Downloadable content (DLC) allows you to expand and enhance your gaming experience by providing new levels, characters, weapons, skins, and more to existing games. Steam makes it easy to find, purchase, and install DLC for the games in your library. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to install DLC on Steam.
Table of Contents
What is DLC?
DLC stands for “downloadable content”. It refers to additional content for a video game that is available for download after the initial release of the game.
Types of DLC include:
- Expansion packs: These add significant new features like levels, quests, items etc. Some popular examples are The Witcher 3’s Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine expansions.
- Weapon/Character packs: Provide new playable characters or weapons, for example Mortal Kombat 11’s character packs.
- Cosmetic packs: Offer skins, costumes or other visual customizations that don’t impact gameplay. Fortnite is well known for selling various skins.
- Season passes: Give access to all future DLCs at a discounted bundled price.
Benefits of DLC
Installing DLC on Steam provides the following benefits:
- More content: DLC allows you to get more gameplay, quests, items and adventures from your favorite games.
- Customization: Cosmetic DLCs like skins allow you to personalize the look of characters and weapons.
- Discounts: Season passes give you all future DLCs at a lower bundled cost compared to buying individually.
- Support developers: Purchasing DLC shows your support for the developers, allowing them to create more content.
How to Install DLC on Steam
Follow these simple steps to install DLC on Steam:
1. Purchase DLC
Go to the Steam store page of the game for which you want DLC. Scroll down to the “DLC” section and browse available extra content. Select the ones you want and purchase them.
2. Download DLC
The DLC should automatically start downloading once purchased. You can check download progress in Steam’s “Downloads” section.
3. Verify Installation
To verify DLC installation, right click on the game in your Library and select “Properties”. Go to the “DLC” tab to see all downloaded extra content. Make sure the new DLC is checked and shows as “Installed”.
Note: The DLC size may be included in the full game download so the install size might not change visibly. As long as it shows as installed, you are good to go.
4. Launch Game
Launch the game through Steam. The new DLC content should now be accessible and playable within the game.
For example, a new expansion DLC will add a new entry point on the game’s main menu. Or a weapon DLC will make the weapons available in the in-game inventory or shops.
Pro Tip: Some DLCs like level packs may need to be accessed through hidden entrances or locations in the base game. Check online guides if you can’t find where to start the new DLC quests or levels.
How to Redeem DLC Codes
Many retailers provide DLC content codes that you can redeem to install content without needing to pay again. Here’s how to do it:
- In Steam, go to Games > Activate a Product on Steam
- Enter the DLC code and click Next
- The content will be automatically added to your account library
- Verify installation by checking Properties > DLC as explained above
What If DLC Won’t Install?
If your Steam DLC purchase isn’t downloading or installing correctly, don’t worry. Here are some troubleshooting tips:
Verify integrity of game files
Right click the game > Properties > Local Files > Verify Integrity of Game Files. This checks all game content and redownloads anything missing or corrupted.
Restart Steam
Full restarting Steam can help refresh things. DLC issues are often fixed with a quick Steam restart.
Check Downloads Tab
Go to Steam > Downloads to view current and pending downloads. See if your DLC is stuck or paused here. Resume if needed.
Reboot Computer
If all else fails, reboot your system. This clears any software issues and starts Steam on a clean slate.
Contact Steam Support
Open a ticket with Steam Support if your DLC still doesn’t install or work properly after trying the above solutions.
Expand Your Adventure with DLC
Installing DLCs from Steam is an easy way to get more enjoyment from your favorite games through expanded adventures, more characters, bonus levels, and customization options.
Following this guide, you can easily browse, purchase, download, and install DLC using Steam to grow your game library. DLC lets you log countless more hours with beloved games by providing exciting new content to master.
Go grab some DLC and keep your virtual adventures going strong! Let us know which DLC is your favorite to play.
