As an avid gamer, you’ve likely come across used or pre-owned games labeled as “no DLC.” This mysterious phrase can be confusing—what exactly does it mean? And should it affect your purchasing decisions?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about DLC, from what it adds to games to how its absence impacts pre-owned copies. You’ll learn insider tips on identifying missing content so you can make informed buying choices. Arm yourself with knowledge, and you can decipher “no DLC” with confidence!
What Is Downloadable Content (DLC)?
Let’s start with the basics—DLC stands for “downloadable content.” It refers to additional content for an already released video game that is distributed digitally by the publisher.
DLC first appeared in the early 2000s alongside the rise of high-speed internet. It provided a convenient new avenue for developers to deliver new content to players post-launch, compared to selling full expansion packs at retail.
Today, DLC is more prevalent than ever across the industry. Developing DLC has even become part of the core planning process for many franchises.
But what exactly does DLC contain? Here are some of the most common forms of downloadable content:
New characters or skins: Additional playable characters or cosmetic outfits.
Extra missions and maps: New single player levels and multiplayer maps.
Weapons and items: Special gear, vehicles, loot boxes, etc.
Game modes: New ways to play like new objectives or rulesets.
Expansion packs: Large add-ons that expand the world and gameplay.
Season passes: Access to all current and future DLC bundles.
DLC provides a huge range of possible content types. It enables developers to be creative in enhancing and expanding their games post-launch.
DLC Market Statistics and Growth
The prevalence of DLC reflects its importance to publishers’ ongoing revenue streams. DLC and other digital content accounted for nearly 80% of total game industry revenue in 2020.
Several franchises now even eclipse their base game sales with DLC revenue. Take a look at some eye-opening DLC sales statistics:
The Sims 4 has grossed over $700 million from DLC alone. Players have spent nearly 8 times more on DLC than the core game.
Call of Duty sees over 50% of its total revenue from DLC and microtransactions according to Activision.
Dead or Alive 5 had over $700 worth of costumes and other DLC available according to IGN.
Clearly DLC plays a massive role in extending player engagement and spending. As you shop for used games, recognizing how DLC impacts overall value is crucial.
Why “No DLC” Matters for Pre-Owned Games
When you buy a used or pre-owned game, any one-time use DLC codes or content have likely already been redeemed by the original owner. This means you won’t have access to those DLC extras in the secondhand copy.
That’s where the “no DLC” label comes in – it signals that the used game does not include DLC content or codes from the original new purchase.
For example, a brand new copy may have come bundled with a code for an exclusive weapon or player skin. But if you purchase the game pre-owned with “no DLC”, that code has been used and the weapon will not be available.
Understanding exactly what you may be missing out on is key to making informed used game buying decisions. Now let’s explore how to identify what DLC is included or missing.
Checking for DLC When Shopping Pre-Owned
When browsing used game listings online or in-store, you’ll want to investigate what (if any) DLC is included in that copy. Here are some tips:
Read descriptions carefully: Look for “no DLC” or details on which DLC codes are still valid.
Ask the seller: Reach out with questions about what content has been redeemed.
Inspect used copies: Check for any DLC code sheets or inserts still inside a physical case.
Research the original release: Look up which DLC was first bundled with new copies.
Taking a few quick minutes to verify can help you avoid disappointment later on. If you plan to play online, community members may expect others to own popular map packs. So know exactly what you are getting in advance.
How Missing DLC Impacts the Gaming Experience
Will a game still be enjoyable if you miss out on some downloadable content by buying pre-owned? Let’s explore how the lack of DLC affects different aspects of gameplay:
Main story: The core singleplayer story mode will remain fully intact.
Basic multiplayer: You can still play online, but may lack certain maps or items.
Progression: Your leveling or collecting could be limited without certain unlocks.
Cosmetics: Expect restrictions on skins, costumes, or character customization.
Difficulty: Losing high-level expansion packs can remove endgame challenges.
The overall takeaway is that while “no DLC” does not ruin fundamental gameplay, you will likely miss out on bonus content the original owner has already experienced. Managing expectations is key.
