A Deep Dive into Final Fantasy XV: Ultimate Edition DLC Content

So, you’re thinking about diving back into Eos with the Final Fantasy XV: Ultimate Edition? Smart move! It’s a massive game, and all that extra DLC can feel a bit overwhelming. Is it all worth the hype (and the hard-earned Gil… or dollars)? We’re here to break down each piece of DLC, giving you our honest opinion on whether it enhances the overall FFXV experience. No fluff, just straight talk on what to expect from each adventure and whether it’s a must-have for your collection.

Final Fantasy XV Ultimate Edition DLC: Is It Worth It?

Final Fantasy XV was already a sprawling adventure, but the Ultimate Edition promised to elevate the experience even further. The base game’s open world, bromance-fueled road trip, and action-RPG combat already had players hooked, but the DLC content added layers of backstory, new gameplay mechanics, and additional challenges. But does this extra content truly make the game “ultimate,” or is it just extra baggage that clutters the journey? Let’s explore each piece and see if it justifies the price tag.

Episode Gladiolus: A Test of Strength and Will

First up, we have Episode Gladiolus. This DLC allows you to step into the hefty boots of Gladio, Noctis’s loyal shield, and delve deeper into his motivations and combat prowess. Instead of the open world, you get a more linear experience focusing on close-quarters combat and mastering Gladio’s unique fighting style. The storyline revolves around Gladio seeking to prove his strength, undertaking a trial with legendary warrior Gilgamesh. Think of it like a protein-shake-fueled training montage, but with more swords and less ’80s music. It’s a good, solid few hours of gameplay, but ultimately feels somewhat isolated from the main narrative.

Gladio's Combat Style

One of the biggest appeals of Episode Gladiolus is getting to experience combat through a different lens. Gladio relies on powerful attacks and blocking, absorbing damage to unleash devastating counter-attacks. The new mechanics force you to play strategically, considering each enemy’s attack pattern and utilizing Gladio’s Rage meter effectively. It’s a welcome change of pace from Noctis’s warp-strike focused gameplay, offering a more grounded and visceral fighting experience. If you enjoy a more deliberate and hard-hitting combat style, Gladio’s episode might be right up your alley.

Episode Prompto: Exploring a Troubled Past

Next on our list is Episode Prompto. This DLC shifts gears dramatically, exploring Prompto’s previously shrouded backstory and offering a completely different gameplay style. You trade in swords for firearms, venturing into a snowy, research-facility-infested region. Prompto’s episode is a surprisingly emotional journey, dealing with themes of identity and self-acceptance. It’s like a teen movie, but with lasers and snowmobiles. Think “The Breakfast Club” meets “Metal Gear Solid,” with a dash of existential dread thrown in for good measure. While the storyline is compelling, the gameplay can be a bit uneven.

Shooting and Snowmobiles

Episode Prompto introduces a new element to Final Fantasy XV: third-person shooting. While not as polished as dedicated shooters, it offers a refreshing change of pace from the typical melee combat. You’ll be using a variety of firearms, from pistols to rocket launchers, to take down robotic enemies and Imperial soldiers. The addition of a snowmobile adds a fun element of exploration, allowing you to traverse the snowy landscape and discover hidden locations. However, the shooting mechanics can feel a bit clunky at times, and the driving sections can be somewhat repetitive.

Episode Ignis: A Tactical Mind and a Desperate Fight

Episode Ignis is arguably the most compelling of the character-focused DLCs. It delves into Ignis’s unwavering loyalty to Noctis, placing him in a desperate situation during the events of Altissia. This episode provides crucial context for the main storyline and offers a unique perspective on the unfolding events. Gameplay-wise, Ignis is a tactical powerhouse, utilizing elemental daggers and a versatile combat style. Think of him as the MacGyver of the FFXV universe, always finding creative solutions to seemingly impossible situations. Expect some intense action and emotional moments.

Elemental Daggers and Tactical Brilliance

Ignis’s combat style is a blend of agility and tactical planning. He utilizes elemental daggers that can be imbued with fire, ice, or lightning, allowing him to exploit enemy weaknesses. He can also create elemental barriers for defense and unleash powerful area-of-effect attacks. Mastering Ignis’s combat style requires careful planning and strategic use of his abilities. It’s like playing a chess match, but with more explosions and fewer pawns. Episode Ignis also features a branching narrative with multiple endings, adding replayability and allowing you to explore different outcomes of the Altissia conflict.

