There are many different types of DLC’s for the Game Icarus.
Some are focused around outposts where you can roam around freely, building a base on a small map.
Some DLCs introduce new maps.
Some DLC’s provide extra items in-game, like furniture, saddles, or pet additions to your game, and so on.
Do I need a DLC to play Icarus?
No absolutely not.
I have over 425 hours playing on the Olympus map, witnessed by those watching the stream, focusing on cave hunting, building better weapons, armour, workbenches, growing food, crafting food with buffs, completing missions, and so on.
You may read reviews where inexperienced players complain that you need a dlc to play this game, etc. Not sure what DLC these reviewers are talking about, and in fact, it could be The Great Hunts DLC, where you are able to choose a high-tier weapon blueprint and craft that with attachments once completing the first mission.
So I strongly suggest doing this mission’s end game where your character is at level 60, you have the best work benches and stations crafted, and you are able to grow vegetables and make awesome foods, which in turn will you give you a boost in health, stamina, etc.
The Issue with the Great Hunts DLC
What new players don’t understand is that by purchasing the Great Hunt DLC and completing the first mission, is that they introduce the Quarrite creature that will spawn in all desert regions. A creature that requires a good weapon, armour, and food buffs to kill. And once you start the fight, you may also get attacked by other animals.
By completing the 2nd mission, the Quarrite creature then spawns in all biomes. This makes gameplay harder, and riding a mount like a Moa can be risky because the Quarrite has high hp and can roll and kill your mount.
When to start completing the Great Hunt DLC’s?
Once you complete most missions on the Olympus map, is when I suggest you complete the 1st and 2nd mission. If you are not high level, don’t have the right gear, food buffs, and so on, you will struggle with your gameplay, complaining about the game and why it is so difficult.
What DLC’s Do You Recommend?
This really depends on you.
Playing Icarus Long Term
I would suggest the Icarus: New Frontiers and Icarus: Styx Expansion DLC’s because they introduce new maps and creatures.
Other DLC’s
The Icarus: Great Hunts Campaigns DLC is a solid choice, but start these missions once you either complete all map related DLC’s or you only have 4 or so to go, because you will have the Quarrite creature to deal with.
Icarus: Creature Comforts Pack – this introduces new items in gam eincluding a painted chicken coup and additional furniture and saddles.
Icarus: Industrial Furniture Pack – this introduces more cool furniture items to your game.