Summary
In the age of live-service games, where popular online titles constantly evolve with years of support, new updates, and seasonal changes, single-player titles often fade from the spotlight just weeks after launch, soon overshadowed by the next big release. However, a few developers continue to go above and beyond for their fans, releasing regular updates with new content for years, often at no extra cost to those who already own the game.
While long-term support for single-player games is more common in the indie scene —Stardew Valley,Terraria,Factorio,Dwarf Fortress, andDeep Rock Galacticare prime examples — some AAA developers have also adopted this practice. Sometimes, this extended support is part of an effort to fix a rocky launch, with studios aiming to win back fan goodwill as they prepare for their next big release. Below are some of the most well-known single-player titles that have received free updates over the years, as a gesture of appreciation from developers who strive to deliver the best possible experience for their fans.
Cyberpunk 2077’s launch in December 2020 is a textbook case ofhow things can go terribly wrong, damaging a developer’s reputation and leading to the game being pulled from console storefronts due to its unplayable state. To CD Projekt Red’s credit, they took full responsibility and set to work immediately, spending months fixing and patching the game. But that was only the beginning.
By the time the massive 1.5 update was released in February 2022,Cyberpunk 2077was in much better shape. Yet, the team wasn’t done. In the lead-up to thePhantom Libertyexpansion, the game received numerous free updates, including new content, missions, items, and reworked features. The final major update, 2.1, released in December 2023, fulfilled the promise of a working metro system and, alongside the massive 2.0 update, went far beyond mere bug fixes. This three-year journey of constant updates successfully restored fan faith andgave the game the conclusion it deserved. To this day, the developerscontinue to release regular updates, enhancing the game with each passing month.
Dying Lightset a new standard for Techland — and the industry at large — by demonstrating just how extensively a single-player game can be supported post-launch. Over seven years, the game received a continuous stream of updates, culminating in the release ofDying Light: Definitive Editionin June 2022. Throughout its lifespan,Dying Lightsaw six free bundles featuring blueprints, items, cosmetic skins, new missions, quests, and challenges. Additionally, 11 content drops introduced a brand-new location, game mode, new weapons, bounties, and enemies.
Techland went even further by offering all base game owners a free upgrade to theEnhanced Edition, which included theDying LightYear One Season Pass, bundling several paid expansions. By adding new game modes for free and delivering such consistent and meaningful updates, Techland created one of the most extensive long-term support models ever seen for a single-player title.
TheHitmanseries has been a staple in gaming for 24 years, spanning eight main entries, each gradually refining the franchise.Hitman 3(also known asWorld of Assassination) represents the pinnacle of the series, showcasing the culmination of IO Interactive’s decades of experience. It also stands as a prime example of a single-player title receiving impressive post-launch support.
For more than two years, the developers have consistently updated the game with free content, including seasonal events, new challenges, suits, weapons, items, and player-curated contracts. The elusive target events, exclusive and time-limited, add a sense of urgency to the game. A major highlight ofHitman 3’s post-launch support is the introduction of thefree roguelike mode, Freelancer. Additionally, new elusive missions, such as The Disruptor (featuring Conor McGregor), have drawn fresh attention to the game. ForHitmanfans,Hitman 3is a dream come true. Its continued support sets a new benchmark for single-player games, and players can only hope that more titles will receive such long-term care and content.
Dying Light 2 Stay Humanis another textbook example of Techland’s exceptional commitment to its creations. Aiming to meet the high bar set by the originalDying Light, the developers pledged at least five years of post-launch support for the sequel before its launch, and so far, they have been keeping that promise.
Since the game’s release, every owner ofDying Light 2has received plenty of new content, including skin bundles, bounty events, new survivor missions with unique rewards, and even new music. One of thelatest additions is a new activity known as Tower Raid, where players clear floors of enemies to obtain new rewards. With the team showing no signs of slowing down, Techland may eventually follow their own precedent, perhaps even giving away paid expansions to players as a token of gratitude.
While not exactly a AAA title (nor strictly single-player),No Man’s Skyshares similarities withCyberpunk 2077, having launched in a troubled state that led to widespread disappointment. However, what followed was remarkable: Sean Murray’s team went above and beyond expectations, regularly delivering content updates and patches to bring the game closer to its original vision. From adding a proper multiplayer mode to enabling galactic exploration with friends to introducing dozens of new features,No Man’s Skyhas significantly expanded its appeal. Its journey has become so unique that it stands in a league of its own.
Over the past year alone,No Man’s Skyhas received several major content updates, includingEchoes,Omega,Orbital,Adrift, andmost recently,Aquarius. Each of these updates has been released for free to all players, making the game one of the most impressive examples of long-term support and devotion in the gaming industry.
