The Role of DLC in Completing Trophy Lists

26 February 2026

If you’re a trophy hunter, then you’ve definitely run into that dreaded moment: You finally wrap up a game, feel that satisfying “100% complete” glow… and then wham! A new DLC drops, and suddenly your shiny platinum badge isn’t so platinum anymore.

Let’s talk about it. The role of DLC (downloadable content) in completing trophy lists is a controversial, emotional, and downright frustrating topic for many gamers. But it’s also layered and sometimes even fun. Let’s dig deeper.

What Even Are Trophy Lists?

Before we get into how DLC messes with (or enhances) trophy lists, let’s make sure we're all on the same page. Trophy lists (or Achievement Lists for Xbox folks) are essentially the game's checklist for things you can accomplish. They include everything from beating the main story to ultra-specific challenges like “defeat the final boss with only a spoon” (okay, maybe not that extreme… or maybe).

Trophies come in different tiers—bronze, silver, gold, and the elusive platinum. Completing the base game's list usually lands you that sweet platinum. But here’s where things get spicy…

DLC: The Game After the Game

DLC is the game's way of saying, “Hey, we're not done with you yet.” It can be anything from a small cosmetic update to an entire new chapter in the story. These expansions bring fresh content, but they often come bundled with—you guessed it—more trophies.

And that’s where the emotional rollercoaster begins.

Does DLC Mess With Your Trophy List?

Short answer? Yes—and no.

When DLC is released, the original game’s trophy list doesn’t actually lose your platinum. So, if you already earned all the base trophies, you still have your platinum. It’s like a badge of honor that says, “You did the thing when it mattered.”

But here’s the kicker: Your completion percentage? That clean, satisfying 100%? It gets knocked down. And for perfectionists or obsessive completionists, that’s a punch right in the gut.

Why Do Game Devs Do This?

Look, game developers aren’t evil villains sitting around plotting how to ruin your perfect trophy list. DLC trophies serve a couple of legit purposes:

- They reward loyal players. You stuck with the game, now here’s some extra fun—and some extra bragging rights.
- They encourage replayability. Haven’t touched the game in six months? A new DLC with new trophies might pull you right back in.
- They add value. Trophies tied to meaningful extra content make the DLC feel worth it.

But still… it can be a mixed bag.

The Good Side: When DLC Trophies Feel Like a Bonus

Sometimes, DLC is pure gold. It expands the lore, beefs up gameplay, and includes some fresh challenges that make earning new trophies feel like unwrapping a surprise gift you didn’t know you wanted.

Take games like The Witcher 3 or Horizon Zero Dawn. Their DLCs—Blood and Wine, Frozen Wilds—are practically games on their own. The trophy lists? Tough but fair. And most players actually feel like the trophies enhance the DLC rather than just pad it.

In cases like this, those extra trophies feel like a cherry on top of an already amazing sundae.

The Not-So-Great Side: When DLC Trophies Are a Grind

Here’s the flip side. Some DLCs dump in a bunch of trophies that feel more like chores than challenges.

We’re talking about:

- Monotonous fetch quests
- Ridiculous difficulty spikes
- Uninspired filler tasks

When this happens, it feels like the devs are just padding the game length. And for someone who’s already put in the effort to earn 100% in the base game, this can feel like a betrayal. You did your part—why are you being punished?

The Psychological Toll on Completionists

Let’s get real for a minute: For some of us, that 100% completion stat is more than just a number. It's a symbol of dedication, effort, and skill. Having it drop to 85% because of a random DLC you didn’t even want to buy? That stings.

A lot of gamers report feeling stressed or burned out trying to reclaim their 100% after DLC drops. Others just give up, feeling like the goalposts were unfairly moved.

It’s kind of like finishing a marathon only to have the organizers say, “Actually, there’s an extra mile—keep running!”

Are DLC Trophies Required for That Platinum?

Here’s a sigh of relief for many: No, most of the time, DLC trophies don’t affect your platinum. Your platinum is awarded for completing all of the base game’s trophies only.

So even if you never touch the DLC, that platinum trophy on your profile stays solid.

However, completionists chasing that 100% stat will still feel the sting when new DLC is released. It's a subtle difference, but for trophy hunters, it's a big deal.

Should You Go Back For DLC Trophies?

Ah, the million-dollar question. And the answer really depends on you.

Here are a few things to ask yourself:

- Do you still enjoy the game?
- Is the DLC content something you’re excited about?
- Are the trophies reasonable, or just straight-up grindy?
- Do you care more about the platinum, or the 100%?

If the DLC genuinely excites you, and the trophies don’t feel like a job, go for it! It can be a great excuse to revisit a beloved game.

But if it feels like pressure, maybe give yourself permission to let it go. Your mental health matters more than any digital badge, I promise.

Multiplayer DLC: The Ultimate Buzzkill?

Let’s talk about one of the most dreaded types of DLC trophies: multiplayer.

Some games (cough Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood cough) slap on multiplayer trophies that require you to grind levels, play modes you don’t enjoy, or worst of all—coordinate with other players (the horror!).

For solo gamers or those who just aren't into PvP, this feels like a slap in the face. It’s like being told you didn’t finish a book because you didn’t go to the author’s book signing event.

The Cost Factor – Literally

Another elephant in the room: Price. DLC isn’t always free. In fact, bigger expansions can cost anywhere from $10 to $30 or more.

So if you’re someone who prides yourself on 100%ing games, you might feel practically forced to buy every DLC just to maintain that record.

It’s a bit like buying movie sequels just because you watched the first one and now need closure—even if the sequel isn’t that great.

Ways Developers Could Handle DLC Trophies Better

Hey devs, if you’re reading this (fingers crossed), here are a few gentle suggestions:

1. Separate Trophy Lists. Keep base game and DLC trophies clearly separated in terms of completion percentage.
2. Make DLC Opt-In for Completion Stats. Let players choose if they want the DLC trophies to count toward their 100%.
3. Ensure Balance. Don’t make DLC trophies harder or grindier than the base game unless the DLC content warrants it.
4. Avoid Multiplayer-Only Trophies. Or at least keep them under a separate category.

These small changes could make a big difference for the trooper who’s trying to complete every single thing in your game.

How to Stay Sane in a World of Never-Ending DLC

Honestly, it all comes down to mindset. Here are a few friendly tips from one trophy hunter to another:

- Define your own success. Whether it's platinum or 100%, your effort matters.
- Play for fun, not just trophies. Trophies should enhance, not dictate, your gaming experience.
- Take breaks. Burnout is real. Step back if a trophy list starts to feel unhealthy.
- Connect with other hunters. The trophy-hunting community is full of great people who get it. Share the journey!

Final Thoughts

The role of DLC in completing trophy lists is complicated. It's a weird tug-of-war between developers trying to expand their game, and players trying to maintain their hard-earned progress.

At the end of the day, gaming is about joy, not stress. Trophies are great, but they’re just one way to enjoy your time with a game. Whether you chase every DLC trophy or ignore them completely, your experience still counts.

So keep gaming, keep enjoying, and remember—sometimes the real trophy is the fun we had along the way.