# What percentage of gamers buy DLC?

> There is no single reliable figure: surveys suggest a large share of players buy some DLC, but results vary widely by age, genre and platform.

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.

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https://gamevoyages.com/what-percentage-of-gamers-buy-dlc/ · Game Voyage · Checked 2026-10-30