In most contemporary releases, it is more common than not for a game to have post-game content. Since game development is such a long-winded journey, all things considered, it makes sense that some things fall by the wayside. As such, this practice allows developers to add in elements after games have already gone gold upon release.
Post-game content can include the implementation of additional missions, characters, elements, etc. that can sometimes add more context and/or exposition to potentially confusing storylines. But the games that don’t contain these “revisions” are few and far between. While the following gamescouldhave had this kind of added-in content, for one reason or another, they opted out of it.
7Stray
The idea behindStraywas pretty basic on paper, given that it’s a third-person POV game where players take on the role of a cat. Whileit’s not the only game where players take the form of a cat, it is one of the more popular ones. InStray, players play as an unnamed orange tabby cat who after becoming stranded from his family gets stuck in a walled-in unnamed city. In this city, players have to use their wits to make friends with robots and evade both sentry drones and sentient bacteria, all the while uncovering the secrets of exactly what happened to humanity.
The reasonStrayworks so well is in large part due to the amount of optional side quests and collectibles that players can seek out and the incredible level of heart. This comes in addition to a slew of would-be exploration and friends that only a mischievous feline could make. The game from Annapurna Interactive received strong critical acclaim, which was only multiplied byStraybeing a freebie on day one for PlayStation Plus owners. It’s the “cat’s meow.”
6Hogwarts Legacy
For the legions ofHarry Potterfans who have been asking for a game that emulates the magical (albeit fictional) world of this beloved franchise,Hogwarts Legacyis for them. While the game takes place a very long time before the setting of the movies,Hogwarts Legacydoes its best to put players in the shoes of a fifth-year transfer student who becomes entrenched in an evil plot involving goblins, dark wizards, and more.
Beyond this, there are plenty of things a prospective student can do at any given time. From taming magical beasts to taking a plethora of classes to forging friendships with fellow students to learning new spells there is quite a bit to do inHogwarts Legacy. There are also 50 additional side quests to embark on at any given time, including some on the more nefarious side. Magic is certainly everywhere at Hogwarts.
5Kingdom Hearts Birth By Sleep 0.2: A Fragmentary Passage
Indeed, there are certainly otherKingdom Heartstitles that are of higher caliber than this standalone title, especially where length is considered. However, most (if not all of them) have DLC and other post-game content added in.Kingdom Hearts 0.2: A Fragmentary Passage,meanwhile, has none, which makes it opportune for this kind of list. In the context of 0.2, Keyblade Master Aqua is stuck in the Realm of Darkness as she tries to brood over her mistakes that came following the end ofBirth By Sleep.
Beyond that, Aqua’s plight within Birth By Sleep 0.2 sets the stage for the darker aspects of the then-unreleasedKingdom Hearts 3while also showing players where the Keyblade Master is. It also to this day continues to get newer players familiar withKingdom Heartsmechanics that would become commonplace within the sequel (and eventualKingdom Hearts 4). Whatever reasons players may want to replay it, its short length makes it perfect if players are so inclined.
4Astro’s Playroom
WhileAstro’s Playroomis not this adorable little robot’s first foray, it’s certainly his first featured role. But regardless, this charming platformer was something of a hidden little gem of a game included with PlayStation 5 free of charge.Astro’s Playroomremains a clever way to get new users used to the DualSense 5’s new controller style alongside the PS5’s hardware, as the robot makes his way through multiple elemental stages. There are no story beats here, just fun and that’s a huge part of the draw.
A good chunk of the replay value ofAstro’s Playroomcomes from the time trials which unlock every time a stage is beaten, but it doesn’t stop players from just throwing it on when they feel like testing their reflexes. Additionally, the interactive aspects of the stages in conjunction with the very fun score just make this a delight.
3Uncharted 4
Even though none of theUnchartedgames have “post-game” content, the fourth entry is the one that stands above the rest. InUncharted 4,players once again play asNathan Drake who after becoming reunited with his estranged brother Sam tries to uncover an ancient pirate treasure while also seeking out his “happy ending.” The game benefits specifically from how nicely the Drake family’s story ties up, even up to and including an epilogue taking place a decade later.
A good lot ofUncharted 4’s post-game appeal comes from a multitude of modifiers and “cheats” that are unlocked upon completing the first playthrough. Not to mention the excellent multiplayer mode, which throws players into the fray as one of the many characters who have been in the franchise at any given time. Finally, there is enough randomized chaos and multiple beautiful locales thatUncharted 4still feels fun without becoming too boring.
Red Dead Redemption 2is several years old and yet because of its very strong narrative, it still sets the bar for games in this day and age. However, while thisis technically marketed as a sequel, it is, in fact, a prequel. Therein players play as Arthur Morgan, a top enforcer in the Van Der Linde gang alongside John Martson the lead protagonist of 2010’sRed Dead Redemption(which confusingly saw a remaster not a remake in 2023), who is trying to find his place in a world where cowboys are becoming less welcome.
On the far end of the spectrum,Red Dead Redemption 2has strong replay value. Much of it is delivered in droves too as well due to the open sandbox of the game’s world. But both regardingthe sequel’s morality system, the random unpredictability of the game’s many NPCs, or even the online multiplayer component which still is quite popular - there is so much to do without the need for DLC.
1The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom
The vast and expansive open world approach ofThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wildwas like nothingZeldafans had ever seen with a unique cel-shading art style to match it, and its sequel The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomonly builds upon that further. The story inTears of the Kingdomcontinues from that previous entry whereas following the defeat of yetanother rendition of Ganondorf, Link and Zelda explore the remains beneath Hyrule, where poison is seemingly being released to the kingdom at large.
It is unclear if there will be another game in this particular part of Link’s journey, but regardless it is deemed to be a masterpiece for theNintendo Switch. The beauty of the game is how much creativity and customization players can come up with. Hyrule has never been so expansive and inviting, especially with the addition of aerial locales. It’s safe to say players will not want to leave this sprawling fictional Kingdom anytime soon.
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