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Sometimes—but “remaster” does not guarantee that every original DLC pack, mode, multiplayer feature, or online service is included. What carries over depends on the specific game, edition, and platform. Check the publisher’s content list for the exact version before buying.
What “remastered” does—and does not—promise
The label describes a version of a game, not a standard checklist of features. A remaster may update presentation while preserving the original campaign, include selected or all DLC, change multiplayer, or omit features that depended on older technology or services. Even when a publisher says content is included, some extras may need to be unlocked through gameplay.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Pokémon Sword - Nintendo Switch | $54.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Cuphead - Nintendo Switch | $31.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Pokémon Legends: Z-A | Bundle (Game + DLC) | Nintendo Switch Digital Code | $89.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
The Art of Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course | $22.70 | Buy on Amazon |
There is no established representative statistic for how often remasters include DLC or retain multiplayer. The examples below show why the answer must be checked game by game; they are not a measure of the whole market.
What these remasters include
| Remaster | DLC and other content | Multiplayer and preservation details |
|---|---|---|
| Dark Souls Remastered | Includes the original Artorias of the Abyss DLC, according to Bandai Namco’s official page. | FromSoftware says the original level design remains. Its release announcement says online sessions increased from up to four players to up to six, using a dedicated server. See FromSoftware’s announcement. |
| Alan Wake Remastered | Includes the original game and the two story DLC episodes, The Signal and The Writer, according to Remedy’s FAQ. | The FAQ says some original gameplay quirks were retained, including Alan tiring while running. A remaster can preserve selected behavior as well as update presentation. |
| Command & Conquer Remastered Collection | EA says the collection includes all three expansion packs, plus a modernized UI, map editor, bonus gallery material, and remastered music. Some content may require gameplay to unlock. Details are on EA’s product page. | EA describes multiplayer as rebuilt, rather than simply copied unchanged. Its questions and answers also discuss preserving authentic gameplay. |
| Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 | Activision lists the original game modes and other included features in its FAQ. | The FAQ lists local two-player and online multiplayer, as well as leaderboards. It distinguishes offline play from online features that require internet access and, on consoles, a subscription for online play. |
How to check the exact version before buying
- Open the publisher’s page or store listing for the exact platform and edition. A game’s title alone may not identify which extras are included.
- Match DLC by name. Look for each expansion or episode you care about; do not assume “complete” or “remastered” means every add-on is bundled.
- Check the modes and player counts. Confirm whether multiplayer is local, online, or both, and look for player limits and cross-play details where listed.
- Read access requirements. Check for an internet connection, platform subscription, account, patch, or gameplay unlock requirement. Activision’s Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 FAQ, for example, distinguishes offline disc play from online features with additional requirements.
- Consider whether online services are still available. A listing that describes online multiplayer does not guarantee that publisher-operated servers will remain available indefinitely. EA’s Command & Conquer Remastered Collection terms say online features may be retired with notice.
Why “all original content” needs a closer look
Content can mean different things: the main campaign, levels, DLC, modes, local play, online play, or supporting features such as galleries and editors. A publisher may retain one category while changing another. For instance, FromSoftware says Dark Souls Remastered keeps the original level design while its online session size changes; EA describes Command & Conquer multiplayer as rebuilt. Check the specific feature you care about rather than treating “all original content” as a single promise.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
Rank #3
- Pokémon Legends: Z-A Bundle (Game + DLC)
Rank #2
- Experience the classic run and gun action with a pal in 2-player local co-op
- Includes the “Delicious Last Course” expansion filled with new bosses and brand-new character Ms. Chalice
- Includes exclusive “Cuphead Funnies” comic collector cards & vintage-inspired “Cuphead Club Membership”, and a hand-drawn reversible coversheet
#1 Best Overall
- Catch, battle, and trade Pokémon on an all-new adventure in the Galar region
- Choose from three new partner Pokémon and encounter never-before-seen Pokémon
- Unravel the mystery behind the Legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta!
- Team up with other Trainers to participate in Max Raid Battles***!
- Battle wild Dynamax Pokémon in Max Raid Battles and try catching them***
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
