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06 Numbers and Powers

Cult of the Lamb Editions & DLC: Which to Buy

Card No. 06·8603 · Updated · Standard formula, shown below

If you’re wondering which Cult of the Lamb edition or DLC is worth buying, the short answer is: the base game alone is the best value, and the only DLC that adds meaningful content is the Heretic Pack (cosmetic only). The other editions—Cultist, Pilgrim, and the physical ones—are mostly bundles of cosmetics and a digital art book, so they’re only worth it if you want the extras.

Background: What Is Cult of the Lamb?

Cult of the Lamb is a roguelike action-adventure game developed by Massive Monster and published by Devolver Digital, released in August 2022. You play as a lamb who is saved from sacrifice by a mysterious god and must build a cult to repay the debt. The core loop alternates between two modes:

  • Dungeon crawling – you explore procedurally generated areas, fight enemies, and collect resources and relics.
  • Base management – you build and manage your cult compound, assign followers to jobs, perform rituals, and keep your followers happy and loyal.

The game’s art style, dark humor, and blend of genres made it a surprise hit, and it has received several free content updates since launch.

Editions and DLC: What’s Actually Available?

As of 2025, the game has a few editions and DLC packs. Here’s a clear breakdown:

  • Standard Edition – the base game only.
  • Cultist Edition – includes the base game, a digital art book, the official soundtrack, and the Cultist Pack (cosmetic items: a fleece, a follower skin, and a decorative statue).
  • Pilgrim Edition – a physical edition (for consoles) that includes the base game, a physical art book, a poster, and the Cultist Pack DLC.
  • Heretic Pack – a paid DLC that adds cosmetic items: a new fleece, a follower skin, and a decorative statue. It’s about $4.99 USD.
  • Free updates – several free content updates have added new features, items, and areas (e.g., the “Relics of the Old Faith” update).

Note that the Cultist Pack is included in the Cultist and Pilgrim editions, but it’s also available as a standalone purchase on some platforms. The Heretic Pack is separate and never bundled.

How to Choose: What’s Actually Worth Your Money?

The decision comes down to what you value:

  • If you just want to play the game – buy the Standard Edition. The base game is complete and fully playable without any DLC.
  • If you want the soundtrack or art book – the Cultist Edition might be worth it if you like digital extras, but check if the soundtrack is available separately (it is on some platforms).
  • If you love cosmetics – the Heretic Pack is the only DLC that adds new cosmetic items. The Cultist Pack adds similar items, but it’s usually only sold as part of the more expensive editions.
  • If you’re a collector – the Pilgrim Edition is the physical collector’s edition, but it’s often more expensive and may be hard to find.

In short, the base game gives you 100% of the gameplay. The DLCs are purely cosmetic and do not affect gameplay, so they’re optional.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

One common misconception is that the DLC adds new story content or gameplay mechanics. It does not. Both the Cultist Pack and Heretic Pack only add cosmetic items. Another issue is that some players buy the Cultist Edition thinking it includes the Heretic Pack, but it doesn’t. They are separate.

Another problem is that the physical Pilgrim Edition may have region-locked DLC codes, so if you buy a used copy, the code might not work. Also, the digital art book and soundtrack are not available on all platforms (e.g., GOG might have different extras than Steam).

Costs and Value Comparison

Here’s a rough cost comparison (prices in USD, approximate as of 2025):

  • Standard Edition: ~$25
  • Cultist Edition: ~$35 (includes base + Cultist Pack + art book + soundtrack)
  • Pilgrim Edition: ~$40-50 (physical, includes base + Cultist Pack + physical extras)
  • Heretic Pack DLC: ~$5
  • Cultist Pack DLC (if bought separately): ~$4

If you buy the base game and the Heretic Pack separately, you’d pay about $30, which is less than the Cultist Edition and gives you the only DLC that’s currently worth it. The Cultist Pack adds similar items, but it’s not worth paying an extra $10 for unless you really want the art book and soundtrack.

Alternatives: What Else Could You Spend On?

If you’re considering the DLC, you might also want to check out other games in the same genre. The game is often compared to Hades (roguelike) and Animal Crossing (base management), but with a darker twist. If you’re on a budget, you could also wait for a sale—Cult of the Lamb frequently goes on sale for 50% off, and the DLC also gets discounted.

Another alternative is to buy the game on a platform that offers it as part of a subscription service (e.g., Xbox Game Pass has included it at times), which would let you play the base game without buying it outright.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Heretic Pack add any new gameplay?

No. The Heretic Pack only adds cosmetic items: a fleece (a different look for your lamb), a follower skin, and a decorative statue for your base. It doesn’t add new abilities, areas, or story content.

Is the Cultist Edition worth it over the Standard Edition?

Only if you want the digital art book and soundtrack. The Cultist Pack that comes with it adds cosmetic items similar to the Heretic Pack, but you can buy the Heretic Pack separately for less money. If you don’t care about the art book or soundtrack, stick with the Standard Edition.

Can I buy the Cultist Pack separately?

Yes, on some platforms (like Steam) the Cultist Pack is available as a standalone DLC for around $4. However, it’s not always available on all platforms, so check your store page. If you want the physical extras, you’d need the Pilgrim Edition.

Are there any free DLCs or updates?

Yes, the developers have released several free content updates, such as the “Relics of the Old Faith” update, which added new items and features. These are included in the base game and don’t require any purchase.

Which edition should I buy on console vs PC?

On PC, the Standard Edition plus Heretic Pack is the best value. On console, the physical Pilgrim Edition might be appealing if you want a physical copy, but it’s often more expensive. Check if the DLC codes in the physical edition are region-locked before buying.

Will there be more DLC in the future?

As of now, there’s no official announcement of future paid DLC beyond the Heretic Pack. The developers have focused on free updates. If you’re waiting for more content, you might want to hold off on buying DLC until something new is announced.

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