GamesAction RpgFrom Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree to Destiny 2: The Final Shape, the best expansions of 2024 breathed new life into old favoritesWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
GamesAction RpgFrom Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree to Destiny 2: The Final Shape, the best expansions of 2024 breathed new life into old favoritesWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Bungie)
The best game expansions of 2024 deserve a round of applause. The big names that typically show up in these kinds of lists faced steeper challenges than usual. The likes of World of Warcraft and Destiny 2 had to grapple with the question of how to reinvent themselves after previous expansions left a sour taste. Even Final Fantasy 14 faced a similar challenge, namely, answering the question “what’s left when the story ends?”.
These expansions might be building upon older releases, but they’ve all added something meaningful that makes their base games feel just as fresh and exciting as they ever did, and often more so. Just as important, they haul games that often struggle with feeling outdated into the modern era, paving the way for even bigger, bolder expansions in the coming years, and providing room for their communities to grow and evolve.
Bear in mind that –unlike The Game Awards– we consider these expansions as ongoing parts of older games and not new releases in themselves. They won’t be appearing in ourbest games of 2024list as a result. Which is why making sure to celebrate them here is all the more important.
5. Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail
(Image credit: Square Enix)
Developer:Square EnixPlatforms:PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X
Everyone deserves a nice vacation after saving the planet, or that’s what Square Enix decided with itsFinal Fantasy 14: Dawntrail expansion, anyway. After the literally world-ending events of Endwalker, the Warrior of Light and Scions of the Seventh Dawn head across the sea to Tural to help influence the election of that nation’s next ruler. (It’s less insidious than it sounds). Dawntrail has the unenviable task of hauling FF14 into a new era and narratively starting from scratch, and it resembles 2013’s A Realm Reborn in that regard, albeit with, mercifully, better pacing and a much more refined vision. Its tale of loss and the tension between tradition and progress leaves just enough mysteries for future patches to build on, but the battle scenarios are the real star of Dawntrail. Its dungeons and bosses are some of the MMO’s best to date.
Learn more in ourFinal Fantasy 14: Dawntrail reviewwhere we noted that “some of the best content in Dawntrail is in its Trials and dungeons – which require you to engage with your Job Class to its fullest extent”
4. World of Warcraft: The War Within
(Image credit: Blizzard)
Developer:Blizzard EntertainmentPlatform:PC
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Learn more in ourWorld of Warcraft: The War Within review, where we called it “one of the strongest WoW expansions in recent memory”
3. Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred
(Image credit: Blizzard Entertainment)
Developer:Blizzard EntertainmentPlatforms:PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One
Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred is exactly what you’d hope for from a Diablo expansion – crunchy, bombastic, and full of system and gear tweaks that make it so much smoother to play. With Lilith seemingly defeated, our hero’s task turns to tracking down erstwhile companion Neyrelle after she hightails it with Mephisto’s soulstone – not a good idea, Neyrelle. It’s schlocky and melodramatic in that endearing way Diablo is great at realizing, but the real draws are elsewhere. The new Nahantu map adds some much-needed environmental nuance with its sprawling temples and cursed jungles, and the Spiritborne class, which channels the spirits of wild animals during battle to transform your playstyle, is broken in the most fantastically enjoyable ways. Most surprising of all, though, is the new Dark Citadel endgame raid. It’s a challenging, multi-part dungeon built around teams working together in co-op to expose a boss’ vulnerabilities. It’s the first of its kind for Diablo and hopefully not the last.
Learn more in ourDiablo 4: Vessel of Hatred reviewwhere we called it “a journey worth taking”
2. Destiny 2: The Final Shape
(Image credit: Bungie)
Developer:BungiePlatforms:PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One
The Final Shape isDestiny 2at its best, and that sure is a nice feeling to have after last year’s more middling Lightfall. It brings almost a decade of storytelling to a close, finally makes The Witness feel like a properly dangerous villain, and answers so many questions Bungie’s happily let linger for years. But this is Destiny 2, and that means the really good stuff is what happens outside the main story. The Final Shape’s maps are brilliant both in concept – spelunking in a god’s body, for example – and design – ditching linear layouts from previous expansions for areas that invite close exploration. Topping it off is the absolutely fabulous new Prismatic subclass that lets you combine elements from other classes. They’re a great way to tackle the oh-so-satisfying new raids and endgame challenges that prove the Destiny formula still has plenty to give.
Learn more in ourDestiny 2: The Final Shape review, where we called it “an incredibly well-executed expansion that nicely rounds off a decade-long journey”
1. Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
(Image credit: FromSoftware / Bandai Namco)
Developer:FromSoftwarePlatforms:PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One
Learn more in ourElden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree review, where we rightly said that “if FromSoftware is going to keep making games of this caliber, there’ll always be hope for the creative future of the industry”
Looking for more to play? If Destiny 2 was your thing this year, you might want to check out ourbest FPS gameslist!
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PRODUCTSElden RingDestiny 2Final Fantasy 14: DawntrailWorld of WarcraftDiablo 4
PRODUCTS
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More about action rpgHow Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC got me through my darkest daysPutting beta feedback into action, Monster Hunter Wilds devs show off improved hitstop and reworked weapons that feel how you remember them
More about action rpg
How Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC got me through my darkest daysPutting beta feedback into action, Monster Hunter Wilds devs show off improved hitstop and reworked weapons that feel how you remember them
How Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC got me through my darkest days
How Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC got me through my darkest days
Putting beta feedback into action, Monster Hunter Wilds devs show off improved hitstop and reworked weapons that feel how you remember them
Putting beta feedback into action, Monster Hunter Wilds devs show off improved hitstop and reworked weapons that feel how you remember them
Latest26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time"See more latest►
Latest
26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time”
26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time”
26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time”
See more latest►
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GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1
Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2
Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3
Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5
Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2
Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3
Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5
Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
1
Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2
Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3
Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4
Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5
Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”