Post Menu and Details.
- What Are Expansion Packs?
- The Difference Between Expansion Packs and Downloadable Content
- Are Expansion Packs Worth It?
- Top 10 Most Popular Expansion Packs
- Conclusion
- FAQ’s
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Reading time: ~4 minutes
If you’re like most gamers, you love nothing more than playing your favorite game. But what happens when you beat the game or when the content starts to get a bit tired? Well, that’s where gaming expansion packs come in.
An expansion pack is an addition to an existing video game that adds new content and features to the game. Expansion packs are usually released a significant amount of time after the original game has been released and are often available for purchase online or in stores. This then means that if you’re a fan of a particular game, an expansion pack can add many hours of additional gameplay.
What Are Expansion Packs?
As we mentioned above, an expansion pack is an addition to an existing video game that adds new content and features to the game. This can include new levels, new characters, new items, new graphics, new gameplay mechanics, and more.
Story-based expansion packs pick up where the original game left off and usually add several hours of new story-based content. This can include new levels, new quests, and new cutscenes.
Content-based expansion packs, on the other hand, don’t usually add any new story content. Instead, they add new gameplay content, such as new items, new levels, new characters, and new mechanics.
We recommend taking a look at a site such as Yesgamers.com to see what’s available for your favorite game.
The Difference Between Expansion Packs and Downloadable Content
It’s important to understand the difference between expansion packs and downloadable content (DLC). Downloadable content is typically smaller in scope than an expansion pack and is usually released much sooner after the game’s release.
So what actually is provided in common downloadable content? It might be new characters, equipment, locations, or game modes, depending on the game. The majority, if not all, of these, were included in earlier expansion packs.
DLC is also usually less expensive than an expansion pack. For example, the Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare Season Pass (which includes four DLC packs) costs $49.99, while the Call of Duty: WWII Season Pass (which includes three DLC packs) costs $39.99.
However, downloadable content has been the subject of a lot of discussion in the gaming community. The video game industry as a whole is suffering from an overabundance of frivolous offerings, which many perceive as shallow money grabs.
The majority of gamers firmly believe that additional content should completely enhance the initial experience of the original game, and perhaps most importantly, these additions must demonstrate respect on the part of the developers for their fanbase.
Are Expansion Packs Worth It?
This is a difficult question to answer, as it depends on the individual game and expansion pack in question. Some expansion packs are definitely worth the price, while others are not.
Whether or not an expansion pack is worth your time and money depend on a few factors. First, you need to be a fan of the game. If you don’t enjoy playing the game, then an expansion pack isn’t going to change that. You also need to consider the cost of the expansion pack. If you’re only marginally interested in the game, then an expensive expansion pack probably isn’t worth it.
You should also consider how much additional gameplay you’re getting with the expansion pack. If the expansion pack only adds a few hours of gameplay, then it might not be worth it. However, if the expansion pack adds dozens of hours of gameplay, then it could just be worthwhile to purchase.
Top 10 Most Popular Expansion Packs
Now that we’ve gone over the basics let’s take a look at 10 of the most popular expansion packs of all time.
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Dragonsong
- The Sims 4 – Get to Work
- Civilization V: Brave New World
- Assassin’s Creed III: The Tyranny of King Washington
- Mass Effect 3: Omega
- Diablo III: Reaper of Souls
- Borderlands 2: Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keep
- World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King
- Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty – Heart of the Swarm
- Halo 5: Guardians – Warzone
Conclusion
There are some superb expansion packs that do more than just give you more time to play a game you enjoy. It will add something that the first game lacked and that you weren’t aware it required. It will either enhance the original experience or change how you see the themes or events in that game.
Some of the best expansion packs can also be played independently of the original game and can be considered games in their own right.
The decision of whether or not to buy an expansion pack, however, really comes down to personal preference. Some gamers love gaming expansion packs, while others don’t think they’re worth the money. Ultimately, you’ll have to decide for yourself whether or not an expansion pack is worth your money.
FAQ’s
Is an expansion pack the same as DLC ( Downloadable Content )?
The terms expansion packs and DLC refer to the same thing, with DLC being the more common term these days. They add more content to a game, whether superficial content like specific items or more substantive content like levels with more challenges.
Can you play an expansion pack without the original game?
No. You must own the original game in order to play an expansion pack. An expansion pack can’t run on its own.
Who was the first to release an expansion pack for a game?
The first expansion pack for the PlayStation was Grand Theft Auto: London 1969.
Why do Expansion Packs exist?
Developers and publishers use expansion packs and a season pass to add new content to their games after their releases. Similarly, gamers are searching for reasons to keep playing their favorite games. Expansion packs can dynamically add content which does just that.
How many gamers buy Expansion packs?
According to a survey of gamers conducted in 2019, 87% of respondents purchased expansion packs for their games.
Thank you for reading!