We’re looking at recently released expansions for Atomfall, Sniper Elite: Resistance and Wartales in today’s roundup of DLC releases.
Atomfall – Wicked Isle review (PS5)
We liked Atomfall for its mix of eerie British countryside survival and Cold War paranoia, and the Wicked Isle DLC leans further into the game’s unsettling tone with an isolated new region that’s as atmospheric as it is dangerous. The island itself is a compelling setting, cloaked in dense fog and littered with abandoned remnants of a fishing village now overrun by druid cultists and nautical-themed raiders. The sense of mystery is heightened by fresh narrative threads that deepen the main game’s lore while offering new escape paths and clues tied to the broader quarantine zone – leaning into what made the base game so interesting.
The island’s side quests are less action-heavy than the mainland campaign, often focusing more on scavenging, exploration, and solving environmental puzzles, which helps the DLC feel like a self-contained detour. Unfortunately, not all of the missions land – pacing issues and overly familiar fetch tasks can sap some of the momentum, especially for those hoping for high-stakes narrative beats. That said, the addition of new skills and weapons like the brutal blunderbuss and advanced detector gear does freshen up the moment-to-moment gameplay, even if these tools don’t drastically change how you approach the experience.
Combat on the island can feel rougher around the edges than it did on the mainland, with some enemies – especially the cultists – feeling more frustrating than fun to fight. AI inconsistencies and hit detection quirks are still present, and navigating the isle’s rocky terrain can sometimes turn into a fight against the controls rather than the foes when trying to get around and defend yourself at the same time. Still, the DLC benefits from the same strong sense of place as the main game, with visual storytelling and eerie audio cues doing much of the heavy lifting when it comes to tension and immersion.
Wicked Isle may not reinvent Atomfall’s survival formula, but it’s a worthwhile expansion for those already invested in its world. With its creepy atmosphere, lore-rich setting, and inventive touches, the island offers enough intrigue to warrant the trip – just don’t expect a revolution. Like the base game, this DLC is occasionally treacherous, but you can’t stop yourself from wanting to find out more and dive deeper into the mystery.
Sniper Elite: Resistance – Mud and Thunder review (PS5)
The Mud and Thunder DLC for Sniper Elite: Resistance continues Rebellion’s steady post-launch support with a focused but atmospheric new mission, plus two historically-inspired weapons and a flashy cosmetic. The campaign scenario tasks players with rescuing a missing Resistance contact deep behind enemy lines, delivering a satisfying mix of infiltration, long-range kills, and tense close-quarters combat. While it’s not the longest mission in the series, the level’s rugged terrain and dynamic weather make for a memorable backdrop, blending muddy trenches with tight village corridors and elevated sniping positions – offering a little bit of everything in a mission that’s about an hour long.
The MAS 36 rifle included in this pack won’t shake up your loadout drastically, but its solid feel and bolt-action reliability make it a good fit for traditionalist sharpshooters. More interesting is the Auto-5 shotgun, which stands out for its faster firing rhythm and ability to clear interiors without requiring pinpoint aim – perfect for when stealth breaks down despite your best efforts. Both weapons integrate seamlessly with the game’s upgrade and customization systems, though neither introduces mechanics that fundamentally change how you play.
As for the extras, the Golden Hex weapon skin adds a bit of flair to your arsenal, though it feels more like a novelty than a must-have addition. Still, for those who appreciate cosmetic variety, it’s a decent inclusion. Visually, the DLC holds up to the standards of the base game, with solid performance on PS5 and clean environmental design that emphasizes verticality and choice in engagement. The sound design also continues to impress, particularly in how it balances ambient tension with the sharp crack of your rifle echoing through the valley and trenches.
Overall, Mud and Thunder doesn’t reinvent the formula, but it does what it sets out to do with confidence. The mission offers enough variety and atmosphere to stand alongside the main game’s stronger side objectives, while the new weapons expand your tactical options in modest but welcome ways. It’s not essential, but for dedicated snipers looking for one more enemy line to break, this is a worthy detour.
Wartales – The Beast Hunt review (PC)
Wartales has always found strength in its grim, low-fantasy tone and emphasis on grounded survival, and The Beast Hunt DLC expands on that with a darker, more mythic story arc. The new campaign sees your warband tracking a monstrous supernatural creature through the twisted landscapes of Brigga, a cursed land haunted by warped wildlife and spectral predators. While the game has dabbled in folklore before, this DLC goes full monster hunt mode, offering a more focused and atmospheric narrative that plays out through new mechanics and encounters.
The emphasis here is on tracking rather than constant combat, with players needing to rely on their Huntsman to read signs and uncover the Beast’s trail. It adds a welcome layer of deduction and exploration to the usual tactical loop. Side hunts for corrupted creatures are sprinkled throughout the map, offering challenging fights that reward keen observation and strong planning. These encounters feel more bespoke than usual, giving battles a tighter, more personal edge that fits the story’s sense of looming dread. That said, the tracking mechanics themselves can sometimes be a little opaque, and not every breadcrumb trail leads to something as memorable as it should.
Visually, Brigga’s misty forests and eerie ruins are some of the best environments the game has offered, delivering a sense of isolation and foreboding that fits the tone well. The soundtrack leans into somber, ambient tension rather than triumphant fantasy, reinforcing the mood throughout the DLC’s long, deliberate pacing. The final confrontation is a highlight – a multi-phase, cinematic showdown that’s more dynamic than anything in the base game. However, players expecting big changes to progression or party dynamics may find the expansion’s scope a bit narrower than expected, especially outside the Beast storyline itself.
Still, The Beast Hunt is a solid addition to Wartales, offering a more curated and story-driven experience without losing the sandbox grit the game is known for. It doesn’t radically reinvent the game’s systems, but it tells a compelling tale through mood, mechanics, and monsters. If you’ve already carved your name across the base game’s map, this cursed valley gives you a new legend to chase.
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