Where to Find the Best Deals on Game Expansions

8 September 2025

Let’s be real: Gaming isn't a cheap hobby. Between consoles, accessories, and the ever-growing list of triple-A titles, your wallet takes a beating. But wait, it doesn’t end there—game expansions are the icing (or maybe the expensive cherry) on top. Whether you’re into MMORPGs, strategy games, or open-world adventures, expansions add new life to your favorite titles. But here’s the kicker—they come with a price tag that can make your bank account flinch.

So, where do gamers like you and me go to snag the best deals on game expansions without having to sell a kidney? That’s what we’re diving into today. We’re talking strategy, timing, and tricks that’ll help you score those juicy expansion packs at a fraction of the cost.

Let’s get saving.

Why Game Expansions Are Worth It (Even on a Budget)

Before we get into the “where,” let’s talk about the “why.” Game expansions, also known as DLCs (downloadable content), are more than just cosmetic add-ons. We’re talking new storylines, characters, maps, missions, and sometimes even entire gameplay mechanics.

They breathe new life into a game you might’ve already sunk dozens (or hundreds) of hours into. Think of them like sequels, but better integrated. The problem? Some expansions can cost nearly as much as the base game, especially if you’re eyeing Season Passes or Ultimate Editions.

Bottom line? Expansions are often worth it—but you shouldn’t have to pay full price if you don’t have to.

1. Start with Digital Marketplaces

This is probably where most of us spend our time buying games anyway, right? Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox Store, PlayStation Store—you name it. But here’s the trick: Sales happen more often than you think.

Steam Sales: The Holy Grail of Discounts

Steam is notorious (in a good way) for its massive seasonal sales. The Steam Summer Sale and Winter Sale are particularly legendary. You can snag expansions for 50%, 75%, or even 90% off if you time it right.

Pro Tip: Add expansions to your Wishlist. Steam will notify you when they go on sale.

Epic Games Store: Underrated But Effective

Epic doesn’t always have the widest catalog, but when they do throw a sale, it’s usually epic (pun intended). They often give out coupons during events that can be combined with sale prices, making expansions even cheaper.

Console Stores: Keep an Eye on Weekly Deals

If you're a console gamer, don't sleep on weekly and monthly deals. Xbox’s “Deals with Gold” and PlayStation’s “Essential Picks” often feature discounted DLCs and expansions.

2. Use Price Tracking Websites

Why refresh pages like it’s 2008? Price tracking websites do the heavy lifting for you. They monitor prices across platforms and alert you when a deal drops.

Some of the Best Price Trackers:

- IsThereAnyDeal.com – Tracks Steam and other PC game prices across dozens of sellers.
- CheapShark – A simple and clean tool to compare prices on game expansions and base games alike.
- Honey (Browser Extension) – Not only does it scan coupon codes, but it also alerts you when there's a price drop.

These tools are lifesavers. Set an alert, sit back, and wait for the right moment to pounce.

3. Don’t Ignore Third-Party Key Resellers

Okay, this one comes with a giant asterisk. Third-party key resellers like Green Man Gaming, Humble Bundle, Fanatical, and even CDKeys can offer mind-blowing discounts. However, be cautious about where you shop.

Trusted Resellers Worth Checking:

- Humble Bundle – Occasionally offers bundles that include the base game + expansions.
- Green Man Gaming – Legit and often partners directly with publishers. Great deals on pre-orders too.
- Fanatical – Known for bundle sales that include DLCs and expansions.

Avoid shady websites that don’t verify the legitimacy of their keys—you don’t want to buy an expansion and get hit with a “code already used” message.

4. Check Publisher and Developer Deals

Sometimes, going straight to the source is the way to go. Big-name developers like EA, Ubisoft, and Blizzard run their own deals via their own launchers—think Origin, Uplay, and Battle.net.

Examples:

- EA’s Origin Sales – Often bundles expansions with the base game at a steep discount.
- Ubisoft Connect – Regular discounts on entire franchises, including DLCs.
- Blizzard’s Battle.net – Good deals during World of Warcraft expansions and Overwatch seasonal events.

Always check their platforms before pulling the trigger elsewhere.

5. Look for Expansion Passes and Game of the Year Editions

Let’s say you love a game and you KNOW you’ll want more. Instead of buying expansions one by one, go for the expansion pass or Game of the Year (GOTY) edition. It’s like buying in bulk at Costco—you save more in the long run.

Why This Works:

- GOTY editions bundle the base game plus all major DLCs.
- Season/Expansion passes often include future content at a discounted pre-order rate.

Be mindful though: Some passes don’t include ALL DLCs, so check what’s included before you buy.

6. Stack Coupons and Rewards Systems

Coupons aren’t just for your mom’s grocery runs anymore. Many platforms and stores have some kind of rewards or coupon system.

Where to Stack Savings:

- Epic Games Store – Offers $10 coupons during sales.
- Humble Bundle – Subscription users get additional discounts.
- Green Man Gaming – Has a VIP program with deeper discounts.

Even retailers like Amazon and Best Buy offer reward points that can be applied to gaming purchases.

7. Join Gaming Subreddits and Deal Forums

Sometimes the best deals come from fellow gamers. Reddit has some great communities laser-focused on hunting down deals as soon as they drop.

Top Communities:

- r/GameDeals
- r/SteamDeals
- r/ConsoleDeals

You’ll find limited-time codes, glitch deals, and bundle promotions you wouldn’t find through conventional searches.

8. Wait It Out (Yep, Delayed Gratification Pays Off)

I get it—it’s hard to wait when your favorite game drops a new expansion and all your friends are playing it. But if you can resist that urge, the price WILL drop.

Timing Tactics:

- Most expansions go on sale within 3-6 months of release.
- Older expansions are often discounted permanently after a newer one drops.

Patience saves cash. Think of it like waiting for a new phone to drop—the old one suddenly becomes way more affordable.

9. Trade & Buy Used Physical Copies (Consoles Only)

If you’re a console gamer and the DLC is packaged on a disc (yeah, that still happens), buying used copies can be a sneaky-good way to grab expansions.

Where to Check:

- GameStop (used section)
- Facebook Marketplace
- eBay

Make sure the DLC codes haven’t already been used—some expansions are tied to one-time-use keys.

10. Subscribe to Gaming Services with DLC Access

We’re in the age of subscriptions, and they aren’t just for Netflix anymore. Services like Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, EA Play, and Ubisoft+ often include full game libraries alongside their expansions.

What You Get:

- Access to hundreds of games AND major expansions.
- A rotating selection—great if you like variety.
- New releases sometimes come included at no extra cost.

It’s basically Netflix for gamers. Just make sure you actually use it enough to justify the monthly fee.

One Last Tip: Set a Budget

It sounds boring, but setting a “gaming budget” can do wonders. It keeps your expansions wishlist in check and prevents impulse buys during flashy sales. Think of it like a loot box for your wallet—you never know what you’ll open, but at least you set the cost.

Final Thoughts

Scoring the best deals on game expansions is a mix of strategy, timing, and knowing where to look. Whether you're a casual player or a hardcore completionist, there's no need to pay full price when the internet is overflowing with deals.

Keep tracking, stay patient, and before you know it—you’ll be knee-deep in brand-new quests, maps, and missions without emptying your wallet.

Game on, smart spender.