Certain genres like competitive online shooters tend to rely more heavily on DLC maps and weapons. While more narrative focused games may not be impacted much.
Evaluate each used game individually based on the scope of its DLC and what matters most to you as a player.
Does Owning DLC on One Platform Transfer to Another?
If you own DLC on one console or platform, it unfortunately does not carry over if you buy the base game again somewhere else.
For example, if you owned map packs for Call of Duty on Xbox, those would not transfer over to a used PlayStation copy. DLC ecosystems are still largely fragmented between platforms.
The only exception is cross-platform games where purchases are tied to a unified account rather than a specific device. But for most traditional releases, DLC remains locked to one platform.
This means being cautious when switching consoles and rebuying games pre-owned. Any DLC will need to be repurchased, even if you owned it before. Migrate platforms carefully to avoid redoing purchases.
Purchasing Missing DLC Down the Road
If you buy a used game but later decide you want access to the DLC, you still have options to purchase the additional content separately:
- PlayStation Store: For DLC on PlayStation consoles
- Microsoft Store: For Xbox DLC
- Nintendo eShop: For Nintendo DLC
- Steam: For DLC on PC
Digital marketplaces allow you to buy only the DLC packs you want for games you own. This lets you grab extras a la carte after scoring a used base game deal.
Many titles also offer discounted season passes that bundle all current and upcoming DLC together. This can provide savings compared to buying individually.
Just be aware – some older DLC may no longer be available if games are delisted or support ends. Check carefully before purchasing to avoid surprises.
Evaluating Value of Used Games Without DLC
When you encounter a used game marked "no DLC", make sure to weigh the overall value proposition:
Used base game price: How much are you paying for just the pre-owned base experience?
Missing DLC cost: What is the total price to buy all the DLC you won‘t initially receive?
Importance of DLC: Is the included content non-essential or completely changes the game?
Crunching these numbers can reveal whether a used "no DLC" deal makes sense, or if you‘d be better off seeking a complete version.
For example, if a used base game is $10, but you‘d need to spend $30 to buy the crucial DLC, just paying $40 total for a new complete copy may be smarter.
Always factor in the cost to purchase missing content later when evaluating used game values. Only you can decide if the DLC gap truly matters.
Going the Extra Mile to Find Complete Used Copies
If having access to DLC is important for your gaming experience, don‘t settle for "no DLC" used games. Many resellers actually offer used copies bundled with valid DLC codes:
Check used game retailers like GameStop who may still have new codes.
Look for "complete edition" listings of games that package used copies with DLC.
Watch for used lot sales that combine games and codes.
Search eBay or other marketplaces where sellers can bundle used physical games with digital codes.
It takes a bit more effort, but finding used games with included DLC is possible if you know where to look. Going the extra mile pays off.
Final Thoughts – Making Informed Used Game Purchases
Understanding what “no DLC” means for used video game purchases is critical. While missing content may not ruin core gameplay, it can prevent you from accessing the full experience visioned by the developers.
Hopefully this guide has equipped you to make smart pre-owned buying decisions:
Recognize what types of value DLC adds to games.
Identify exactly what downloadable content is included or missing from a listing.
Weigh the used base game price versus cost to purchase DLC separately later on.
Explore options to track down bundles combining used games and valid codes.
Don’t settle for “no DLC” unless you understand the implications. Use your knowledge to secure the best deals – and maximize the fun! Game on!
How useful was this post?
Click on a star to rate it!
Average rating 3.5 / 5. Vote count: 2
No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.
Related
You May Like to Read,
- What does dice mean slang? An in-depth look at dice terminology and idioms
- What does ❤ 💜 mean from a girl?
- What is Theatrical Version DVD? A Film Buff‘s Perspective
- What is 13 BTS? An In-Depth Look at the Meaning Behind This Symbolic Number
- What is the Real Name for RPG? An In-Depth Look at This Iconic Weapon
- Why do gamers say bot?
- Why is it Called Scuderia? – The Meaning and History Behind the Iconic Term
- Is 20/50 Vision Bad? An In-Depth Look
