Grim Dawn - Steam Loyalist Items Pack Review Summary

A highly praised game, but its DLC offers only cosmetic content that supports developers yet lacks practical value, making it poor value for money with confusing item acquisition.

Game is highly praised: Players consistently describe the game as amazing, fun, and one of the best in its genre. The gameplay, polish, and overall experience receive strong positive feedback.

DLC offers cosmetic content: The DLC includes cosmetic items like transmogs, hats, and costumes that are considered nice and stylish. Players enjoy the aesthetic improvements without affecting gameplay.

DLC supports developers: Many players view the DLC purchase as a direct and honest way to support the developers. They appreciate the opportunity to contribute financially to the game's continued development.

Wisp provides light utility: The wisp pet is valued for its practical function of lighting dark areas, increasing light radius, and helping in dark dungeons. This utility is a key reason for its positive reception.

Wisp pet is appreciated: The Will o' the Wisp pet is highlighted as cute, cool, and a nice bonus. It adds visual appeal and is a pleasant addition to the game.

DLC lacks practical value: Players overwhelmingly report that the DLC provides almost no practical benefit, with items being useless or a rip-off. Many describe it as a cash grab that adds nothing meaningful to the game.

Poor value for money: The DLC is considered overpriced relative to the small amount of content it provides. Players feel the price is too high for what is essentially cosmetic items.

Confusing item acquisition: Several players struggled to figure out how to obtain or equip the DLC items, with unclear instructions and items not appearing in the game or inventory. This adds frustration to an already underwhelming purchase.

Debuffing consumable items: The only non-cosmetic item, an alcohol consumable, actually reduces Offensive and Defensive Ability by 10% for 450 seconds, negatively impacting combat. This is seen as a harmful addition rather than a useful feature.

Inferior to other DLCs: The content is less than the other two DLCs, and the second and third packs offer better cosmetics at the same price. This makes the DLC a poor choice compared to alternatives.

Game is ARPG successor: The game is an action RPG and hack & slash RPG, considered a successor to Titan Quest. It offers near-endless build possibilities.

Transmogrification is reusable: The cosmetic transmogrification can be claimed infinitely from the keeper and used repeatedly. There is also an option to remove the transmogrification if desired.

Alcohol item debuffs combat: The DLC includes an alcohol item that reduces Offensive and Defensive Ability by 10% for 450 seconds, dulling combat skills and potentially causing vomiting. This is a non-cosmetic item that debuffs the player.

Only for loyal fans: Several reviews note that the DLC is only worth buying for those who are loyal to the game and company, or who want to show extra appreciation. This suggests the content may not appeal to casual players.

Recommended for game enjoyment: Some reviewers find the DLC fun and recommend it to players who enjoy the base game, though this is less common than the support-developer angle. It is seen as a nice addition for existing fans.

Consider multiple packs: A reviewer suggests going for the second or third packs if you want more set parts, and recommends the second loyalist pack if only getting one. This provides guidance for collectors.

Not recommended by some: One reviewer does not recommend the DLC, and another advises reading the description before buying, suggesting that expectations may not be met for some players.

Fun for Diablo fans: A reviewer recommends the DLC for fans of Diablo-like games, indicating that the gameplay style may appeal to a specific genre audience.

Community fair range: $8.99 - $12.99.

Players report immediate and sustained enjoyment, describing the game as fun, addictive, and challenging from the outset with no early friction.

Dev Patron: Long-term dedicated player who buys DLC as a token of appreciation and to fund future updates. Motivation: Supporting the developers and ensuring continued game development. Stance: buy.

Cosmetic Collector: Focuses on character appearance, appreciates aesthetic additions without needing gameplay benefits. Motivation: Enjoying visual customization and collecting cosmetic items. Stance: buy.

Value Skeptic: Set hunters and min-maxers who prioritize stats and bonuses over cosmetics. Motivation: Getting meaningful gameplay content for their money. Stance: no buy.

Monetization: The reviews focus on the DLC's poor value for money, but consistently note it is purely cosmetic and clearly described. There is no evidence of predatory monetization such as loot boxes, pay-to-win, or in-game currency. The DLC is an optional cosmetic purchase, and some users see it as a way to support the developers.

DLC is developer support: The DLC is widely understood as a way to financially support the developers rather than for its content. Many reviewers explicitly bought it to fund future development and show appreciation.

Content is purely cosmetic: The DLC adds only cosmetic items like headgear, skins, and a pet, with no gameplay advantages. Reviewers note it provides exactly what the description states.

Compared to other ARPGs: Reviewers compare Grim Dawn to Titan Quest, Diablo, and Path of Exile, often noting it as a strong entry in the genre. Some prefer this DLC over similar purchases in other games.

Items obtained from NPC: The DLC items are claimed from the NPC Kory the Keeper at Devil's Crossing. This NPC allows infinite claiming of the items, including transmog bottles.

Hopes for future content: Reviewers express hope for more DLC and updates, including new items in the loyalist pack and further expansions. Some would buy more packs if new content is added.