Cult of the Lamb has always thrived on a strange balance—equal parts cozy town-builder and darkly comedic cult simulator. Developer Massive Monster has announced a paid DLC expansion for 2026, sparking a big question for fans: is this the kind of content worth shelling out extra money for, or should expansions like this remain free?

To weigh that question properly, it’s worth looking back a little. Since its release in 2022, Cult of the Lamb has received a steady stream of free content updates, quality-of-life improvements, and seasonal events. These additions showed the studio’s commitment to keeping the game fresh without nickel-and-diming its players. Fans have come to expect that level of generosity, so introducing paid content now feels like a shift in direction.

Of course, there’s a strong argument in favor of paid DLC. Game development is expensive, and additional content requires time, resources, and staffing. If the DLC delivers a full-fledged expansion—new dungeons, fresh mechanics, deeper cult management systems, and more narrative layers—it could easily justify the price tag. Many players would happily pay to extend the lifespan of a game they already adore, especially if the DLC feels like a true sequel-level experience.

On the other hand, there’s the concern of fragmenting the community. If too much meaningful content ends up locked behind a paywall, some players may feel excluded. Others argue that after years of free support, any paid add-on risks being compared to what came before. If the DLC doesn’t go above and beyond, the backlash could overshadow its merits.

Speaking for myself, I’ve enjoyed Cult of the Lamb since day one, and every DLC so far has only added to that enjoyment. The mix of creepy-cute visuals, quirky writing, and surprisingly deep systems keeps me coming back, and each free update has felt like a genuine gift from the developers. Because of that track record, I’m hopeful that a paid expansion could be something really special. If Massive Monster wants to go wild with new ideas, I’d be more than willing to pay for it—as long as it feels meaty enough to stand on its own.

What do you think? Will Cult of the Lamb’s paid DLC in 2026 be a worthy expansion of its dark, adorable world—or is it better left as another free update? Share your reactions below or join the conversation on the Boss Rush Discord.

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Featured Image Source: Massive Monster