Comrades: A Multiplayer Adventure

Comrades is a multiplayer expansion that allows you to create your own character and embark on quests with up to three other players. Set after a time skip within the main FFXV story, you play as a Kingsglaive soldier, tasked with protecting the citizens of Lucis in Noctis’s absence. Comrades offers a different kind of Final Fantasy experience, emphasizing cooperative gameplay and character customization. It’s like a Monster Hunter game, but with more Final Fantasy flavor. However, the multiplayer can feel a bit grindy at times, and the storyline is less engaging than the single-player DLCs.

Customizable Characters and Cooperative Quests

One of the main draws of Comrades is the ability to create and customize your own character. You can choose from a variety of races, genders, and appearances, and equip your character with a wide range of weapons and armor. The cooperative quests involve completing various objectives, such as hunting monsters, protecting settlements, and delivering supplies. Working together with other players is essential for success, and the experience can be quite rewarding when you coordinate your attacks and support each other effectively. However, be prepared for some grinding to level up your character and acquire better equipment.

Royal Pack: Expanding the Main Game

The Royal Pack is a DLC that enhances the core Final Fantasy XV experience. It adds new content to the main game, including a new dungeon (the Ruins of Insomnia), new exploration areas, and new accessories. It also expands upon the Armiger Unleashed system, giving Noctis even more powerful combat abilities. This pack is less about standalone stories and more about fleshing out the existing world and gameplay. Think of it as a director’s cut, adding scenes and details that enrich the overall narrative. It’s a great addition for players who want to squeeze every last drop of content out of the main game.

New Exploration and Combat Enhancements

The Ruins of Insomnia is a challenging new dungeon that offers a unique test of your combat skills. The dungeon features a variety of enemies and traps, as well as some powerful boss encounters. The Royal Pack also adds new exploration areas to the game, allowing you to discover hidden secrets and uncover more of the world’s lore. The Armiger Unleashed system is expanded, giving Noctis new combat abilities and allowing you to unleash devastating attacks. These additions make the already engaging combat system even more dynamic and rewarding. It’s like finding an extra level of awesome in a game that was already pretty awesome to begin with.

Assassins Festival: A Limited Time Crossover

While technically a DLC, the Assassin’s Festival was a limited-time event that crossed over with Assassin’s Creed. It added new gameplay mechanics, such as stealth and parkour, and allowed you to participate in various challenges and activities inspired by the Assassin’s Creed franchise. While the event is no longer available, it’s worth mentioning as it represents Square Enix’s willingness to experiment with unique crossovers and gameplay experiences. It’s like a delicious flavor combination you can no longer find at your favorite ice cream shop. It was fun while it lasted!

Final Verdict: Is the Ultimate Edition Truly Ultimate?

So, after dissecting each piece of DLC, is the Final Fantasy XV: Ultimate Edition truly “ultimate”? The answer is a resounding… mostly! The character-focused episodes add valuable backstory and perspective, while Comrades offers a fun (albeit grindy) multiplayer experience. The Royal Pack enhances the main game with new content and combat abilities. While some elements, like the limited-time Assassin’s Festival, are no longer accessible, the overall package offers a comprehensive and enriching Final Fantasy XV experience. If you’re a dedicated fan or new to the game, the Ultimate Edition is a worthwhile investment, offering hours of additional content and a deeper understanding of the world of Eos. Just remember to pace yourself; there’s a lot to explore!

FAQ

What's the best order to play the Final Fantasy XV DLC?

For the best narrative experience, play Episode Gladiolus after Chapter 6, Episode Prompto after Chapter 12, and Episode Ignis after Chapter 13. Comrades should be played after finishing the main game, as it contains spoilers. The Royal Pack content can be enjoyed throughout the main game after installation.

Does the Ultimate Edition include all previous DLC?

Yes, the Final Fantasy XV: Ultimate Edition includes all previously released DLC, including Episode Gladiolus, Episode Prompto, Episode Ignis, Comrades, and the Royal Pack. It provides the complete Final Fantasy XV experience in one package. Make sure you check the edition contents when you purchase to confirm.

Is Comrades still active? Can I still find players online?

Yes, Comrades is still active, although the player base may be smaller than it was at launch. You can still find players online, but it may take some time to find a group for quests. Consider joining Final Fantasy XV communities or Discord servers to coordinate with other players.