The best Fallout DLCs ranked based on their ability to immerse you in unforgettable stories set in the post-nuclear wasteland.
The best Fallout DLCs come with a brilliant mix of memorable quests, intriguing narratives, and impactful player choices. Although some of them couldn’t achieve the old-school Bethesda excellence, the best DLCs and expansions left an indelible mark on the franchise.
In this list, we’ll be exploring the five of the best Fallout DLCs that offer distinct journeys that go beyond the boundaries of nuclear wasteland. Although we’re still waiting for more news on the Elden Ring DLC, the expansion packs of the Fallout franchise are definitely worth your time. Without further ado, let’s examine the once-vibrant roads of The Divide and the trenches of the Battle of Anchorage.
5. Dead Money (Fallout: New Vegas)
Dead Money is a departure from all of the radioactive narratives of Fallout: New Vegas. It’s also among the most controversial DLCs ever released for Fallout games. That’s because it puts you in the centre of a casino heist, where you don’t have any of your gear and equipment.
Unlike other DLCs on this list, Dead Money puts its focus on more challenging gameplay where you need to manage your inventory wisely. It also features some memorable characters on top of an impressive narrative. We consider it among the best Fallout DLCs as it offers a bold new direction that’s quite different from the Mojave atmosphere.
4. Broken Steel (Fallout 3)
Fallout 3 has always been one of the most divisive Fallout games in the series. Even though it has one of the best Fallout DLCs, this notion applies to those expansion packs as well. Still, it wouldn’t be fair not to include Broken Steel on the list, as it allowed the lone wanderer to continue their journey after the ending of Fallout 3.
On top of that, Broken Steel also increased the level cap alongside a ton of new content. While we don’t want to spoil it, the DLC also showcases the true glory of one of the most iconic characters in the entire Fallout franchise.
3. Honest Hearts (Fallout: New Vegas)
Honest Hearts is one of the best Fallout DLCs for introducing us to the most esteemed character, Joshua Graham. Also known as The Burned Man, Joshua is one of those characters that go above and beyond the base game.
Honest Hearts might not be coming with a large area with lots of explorable areas. However, it does offer a new landscape and provides an impressive narrative revolving around The Burned Man and his actions. It’s also among the finest DLCs that Fallout: New Vegas comes with.
2. Lonesome Road (Fallout: New Vegas)
Lonesome Road is one of the best Fallout DLCs as it tells the twisted story of Ulysses, a character that mirrors our very protagonist in most aspects.
Lonesome Road takes you to the Divide, yet another nuked city in the post-nuclear Mojave. Your task is to reach Ulysses as you take down the threats on your linear journey. However, Lonesome Road sheds light on some of the most compelling characters and stories of Fallout: New Vegas. From information about Legion to further appreciation of Joshua Graham, Lonesome Road is a brilliant DLC that you shouldn’t miss.
The story might revolve around a single character only. Still, Ulysses is quite an intriguing person who slowly talks about your actions in the Mojave. Like many other characters in the game, he is also very well-written and serves as a narrative device to further unravel the main story of Fallout: New Vegas.
1. Far Harbor (Fallout 4)
Far Harbor rightfully claims the top position among the best Fallout DLCs. It’s not only the best in the Fallout franchise but also one of Bethesda’s finest works when it comes to expansion packs. Of course, there are several reasons why Far Harbor is one of the most appreciated DLCs.
Before everything, it’s definitely worth mentioning that Far Harbor is a massive DLC that improves upon the lacklustre aspect of the best game: the dull narrative. Although Fallout 4 is better than Starfield in many aspects, it did come with a bland story that’s bound to be forgotten.
Far Harbor, on the other hand, offers an excellent blend of mystery and narrative depth. Its unique enemies, captivating landscape, and branching storyline make it one of the best Fallout DLCs, if not the best.
Final Thoughts
The best Fallout DLCs are some of the finest aspects of the Fallout games. Some of them come with a series of new items and weapons, whereas others introduce new areas and impressive narratives. That’s why it’s essential to play pretty much every DLC in Fallout games.
It’s even safe to say that a Bethesda game is only complete when you also finish playing the DLCs. Just like playing Skyrim and Starfield with mods, we strongly suggest you dive into the expansion packs of Fallout to pick the best one that resonates with you.
Author Profile
- My journey into the world of video games began at four, when I was first introduced to arcade machines in 1996. Over the past decades, I've been fortunate enough to witness the incredible evolution of gaming, as it has grown from a niche hobby to a thriving art. Today, I'm dedicated to creating content that celebrates all genres of games. We will talk about them at Player.me.