Games of the Year

RPGFan Games of the Year 2023: Best DLC

GOTY 2023 Best DLC Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed

Winner: Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed

The Xenoblade Chronicles series gained a reputation for extensive DLC expansions, such as Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna – The Golden County and Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition: Future Connected. Thankfully, Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed goes beyond these expectations and surpasses them. Acting as a prequel to the main game, Future Redeemed adds new faces while treating long-time fans with the faces we’ve come to love, such as previous protagonists Shulk and Rex. We’re treated to an interesting dynamic between the old faces and new in a battle against a friend turned foe.

by Tyler Trosper


Runner-Up: Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty

Many gaming enthusiasts (myself included) consider the second expansion for CD Projekt Red’s The Witcher 3, Blood and Wine, one of the greatest DLCs of all time for both its value and quality. This would be an intimidating act to follow for Cyberpunk 2077‘s own expansion, compounded by the disastrous initial release of the base game. Phantom Liberty didn’t just have the potential to initiate a redemption arc for the developer—it was a downright necessity.

Fortunately, it lived up to the task. Like Blood and Wine, Phantom Liberty feels like a half-sequel with how well it works as a standalone experience and integrated tale in its respective base game, while also bringing in some much-needed gameplay tune-ups. This sci-fi spy thriller story wastes none of your time in providing high-octane thrills and memorable character interactions.

by Aleks Franiczek


Readers’ Choice: Best DLC of 2023

Winner: Xenoblade Chronicles 3: Future Redeemed (42.9% of votes)

Runner-Up: Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty (29.9% of votes)

Tyler Trosper

Tyler Trosper

Tyler Trosper is a news writer for RPGFan. He has an unhealthy obsession with the Xeno franchise, especially Xenosaga. He runs a podcast about the series in his free time and sometimes works on fan projects. Tyler would die happy if Xenosaga Episode IV was announced. Besides Xeno, Tyler enjoys watching anime, his favorite being Neon Genesis Evangelion.