Top 20 Worst Video Game DLCs And Expansions Of All Time

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Ignacio Weil

Gaming - June 18th 2025, 17:00 GMT+2

Tiny Tinas Wonderlands Season Pass — Tiny Tina's Wonderlands – Season Pass (2022)

When *Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands* launched in 2022, fans were excited to dive deeper into its chaotic, fantasy-driven Borderlands spinoff. However, the Season Pass left many feeling cheated. Instead of the robust, content-packed expansions that Gearbox had previously delivered with *Borderlands 2* and 3, this Season Pass offered what felt like glorified side missions and reused environments. Each installment of the pass, especially the "Mirrors of Mystery" content, felt more like bite-sized challenges than full-blown DLC adventures. Even the addition of new classes didn’t do enough to justify the price tag. Despite an entertaining core cast – featuring voice talent like Andy Samberg and Wanda Sykes – the DLC failed to maintain the same humor, charm, or depth of the base game. | © Gearbox Software

Total War WARHAMMER III Blood for the Blood God III — Total War: WARHAMMER III – Blood for the Blood God III (2022)

*Total War: WARHAMMER III* had an impressive launch, combining the rich lore of Warhammer with deep strategy gameplay. But the "Blood for the Blood God III" DLC – released in 2022 – was an immediate red flag for many fans. Why? Because this DLC, essentially a gore effects pack, had been recycled from previous entries and resold *again* for the third time. Charging players for basic blood and gore visuals, especially after already doing so in *Warhammer I* and II, felt tone-deaf and cash-grabby. The content wasn’t substantial enough to warrant a standalone price tag, making it feel like a cynical monetization tactic. Despite the game's cinematic presentation and impressive voice work, this DLC was widely regarded as one of the most unnecessary add-ons in the franchise. | © Creative Assembly

KINGDOM HEARTS III Re Mind — Kingdom Hearts III – Re:Mind (2020)

Released in 2020, *Re:Mind* was meant to give fans closure after the polarizing ending of *Kingdom Hearts III*. But instead of answering lingering questions or expanding the narrative meaningfully, it repackaged many of the same boss fights and sequences – adding minimal new content. While die-hard fans appreciated the new playable characters and slight changes in perspective, most players were baffled that they had to pay for content that felt like it should’ve been included in the base game. Even with Haley Joel Osment reprising his role as Sora, and the franchise’s usual dose of Disney magic, the DLC lacked emotional punch and replay value. It’s often cited as a textbook example of Square Enix missing the mark on what fans actually wanted. | © Square Enix

TEKKEN 7 DLC13 — Tekken 7 – Frame Data Display DLC (2019)

In the competitive fighting game community, frame data is essential – it shows exactly how each move behaves and helps players master their timing. So when *Tekken 7* locked this critical information behind a paywall in 2019, fans were stunned. The Frame Data Display DLC didn’t offer new characters, stages, or stories – it simply gave players access to data that many believe should have been included for free. The move felt especially greedy in an era where transparency and player education are vital for competitive balance. Despite *Tekken 7*’s strong gameplay and appearances by characters voiced by well-known Japanese actors, this DLC soured its reputation with longtime fans. It highlighted how some publishers still misunderstand what’s essential versus what’s “bonus.” | © Bandai Namco Entertainment

Cropped Destiny The Taken King — Destiny – The Taken King (2015)

While *Destiny*’s *The Taken King* expansion (2015) was meant to course-correct many of the game's early mistakes, it also stirred controversy for essentially locking players out of previously available content. The expansion overhauled mechanics and progression – but it also rendered older gear obsolete and created a paywall between players and certain in-game features. Many were frustrated by the requirement to purchase the expansion just to continue enjoying the full experience. Despite strong performances, including voice work from the late Lance Reddick and fan-favorite Nathan Fillion, the pricing and structure left a sour taste. Though *The Taken King* introduced memorable lore and new raids, it also became a symbol of Bungie’s rocky relationship with its player base. | © Bungie

