What percentage of gamers buy DLC?

There's no single trustworthy number. Market surveys commonly report that a substantial share of players, often somewhere around half, have bought DLC at least once, but results swing widely depending on who was surveyed, which platforms were counted and whether in-game currency and battle passes are counted as "DLC." Big story expansions sell to a smaller, dedicated part of a game's audience, while cheap cosmetics and currency packs reach many more players.

What affects how many players buy DLC

• Type of content. Major expansions (like Shadow of the Erdtree or Phantom Liberty) attract fans of the base game; cosmetic items and currency drive most purchases in free-to-play games.
• Genre. Sports, live-service shooters and MMOs sell far more add-ons than single-player games.
• Price and timing. Bundles, "complete editions" and sales lift purchase rates.
• Engagement. Players who finish the base game are much more likely to buy its expansion.

Why it matters to the industry

For many large publishers, recurring spending on add-ons, season passes and in-game currency now brings in more revenue than initial game sales. That's why live-service games and long-term DLC plans are so common.

FAQ

Can you buy DLC without the base game?

You can sometimes purchase it, but you need the base game to play it. Standalone expansions are the exception.

Is it worth buying a game's DLC?

Large expansions often offer great value, especially when well reviewed; small cosmetic packs are a matter of taste.

What's the difference between DLC and an expansion?

An expansion is a large DLC that adds new areas, story or systems; DLC also covers small items, costumes and maps.

Are complete editions cheaper than buying DLC separately?

Usually yes, especially during sales.