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Old World has carved out its place in the 4X strategy genre, offering a unique blend of dynasty mechanics, deep historical storytelling, and tactical gameplay. Developed by Mohawk Games and published by Hooded Horse, the game continues to evolve with expansions that add new civilizations, events, mechanics, and scenarios. But which DLCs are worth your time and money?
We’ve ranked the best Old World DLC based on overall impact, community reception, and how much they enhance the base game experience. Whether you’re looking for more depth, replayability, or historical campaigns, this list will help you decide which expansions to prioritize.
6. Heroes of the Aegean
Best for: Historical scenarios and a new civilization
Heroes of the Aegean introduces a set of historical campaigns based on Ancient Greece’s most famous battles, including the Battle of Marathon, Thermopylae, and Alexander the Great’s conquests. The DLC also adds the Hittites as a playable civilization, featuring unique three-man chariots and the ability to traverse hills without movement penalties.
While the scenarios are well-crafted, they are separate from the main game, meaning players who prefer sandbox-style empire-building may not find as much value here. That said, at a frequent discount, this DLC is an affordable way to get more structured, story-driven gameplay.
Pros:
- Engaging historical scenarios
- Hittites add variety to the main campaign
- Often available at a steep discount
Cons:
- Primarily focused on scenario play
- Less impact on sandbox gameplay
5. Pharaohs of the Nile
Best for: Fans of Egyptian history and unique challenges
This expansion takes players into the rich history of Ancient Egypt, offering a series of scenarios set in the New Kingdom era. Players can step into the roles of legendary pharaohs like Ramesses the Great and Ahmose I, navigating conflicts such as the Battle of Qadesh and the collapse of the Bronze Age.
Additionally, Pharaohs of the Nile introduces the Kushites as a playable civilization, bringing new units and city-building mechanics. While the campaign content is engaging, it remains mostly scenario-based, similar to Heroes of the Aegean. The Kushites add more replayability to the main game, but this DLC is best suited for those who enjoy narrative-driven experiences.
Pros:
- Rich historical storytelling
- The Kushites offer a unique playstyle
- Scenarios provide challenging, structured gameplay
Cons:
- Limited impact on free-play campaigns
- Best suited for players who enjoy scripted missions
4. Behind the Throne
Best for: Court intrigue, political maneuvering, and role-playing
One of the more unique expansions, Behind the Throne introduces political drama and courtly intrigue to Old World. This DLC expands the game’s character-driven events, allowing advisors, viziers, and nobles to gain power, form rivalries, and even attempt coups. It also introduces new stress and revelry mechanics, where rulers must balance their ambitions with personal well-being.
The addition of the Grand Vizier mechanic provides a way for players to delegate city management, though this can also lead to complications if the AI-controlled Vizier develops their own ambitions. This expansion leans heavily into role-playing elements, making it a fantastic pick for players who enjoy the storytelling aspects of Old World.
Pros:
- Expands the character-driven elements of the game
- Adds more depth to court politics and intrigue
- Grand Vizier system adds new strategic decisions
Cons:
- Not essential for those who prefer traditional 4X gameplay
- Some players find the AI delegation frustrating
3. Wonders and Dynasties
Best for: Long-term replayability and new strategic options
If you’re looking to enhance Old World‘s core mechanics rather than play through historical scenarios, Wonders and Dynasties is a solid choice. This expansion adds eight new wonders, each offering game-changing benefits, as well as 30 new starting leaders, each with unique traits and abilities.
The variety in starting leaders adds a fresh dynamic to every playthrough, encouraging different strategies depending on the dynasty you choose. However, some players feel the DLC is a bit overpriced for what it offers compared to more mechanics-heavy expansions.
Pros:
- Adds replayability with unique leaders
- New wonders provide strong strategic options
- No reliance on scenario-based content
Cons:
- Some players feel the content is slightly overpriced
- Less dramatic gameplay changes compared to other DLCs
2. Wrath of Gods
Best for: Players who want dynamic world events and natural disasters
One of the most recent and ambitious expansions, Wrath of Gods introduces the concept of natural disasters to Old World. With nine calamities—including floods, earthquakes, plagues, and hurricanes—this DLC changes how players approach city-building and resource management.
