Downloadable game content (DLC) has become a part of life and we all need to embrace it. Steam tends to work quite well with downloadable content as it handles it the same way as the initial install, but sometimes it crashes or doesn't install properly. Today's TechJunkie post will walk you through how to install DLC in Steam and what to do if your purchased DLC isn't installing as it should.
Not too long ago a game was a game. You paid your money, you got your game. It was a complete package and ready to play all the way. Then came DLC, downloadable content to shake up the games industry. Even a decade later, DLC is still a controversial topic, and the industry has only itself to blame.
On the one hand, DLC is good because it allows developers to add new features, maps, and content while fixing bugs in existing games. If the DLC adds genuinely new content, most don't mind paying for it. I certainly don't mind paying for DLC that adds real content if it's worth it.
On the other hand, some developers use DLC as a cash cow for nickel and dime players without adding any real value to the game. They release a game before it's really finished to provide the missing content. as paid downloadable content or use the DLC to divide players who pay extra from those who are not willing to pay to be season pass holders.
Either way, the DLC is now part of the game and we now have to live with it. The DLC seems to be here to stay in the gaming world.
Install the DLC in Steam
As mentioned, DLC is handled the same way purchasing the base game is handled. You can purchase DLC from the game page under the DLC banner or directly from the Steam store. Once purchased, it should appear in your Steam library on the game page. I find it easier to purchase from the library. You can purchase DLS from the Steam library by following these steps:
- Go to your Steam game library and select the game you want to develop.
- Select Find more DLC in store in the center pane.
- Select the DLC you wish to purchase from the Store page that opens. The buying process is exactly the same as buying a base game.
- Go back to your library and the DLC should appear in the center under DLC.
- Once downloaded, it should say Installed in the DLC pane.
If you don't see Installed yet, it may be downloading. Select Library from the top menu, then Downloads. You should see your DLC downloading there.
Depending on your connection or the size of the DLC, this may take some time but there is a progress indicator in the download window. Once downloaded, its status should change in the DLC pane of the game window.
- You can also view the installed DLC from the game properties window.
- On the right, click on the game in your Steam library and select Properties.
- Select the DLC tab in the pop-up window to see what was just installed.
Troubleshooting DLC in Steam
Steam is a reliable platform that rarely seems to get it wrong, but it sometimes refuses to play ball when using DLS in Steam. Usually, if something goes wrong when you buy a new game or downloadable content and you desperately want to play it. If this happens, there are several things you can do to "encourage" Steam to load it.
Be aware, however, that some downloadable content does not download automatically. Some games require third-party apps to authorize the DLC, like Uplay or even the game's website.
Some smaller game studios will have Steam email you a code that you'll need to add to your account on the game's website before authorizing the DLC. Verify that the DLC you purchased does not have this type of configuration as the first step to fixing an issue.
If the troubleshooting step above doesn't fix the problem, here are some ways to fix DLC issues in Steam:
- Make sure Steam is not downloading the DLC first.
- Restart Steam and give it a chance to download the DLC.
- Wait an hour or two in case the Steam servers are having issues.
- Right-click on the game in your library, select Properties then the Local Files tab and verify the integrity of the game files.
- Log out of Steam, then log back into Steam.
- Restart (restart) your computer.
- Verify that the game itself has no DLC loading issues. Use the Community Hub or News for more information.
I've used all of these methods at one time or another to fix DLC lags or issues. Sometimes you just have to wait a bit until the servers catch up. Sometimes checking the game developer's forum can let you know if it is a game issue or not.
If you enjoyed this article on DLCs in Steam, you might also like this TechJunkie article, How to Appear Invisible/Offline in Steam.
Do you know any other tricks or tips for those who want to install DLC in Steam? Or troubleshooting tips if things don't go as planned? Please tell us about your DLC experiences in the comments below if you do!
