It’s not quite as good as ‘End of Zoe,’ but Capcom charged us for that one, so here we are.

Extra Contracts

“The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” (2015)

CD Projekt Red’s “Witcher 3” received phenomenal expansions that we were happy to pay for. But before the game even released, the studio had free DLC in place. Post-launch, players received 16 free DLC packs, two every single week. Granted, a lot of the stuff added was cosmetic, like different hairstyles and outfits. But mixed in were new contracts and side quests, as well as new card sets for ‘Gwent,’ the popular in-game card game. While the free side quests obviously didn’t have the same level of story depth as the paid expansions, those like ‘Skellige’s Most Wanted’ were still highly enjoyable. And honestly, any extra time spent in this game is a positive.

The Heist Update

“Grand Theft Auto Online” (2013)

Launching not long after the single player “Grand Theft Auto V,” Rockstar’s online component has seen a lot of incredible content updates, all for free. It struggled during the first couple of years through technical issues and repetitive missions. However, everything changed in 2015 with the Heist Update. This included five distinct heist missions, all of which were huge with multiple parts, led to extravagant rewards, and were an absolute blast to play with friends. It was the major content kick “GTA Online” needed. Not only that, but everyone fell in love with Heists, prompting Rockstar to create more in future updates.

“Dead Kings”

“Assassin’s Creed Unity” (2014)

It’s strange to think that, a decade ago, Ubisoft launched “Assassin’s Creed: Unity” in such a poor state, the studio had to give out free DLC to appease fans. ‘Dead Kings’ followed Arno one week after the game’s climax, navigating the dark corners of Paris in search of an Apple of Eden. It was a great continuation of the story from the base game, wrapping up our time with Napoleon Bonaparte. But it was more than that, tying into the franchise’s overall lore and history to the delight of diehard fans. This, along with Ubisoft’s patches to fix “Unity,” went a long way towards making things right.

Free Expansions

“Hollow Knight” (2017)

Leave it to smaller developers to show the big dogs how it’s done. “Hollow Knight” already would’ve been destined to become one of the best indie games in years with stunning hand-drawn visuals and pristine Metroidvania gameplay. But then Team Cherry supported it with four expansions, which players had to pay absolutely nothing for. While they each varied in size, they brought in new bosses, locations, gameplay features, and, most importantly, quests. Whether you were digging into the history of the mysterious Grimm Troupe, or testing yourself through the insane bosses added in ‘Godmaster,’ there was something worthwhile in each of them. And it kept players diving back into Hallownest.

New Characters & Maps

“Overwatch” (2016)

While our feelings about “Overwatch” now are best described as bittersweet, there was a time when Blizzard treated it with the utmost care. Following its initial launch, the studio periodically released new characters and maps for several years, all free to those who owned the game. Many of these characters would redefine the meta, with some becoming strong fan favorites like Moira, Ashe, Orisa, and Doomfist. New maps were also usually cause for celebration, especially the literal celebration of the studio’s legacy in the theme park level, Blizzard World. Not only was each update fun, but they kept bringing players back, increasing “Overwatch’s” longevity as an addictive team-based shooter.

A Better Universe

“No Man’s Sky” (2016)

Hello Games’ “No Man’s Sky” had one of the most memorable launches in video game history, but for all the wrong reasons. It failed to live up to the significant hype behind it due to multiple missing features that were promised pre-release, leading to an empty, repetitive experience. As we all know now, that’s long in the past. The studio buckled down and began improving the game almost immediately, eventually releasing updates and DLC completely for free. And they’ve kept at it to this day. It’s hard to say which of these has been the best; 2018’s “No Man’s Sky Next” was a significant overhaul of the overall experience, and brought in multiplayer, so that’s a fairly big contender. Regardless, they’ve all made the game better.

Full Campaigns

“Shovel Knight” (2014)

Free expansions are one thing, but free campaigns are quite another. “Shovel Knight” made a huge splash on the indie scene in 2014. Incredible retro-inspired visuals, gameplay, and music made for a nostalgic shot to the heart that none of us could get enough of. Thankfully, Yacht Club Games kept that train rolling. Over the course of several years, the studio released three campaigns (‘Specter of Torment’ is my personal favorite), each focusing on a different villain from the base game. Not only did each chapter come with different gameplay styles, but they were all around the same size as the first game. They were all extremely fun, and given as gifts to all who had purchased “Shovel Knight.”

Lily, Beverly, Jackie, & Daria
“Spiritfarer” (2020)

Thunder Lotus’ “Spiritfarer” is the most relaxing game that can also make you want to weep. It follows Stella, starting her new job as a guide to spirits in the afterlife. While the game had plenty of charm and heart, from its gorgeous visuals to its thoughtful characters, the studio added a few free DLC spirits that made everything even better. Beverly’s story, chronicling her deterioration under Alzheimer’s, made us ache. Jackie and Daria’s story focused on the mistreatment of patients at the hands of their caretakers, as well as strain that comes from an under-resourced hospital. Lily, Stella’s sister, added some much-needed depth to the protagonist’s backstory, enhancing an ending that was already appropriately emotional.

Valhalla

“God of War Ragnarök” (2022)

‘Valhalla’ isn’t just one of the best free DLCs we’ve gotten in recent memory, it’s one of the best ones period. After receiving a strange invitation, Kratos and Mimir venture into Valhalla, the Norse afterlife meant for those who fell in battle. It adapted a roguelike approach, removing your armor and skills at the start, and having you choose your rewards through different paths. However, players found more than just tough enemies lying in wait. The DLC’s narrative was expertly crafted, focusing on Kratos’ failings as a Greek God so that he could move forward as a Norse one. ‘Valhalla’ is plenty fun, but it’s also a vital piece of its protagonist’s characterization.

What’s some of your favorite DLC you got at no extra cost? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to subscribe to MojoPlays for more great gaming videos every day!