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Few things can surprise a gamer quite like an unexpected turn of events in their favorite games. Maybe it’s a plot twist that hits like a sledgehammer or a brand-new gameplay mechanic at the last levels that changes the whole experience. But how about ‘normal’ games sneaking in undead DLC for the sheer thrill of it? While uncanny, these expansions undoubtedly defy expectations and bring fresh meat to chew on. If you’re up for something different this Halloween, these 10 zombie DLC will raise the dead– and your spirits!
[Updated on October 11 – Added new entries]
1. Red Dead Redemption: Undead Nightmare
In the unforgiving landscapes of the Wild West, outlaws roam, and gunfights erupt at the drop of a hat. For some reason, Rockstar decided to throw hordes of relentless zombies in the mix and gave birth to Undead Nightmare. This zombie DLC for the beloved Red Dead Redemption takes the cowboy experience to a new, undead level.
Red Dead games are realistic, have immersive narratives, and a gritty atmosphere of the Wild West. Yet, when the Undead Nightmare DLC was released, we stopped riding through desolate towns to battle rival outlaws in favor of some Walking Dead fun. The unexpected encounter between the Wild West and the zombie apocalypse might seem bizarre. Still, it was a match made in gaming heaven since it didn’t ditch the bittersweet feeling of the original game.
2. Sleeping Dogs: Nightmare in North Point
Sleeping Dogs already stood out in the open-world genre thanks to its martial arts combat and rarely-seen setting of Hong Kong. But Nightmare in North Point took things up a notch by turning the gritty undercover cop Wei Shen into a full-blown ghostbuster.
While it lacks the more stereotypical Romero-styled zombies, this zombie DLC introduces classic Asian demons and Chinese hopping vampire jiang shi. The game’s excellent combat mechanics are still here though, but now you’re kung-fu fighting the undead– with chi powers to boot! It’s goofy, over-the-top, and doesn’t take itself too seriously, making it the perfect Halloween special for free-roaming aficionados.
3. Infamous 2: Festival of Blood
Infamous games have always been about electrifying superpowers and moral choices in a modern city. That’s why we were left scratching our heads when Festival of Blood was first announced. Electrically-charged hero with vampirical powers, how’s that supposed to work?
It incorporates new skills and mechanics that allow players to transform into a swarm of bats and see the world through Vampire Vision. It’s an entertaining diversion from the series’ established path. The DLC brought a fresh and spooky twist to an already beloved franchise. Though it’s not strictly a zombie DLC, vampires are still undead beings, after all.
4. Assassin’s Creed Origins – The Curse of the Pharaohs
While scaling the intricately designed, historically accurate pyramids is thrilling, Egypt sometimes feels like a scene straight out of the B-movie classic The Mummy. This is where The Curse of the Pharaohs DLC takes the historical accuracy Assassin’s Creed is known for and throws it out the window.
In this expansion, you’ll battle the spirits of long-dead mummies and pharaohs in a twisted, dreamlike version of Egypt’s afterlife. It’s a visually stunning and eerie departure from the usual historical sandbox, but it never feels out of place. It’s fair to say that this marks the series’ first attempt to inject more fantasy and mythical elements into its core.
5. Watch Dogs: Legion of the Dead
Legion of the Dead zombie DLC turned the dystopian, near-futuristic London into a chaotic battleground against zombies. However, somewhat unsurprisingly, introducing undead walkers in a game known for hacking and surveillance mechanics was a breath of fresh air.
This expansion transforms Watch Dogs Legion into an undead-fighting PvE roguelite, reminiscent of the classic Left 4 Dead series. You get to join forces with your friends to survive against the hordes of the undead. It adds a thrilling cooperative experience to a game more known for its solo hacking endeavors. This unusual zombie DLC also offered a dynamic pace change and expanded the game’s appeal to those who love a good undead apocalypse.
6. Far Cry 5: Dead Living Zombies
Far Cry 5 immerses players in a sprawling, open-world Montana, battling the Project at Eden’s Gate doomsday cult. Series veterans know that one of the game’s main strengths is its expansive environment. Yet, when this zombie-themed DLC shuffled into the scene, it flipped the script.
Dead Living Zombies put the vast open world to rest for linear levels and eerie corridors teeming with the undead. The result? A fitting, fun, and final addition to the fastest-selling title in the franchise. This undead DLC embraces the series’ love for action and cinematic flair. The verdict may vary, but Dead Living Zombies undeniably adds a zesty twist to the Far Cry formula.
7. Borderlands: Zombie Island of Dr. Ned
Borderlands is already pretty wild, with its over-the-top action, wacky humor, and chaotic gun selections and gunplay. But when its first expansion came out, it cranked the craziness up to 11. In this Halloween-inspired DLC, you’re dropped onto a zombie-infested island, tasked with taking down Dr. Zed’s — sorry, Dr. Ned’s — undead army. Naturally, it’s as ridiculous as it sounds, and it’s all the better for it.
Between the zombie hordes, bizarre bosses, and Borderlands’ signature brand of offbeat humor, this DLC is a love letter to cheesy horror flicks. Zombie Island of Dr. Ned doesn’t take itself seriously for a second, but that’s exactly why it’s so much fun. Plus, who can resist a game where you can shoot zombies with a bazillion different guns?
8. Sniper Elite: Nazi Zombies Army
Despite facing the undead born from the Nazi’s twisted experiments, Zombies Army is still all about carefully lined-up headshots and tactical shooting. Thankfully, you aren’t only armed with your trusty M1 Carbine– you’ll need every trick in the book to survive. From well-placed sniper shots and a bullet hose from World War II-era SMGs to expertly-placed explosives and sheer luck.
With an eerie atmosphere and a relentless barrage of zombies, it’s a departure from the main Sniper Elite games but offers an undeniably thrilling co-op experience. If you still can’t get enough, the Nazi Zombies Army has spawned into a full-blown side series with 4 thrilling head-pooping entries.
9. Weird West: The Plague Event
Weird West is already an intriguing mix of the supernatural and Wild West, offering dark and atmospheric gameplay. With the Plague event DLC, the top-down immersive sim adds a zombie apocalypse mode that’s… quite astounding, to say the least.
The DLC challenges players with diverse situations against the zombies and undead, from saloon brawls to stealthy outdoor excursions. It’s a new challenge to the game’s already intense atmosphere. Similar to Undead Nightmares, this is a must-play for those who enjoy the zany intersection of cowboys and paranormal.
10. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Dawnguard
Any RPG fans know that Skyrim is no stranger to the undead; you’ll meet walking skeletons and draugrs soon enough. But for Jackman’s Van Helsing or Underworld stans, the Dawnguard DLC ups the ante with a full-on vampire vs werewolf showdown.
With epic new quests and the ability to transform into a monstrous vampire lord, Dawnguard offers plenty for fans of dark fantasy and supernatural horror. Or instead of sinking your teeth into Skyrim’s populace, you could join the titular vampire hunter Dawnguard. This DLC also adds new skill trees for Lycanthropy, letting you finally roleplay as a proper werewolf. Either way, you’re in for one of the most memorable expansions in Elder Scrolls history.
In the end, whether it’s vampires, mummies, or even cursed pharaohs, these zombie DLC prove that no game world is safe from a bit of undead extravaganze. All things considered, sometimes, a little mystical chaos is exactly what a game needs to shake things up.
