Indiana Jones and the Order of Giants DLC Review: A Short but Clever Detour

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle delivered a classic mix of puzzles, combat, and globe-trotting adventure. The new DLC, The Order of Giants, attempts to extend that experience by offering a contained story in a fresh setting. What players receive is a clever side tale filled with enjoyable puzzles and strong atmosphere, but also a package that feels more like a short diversion than a full-blown expansion. For fans already invested in the base game, it is a pleasant return. For others, its modest size and price make it harder to recommend without hesitation.

The highlight of this DLC is the story. The developers crafted a mythological subplot around a forgotten crusader and an ancient order hidden beneath Rome. It fits well within the pulpy world of Indiana Jones, blending history with fiction in a way that feels both familiar and fresh. The writing is strong enough to hold your attention even if it does not dramatically expand on the main plot of The Great Circle and the story conclusion, while entertaining, does not necessarily leave the player changed by what they uncover. It’s worth noting that Troy Baker continues to do excellent work voicing Indy, giving the narrative the wry tone it needs!

Puzzles remain the beating heart of the experience. This DLC is packed with them, and most are cleverly designed. They range from symbol alignment to mechanical contraptions that require observation, timing, and some experimentation. Solving them feels rewarding, and they bring back that feeling of being an archaeologist piecing together ancient mysteries. At the same time, some puzzles suffer from fiddly controls. Aligning certain mechanisms can be more frustrating than fun, especially when timed, and the camera occasionally fights you when precision is required. While none of the puzzles are truly broken, they highlight the gap between design ambition and the input tools available on a controller. Still, puzzle fans will find much to enjoy here. None are too hard if you stay observant around the puzzle itself.

When it comes to combat and exploration, the DLC offers little that is new. Most encounters play out in the same way as in the base game, with enemies serving as obstacles between puzzle rooms. The final fight tries to add a twist, but it never feels especially challenging (though it is neat!). Exploration fares better, as the underground Roman locations are atmospheric and filled with smaller secrets, collectible notes, and lore items. The presentation is strong, with lighting and textures giving the caverns and ruins an authentic feel. On Xbox Series X, performance is smooth, with framerates holding steady and visuals crisp.

The main drawback is the value proposition. At around four to five hours in length tops, The Order of Giants feels more like a side quest than a full expansion. Once complete, you walk away with only two new adventure books, a handful of collectibles and some new lore, but no utility or gear that meaningfully changes the main game. For players who purchased a premium edition that includes the DLC, it feels like a natural extension. For those buying it separately, the price tag can feel steep given the modest runtime and lack of lasting rewards.

That said, the DLC succeeds in what it sets out to do. It gives players who enjoyed The Great Circle another chance to step into Indy’s shoes and crack some satisfying puzzles. It tells a story that feels true to the character, with enough intrigue to justify its existence. It looks good, runs well, and captures the spirit of the franchise. But it also leaves you wanting more, and not necessarily in the best way.

Indiana Jones and the Order of Giants is a clever, atmospheric puzzle adventure that works as a short return to the world of The Great Circle. It entertains for an afternoon, but its brief runtime, lack of new tools, and steep price keep it from feeling essential. Fans of Indy will enjoy the trip, but others may prefer to wait for a discount before joining the expedition.

RATING: 3.0 out of 5 stars

Indiana Jones and the Order of Giants is now available for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S and X.