Steam DLC: what fits, setup, soundtracks and launching it
29 Oct 2026 · 6 min read
Downloadable content (DLC) is extra content for your game, free or paid, that players buy on Steam or activate with a key. This guide covers what fits as DLC, Valve's day-one caution, setup, soundtracks and how a DLC launch is promoted, from Valve's DLC doc and the Steamworks docs it connects to, checked 29 Oct 2026.
What fits as DLC
In the Steam client a game and its DLC show as one app; the DLC is listed in the game's properties. Once owned, it is treated as part of the game: Steam installs it with the game and updates it with patches.
| Use | For |
|---|---|
| DLC | Expansions, new maps or levels, extra characters, and extras outside the game such as artbooks or wallpapers |
| Soundtrack app | Game soundtracks: their own app type, not DLC |
| Microtransactions | Cosmetics, consumable items and in-game currencies may fit better here |
Valve on day-one DLC: it might not be a good idea to launch with DLC on day one. Players may think the full game was ready and you held content back to sell as paid DLC. Valve notes that DLC can offer value to your most invested players, but also has costs in how customers see you that are hard to measure.
Sources: Downloadable Content (DLC). Checked 29 Oct 2026. Valve updates these pages; the Steamworks docs always win.
Setting up a DLC
Soundtracks are not DLC
Steam has a separate soundtrack app type, and Valve recommends converting soundtracks sold as DLC where it fits. Per Valve's soundtrack doc:
Launching and promoting a DLC
A DLC has no visibility rounds of its own. Valve's visibility doc suggests posting a community announcement about the DLC and then using one of the base game's Update Visibility Rounds, with the short description about the DLC. Visitors then land on the base game's page, where they also see the other DLC you have.
Fraud and in-game items
Valve warns that anything of value that can be bought attracts fraud: high-value DLC bought with a stolen card, its contents moved to another account or the account sold. So Valve does not recommend putting in-game currency or tradable items in DLC; those fit microtransactions better. Steam catches most fraudulent purchases within 48 hours, and an ownership check at launch or after 48 hours picks up the updated status.
Where a broadcast fits
A DLC launch sends people to the base game's store page, and a broadcast there shows them the new content. A Steam broadcast always uses the base game's App ID, never a DLC's; see how to get your Steam stream key. Loopcast keeps a store page broadcast running from an uploaded video, billed per minute on air. You can try it free for 7 days, no card needed.
FAQ
Should I launch my game with DLC on day one?
Valve says it might not be a good idea: players may think the full game was ready and content was held back to sell as paid DLC.
Does a DLC get its own Steam visibility rounds?
No. Use one of the base game's Update Visibility Rounds with a community announcement about the DLC. Visitors land on the base game's page and see the DLC there.
Should my soundtrack be DLC or a soundtrack app?
Valve recommends a soundtrack app where it fits: people who do not own the game can buy it, it downloads without the game, and it can be marketed on the store in ways DLC cannot. A tool converts existing DLC.
Can players buy DLC without the base game?
No. DLC requires ownership of the base game to buy, and the base game content is downloaded first.
Can I put in-game currency in a DLC?
Valve does not recommend it, because of fraud with stolen payment methods. In-game currency and tradable items fit microtransactions better.