Cropped Evolve Season Pass — Evolve – Season Pass (2015)

When *Evolve* launched in 2015, it promised an innovative 4v1 multiplayer experience that pitted a team of hunters against a monstrous player-controlled creature. But excitement quickly soured with the release of the *Season Pass*, which offered minimal content for a steep price. Instead of enhancing the game, it splintered the player base and introduced a monetization strategy that felt rushed and exploitative. The DLC included just a few new hunters and monster skins, leading many to accuse developer Turtle Rock Studios of holding back content from the base game to sell later. Despite solid voice work and a high-quality production (including narration-style performances by veteran actors like Roger Craig Smith), the Season Pass became a poster child for bad DLC practices. | © Turtle Rock Studios

Mortal Kombat X – Easy Fatalities (2015)

Released in 2015, *Mortal Kombat X* was praised for its brutal, cinematic combat and high production value, featuring recognizable talent like Kiefer Sutherland, who lent his voice to some of the franchise's later characters. However, the "Easy Fatalities" DLC stirred up controversy almost immediately. This add-on offered players the option to perform iconic finishing moves with a single button press – for a price. Many fans saw this as a cheap cash grab, essentially monetizing accessibility for a core mechanic that’s been part of *Mortal Kombat* for decades. While some newcomers appreciated the convenience, longtime fans viewed it as a slap in the face. It was one of the earliest signs of microtransactions creeping into fighting games in unwelcome ways. | © NetherRealm Studios

Battlefield 4 – Ultimate Shortcut Bundle (2014)

*Battlefield 4* was already under fire for its buggy launch in 2013, and the release of the *Ultimate Shortcut Bundle* in 2014 only added fuel to the fire. This DLC allowed players to instantly unlock all weapons, vehicles, and gadgets – features that others had to earn through hours of gameplay. Many fans felt it undermined the game’s progression system, turning *Battlefield* into a pay-to-win experience, especially in competitive multiplayer. Though *Battlefield 4* featured stellar performances and massive online battles that were cinematic in scale, EA’s monetization tactics – including this bundle – overshadowed those achievements. The Shortcut Bundle became a symbol of impatience and unfair advantage in modern multiplayer gaming. | © DICE / Electronic Arts

The Sims 4 – All DLCs (2014)

While *The Sims 4* launched in 2014 with a charming art style and polished gameplay, its expansive (and expensive) library of DLCs has become infamous in the gaming world. With over 60 add-ons ranging from expansion packs to tiny “kits,” the total cost of owning the full experience runs into hundreds of dollars. Core features like swimming pools, toddlers, and seasons – available in previous Sims titles – were sold separately, leading many fans to accuse EA of deliberately withholding base content. Even with celebrity-themed packs (like Katy Perry’s Sweet Treats from *The Sims 3* era, which influenced future DLC marketing), the excessive fragmentation of content in *The Sims 4* has become a running joke. It's a textbook example of DLC oversaturation gone wrong. | © Maxis / Electronic Arts

Cropped Asuras Wrath — Asura's Wrath – Episode Pack Part IV: Nirvana (2012)

*Asura’s Wrath* was one of the most cinematic action games of the early 2010s, blending anime-style storytelling with quick-time combat and mythological themes. But when *Episode Pack Part IV: Nirvana* released in 2012, fans were shocked to learn that it contained the *true ending* of the game – locked behind a paywall. Rather than wrapping up the story within the full-priced base game, Capcom chose to charge players extra to see the actual conclusion of Asura’s journey. While the DLC itself was beautifully animated and emotionally resonant, the ethics of hiding the real finale behind paid content drew heavy criticism. Even with an intense voice cast that included industry veterans like Liam O'Brien (as Asura), this episode pack became a cautionary tale for narrative-gated DLCs. | © Capcom

Cropped Mass Effect 3 From Ashes — Mass Effect 3 – From Ashes (2012)

