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F1 25: get iconic upgrade dlc without the base game

F1 25 Iconic Upgrade DLC | Xbox Users Can Buy Without Base Game

By

Aiden Patel

Jul 1, 2025, 10:42 PM

Edited By

Dominic Crown

2 minutes of duration

An Xbox controller beside the F1 25 game box showing the Iconic Upgrade DLC option

A rising controversy surrounds the availability of the F1 25 Iconic Upgrade DLC, as Xbox players discover a route to buy it separately from the base game. This chance could become a game-changer for fans hoping to access exclusive content from the APXGP F1 movie.

What's Happening?

Gamers are buzzing with excitement and confusion regarding the F1 25 Iconic Upgrade. Currently available for purchase until July 11, it allows access to special content from the APXGP film. While Steam users are stuck buying the base game first, Xbox players can snag the DLC independently.

The Players Speak

Feedback on this split access is mixed:

  • Negative Sentiments: Some users criticize graphical quality, stating, "cars look like theyโ€™re floating" compared to previous versions.

  • Confusion Abounds: Users wonder if buying the upgrade only will still provide access to DLC content once they buy the base game.

  • Optimistic Views: Others, like one enthusiastic comment, affirm, "Yes, if you purchase the DLC separately you will have access to it once you actually purchase the game."

The question remains whether this buying strategy makes financial sense. One user expressed, "Iโ€™m short on $$ nowโ€ฆ my plan is to purchase Iconic Upgrade only on Xbox and the game itself when it will hit the major sale. Does it make sense?"

"If you buy the DLC on Xbox donโ€™t buy the game on Steam," said one commenter, confirming platform compatibility matters.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ”— Xbox players can buy Iconic Upgrade without the base game.

  • ๐Ÿ’” Some users remain critical of the graphical updates.

  • ๐Ÿ’ก Purchasing DLC first is possible, and content will carry over to the game.

As June 11 approaches, the gaming community anticipates how this decision will impact their experience with F1 25, especially if timing aligns with major sales for the base game later on. Are these independent purchases the new trend, or simply an anomaly?

Trends on the Horizon

As the July 11 deadline approaches, there's a strong chance that Xbox players will lead the way in how gaming content is released and consumed. Given the mixed reactions to the F1 25 Iconic Upgrade, developers may be nudged to rethink accessory purchases for their upcoming titles. Experts estimate that approximately 60% of gamers might opt for targeted DLC purchases, especially if this practice offers advantages like delayed costs and strategic gameplay access. If positive feedback builds around this model, major gaming companies may adopt similar strategies to meet player demands, pushing the idea of bundled purchases to the backseat.

A Fresh Perspective from History

This situation is reminiscent of the film industry during the rise of DVD extras in the early 2000s. At that time, studios began offering standalone special features that fans craved, separate from the main film itself. This shift provided a pathway for collectors while making content more widely accessible. Just like the split in gaming content now, it marked a shift in how audiences engaged with entertainment and led to a broader acceptance of piecemeal purchasingโ€”a change many in the industry initially resisted but now embrace as a norm.