The inclusion of the Aksum civilization adds even more variety to the main campaign, with unique leaders and nation-specific traits. Additionally, the Wrath of Gods scenario explores a mythical narrative where gods intervene in human affairs, demanding tribute or unleashing destruction.
For those who want an extra layer of challenge and unpredictability, this DLC is a must-have. However, it may not appeal to players who prefer a more controlled strategy experience.
Pros:
- Introduces dynamic world events and disasters
- Aksum civilization brings fresh gameplay options
- Mythology-inspired scenario offers a unique challenge
Cons:
- Random disasters may frustrate players who prefer structured planning
- Requires adapting to new mechanics
1. The Sacred and The Profane
Best for: Core gameplay expansion and new event mechanics
Topping our list as the best Old World DLC is The Sacred and The Profane. This expansion introduces over 350 new events focused on religion, clerical influence, and state politics, making it one of the most impactful additions to the game. Unlike other DLCs that focus on historical campaigns, this one integrates seamlessly into the main sandbox experience.
With the addition of new clergy characters, unique religious events, and cult city projects, The Sacred and The Profane makes faith a much more interactive aspect of the game. The religious dissent mechanics add depth to empire management, forcing players to balance different factions within their realm.
Given its strong reception, affordable price, and ability to enhance every playthrough, this DLC is widely regarded as essential for any Old World player.
Pros:
- Massive event expansion with 350+ new interactions
- Religious mechanics create deeper political gameplay
- Adds variety without forcing scenario-based play
Cons:
- Focused specifically on religion, so players uninterested in faith mechanics may not see the full value
Final Thoughts
Old World offers a rich strategy experience even without expansions, but the right DLC can take your campaign to new heights. If you’re looking for the most impactful additions, The Sacred and The Profane should be your first pick. However, for players who love historical campaigns, Pharaohs of the Nile and Heroes of the Aegean provide engaging scenarios.
For those wanting more dynamic world mechanics, Wrath of Gods shakes things up with natural disasters, while Behind the Throne and Wonders and Dynasties expand political intrigue and replayability.
Ultimately, whether you’re a new player or a seasoned strategist, there’s an Old World DLC that fits your style.
Best Old World DLC: Frequently Asked Questions
Which Old World DLC adds the most content to the main game?
The Sacred and The Profane is widely considered the most impactful expansion for general gameplay, adding over 350 new events, religious mechanics, and deeper political interactions. Unlike scenario-based DLCs, it integrates seamlessly into every campaign.
Are the scenario-focused DLCs worth it?
Heroes of the Aegean and Pharaohs of the Nile add structured historical campaigns featuring famous leaders and battles. These DLCs are great for players who enjoy narrative-driven gameplay but have a more limited impact on the sandbox experience.
Which DLC adds the most replayability?
Wonders and Dynasties expands the game with eight new wonders and 30 new starting leaders, each with unique traits. This makes every playthrough feel different and adds long-term strategic depth.
Does Wrath of Gods change the game significantly?
Yes. Wrath of Gods introduces natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, and plagues, adding unpredictability to city management and warfare. It also adds the Aksum civilization, bringing unique leaders and mechanics.
Is Behind the Throne a must-have for new players?
Not necessarily. Behind the Throne focuses on court politics, intrigue, and AI-managed city governance, making it better suited for players who enjoy character-driven storytelling and role-playing elements.
What is the best Old World DLC for strategy-focused players?
Players who prefer deep strategic gameplay should prioritize The Sacred and The Profane for its religious and political depth or Wonders and Dynasties for its expanded leader and wonder mechanics.
Can I enjoy Old World without buying any DLC?
Absolutely. The base game is a complete experience, and none of the DLCs are required to enjoy it. However, expansions add variety and depth, making them valuable for long-term players.