*Mass Effect 3 – From Ashes* (2012) sparked immediate backlash upon release – not for its content, but because of its timing. The DLC was available on day one, and worse, it included a major character (Javik, the last living Prothean) whose presence added significant narrative depth to the entire story. Fans felt this character, voiced compellingly by Ike Amadi, was too critical to be optional and accused BioWare of intentionally cutting him from the base game to sell separately. This move seemed especially tone-deaf given the controversy already surrounding *Mass Effect 3*’s ending. Even with strong performances from returning stars like Jennifer Hale and Martin Sheen, *From Ashes* remains infamous as a symbol of day-one DLC gone wrong. | © BioWare / Electronic Arts

Metro last night msn — Metro: Last Light – Ranger Mode (2013)

When *Metro: Last Light* released in 2013, fans were shocked to learn that *Ranger Mode –* advertised as the "definitive survival experience" – was locked behind a pre-order bonus and later paid DLC. This mode wasn’t some frivolous add-on; it fundamentally changed the gameplay by removing the HUD and drastically increasing difficulty, making it the version hardcore fans craved. Charging for a difficulty setting rubbed the community the wrong way and felt like a cheap way to monetize what should have been a built-in feature. Despite a gripping atmosphere, stellar design, and immersive performances – including veteran actor Nolan North in supporting roles – the decision undermined the game’s artistic integrity for many players. | © 4A Games / Deep Silver

Sonic Lost World – 25 Lives Pack (2013)

In 2013, *Sonic Lost World* made an attempt to reinvent the franchise with a parkour-inspired 3D platforming system. But what really confused fans was the release of the *25 Lives Pack*, a DLC that literally just gave players 25 extra lives – for a fee. In a time when most games were moving toward generous checkpoints and modern save systems, monetizing extra lives felt like a throwback to outdated arcade mechanics – and not in a good way. The DLC provided no story content, gameplay enhancements, or even visual flair, making it seem more like a joke than a real offer. Despite Sonic’s legacy and appearances from iconic voice actors like Roger Craig Smith, this DLC was widely seen as an embarrassing cash grab. | © Sonic Team / Sega

Cropped Street Fighter III Color Pack DLC 2011 — Street Fighter III: Third Strike Online Edition – Color Pack DLC (2011)

When Capcom re-released *Street Fighter III: Third Strike* in 2011 with a slick Online Edition, fans were excited to revisit one of the most technically praised fighting games ever. But then came the *Color Pack DLC*, which charged players for alternate costume color schemes – something that had been unlockable or included in past entries. Selling palette swaps, especially when the game was built on nostalgia and legacy content, felt like an unwelcome move. While the core gameplay remained stellar and featured the return of legendary characters voiced by fan-favorites like Reuben Langdon, the monetization of minor aesthetic options frustrated longtime fans. It highlighted how even the smallest features could be monetized if companies saw an opportunity. | © Capcom

Train Simulator Classic – All DLCs (2010)

*Train Simulator Classic*, originally released in 2010, may seem like a niche title, but it’s notorious for having one of the most bloated DLC libraries in gaming history. With hundreds of individual add-ons, including trains, routes, and minor scenery upgrades, the full cost of all DLCs exceeds thousands of dollars. The game itself is solid for train enthusiasts, but the pricing model is frequently cited as predatory. Fans argue that it transforms what could be a peaceful, educational sim into a money pit. Even without celebrity involvement or big-name voice talent, the sheer scale of its DLC offering has turned it into an ongoing internet meme and cautionary tale for digital distribution excess. | © Dovetail Games

Cropped Sonic Adventure DX — Sonic Adventure DX – Upgrade (2010)

When *Sonic Adventure DX* launched on modern platforms in 2010, it came with an optional *Upgrade* DLC that was supposed to add Game Gear titles and extra content from the original DX release on GameCube. But fans were disappointed to find that this "upgrade" offered very little in terms of meaningful gameplay improvements. The Game Gear games felt like lazy emulations, and the promised enhancements did little to justify the extra cost. It was frustrating, especially given how beloved the original game was, with returning voice actors like Ryan Drummond and David Humphrey giving the series its early character charm. Instead of honoring that legacy, this DLC felt like a half-hearted attempt to cash in on nostalgia. | © Sonic Team / Sega

Cropped Madden NFL 10 — Madden NFL 10 – Online Pass / Ultimate Team Packs (2009)

*EA Sports* began testing controversial waters in 2009 with *Madden NFL 10*, introducing the now-infamous *Online Pass* and *Ultimate Team Packs*. Players had to pay extra to access online multiplayer if they didn’t purchase the game new – a move that alienated pre-owned buyers. But the bigger issue was *Ultimate Team*, which essentially pioneered the modern pay-to-win model in sports games. Fans quickly realized they had to shell out money to build competitive teams, creating a frustrating imbalance. Despite the game’s polished commentary and realistic presentation, including the likenesses of NFL stars and even voiceovers from celebrities like Cris Collinsworth, the DLC practices started what would become a predatory trend in the industry. | © EA Sports / Electronic Arts

The Saboteur The Midnight Show 2009 — The Saboteur – The Midnight Show (2009)

*The Saboteur* was a gritty, underrated open-world game set in Nazi-occupied France, blending noir aesthetics with stealth-action gameplay. But its 2009 *Midnight Show* DLC was a clear-cut case of content-gating. The add-on reintroduced nudity and access to a burlesque club that had been clearly developed for the base game, only to be removed and sold separately. While the content itself was minor, the decision to lock it behind a paywall was seen as a cheap ploy to stir controversy and squeeze more cash from players. The game, featuring solid performances from actors like Robin Atkin Downes, didn’t need this gimmick. Instead, the DLC felt more like a marketing stunt than a valuable expansion. | © Pandemic Studios / Electronic Arts

Cropped Mass Effect Pinnacle Station 2009 — Mass Effect – Pinnacle Station (2009)

Released in 2009, *Pinnacle Station* is widely regarded as the most forgettable part of the original *Mass Effect* trilogy. Unlike the richly written side quests and emotional arcs the series is known for, this DLC offered a bland combat simulator with repetitive scenarios and zero story payoff. It lacked the narrative depth fans had come to expect from BioWare – especially disappointing given the star power behind the game, including the voices of Seth Green, Keith David, and Jennifer Hale. Instead of building upon the rich universe, *Pinnacle Station* felt like filler content with no real reward. It’s no surprise that it was omitted from the *Mass Effect: Legendary Edition* entirely. | © BioWare / Electronic Arts

Cropped The Elder Scrolls IV Oblivion HORSE ARMOR — The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion – Horse Armor Pack (2006)

Arguably the most infamous DLC of all time, the *Horse Armor Pack* for *The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion* (2006) became the poster child for microtransaction absurdity. For a few dollars, players could equip their in-game horse with purely cosmetic armor – no stat boosts, no gameplay benefit, just shiny metal. Fans immediately mocked it, and it quickly became a meme in the gaming world. Despite the game’s otherwise rich lore, expansive world, and memorable characters (including voice work by Patrick Stewart and Sean Bean), the Horse Armor DLC damaged Bethesda’s reputation with its perceived greed. It remains a cautionary tale for game studios even today. | © Bethesda Game Studios

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Downloadable content (DLC) and game expansions are supposed to enhance our favorite titles – offering new stories, exciting features, or fresh challenges. But sometimes, they miss the mark entirely. Whether it’s due to a lack of content, game-breaking bugs, greedy pricing, or just plain poor design, some DLCs have gone down in history for all the wrong reasons.

In this article, we’re counting down the 20 worst DLCs and video game expansions of all time. From overpriced cosmetic packs to expansions that broke the base game, these are the add-ons that disappointed fans, sparked outrage, and damaged the reputations of even the biggest franchises. If you're wondering which ones to avoid – or just want to relive some infamous gaming misfires – read on.